The Manscapers Give Unfiltered Opinions on Some of Bravo's Most Luxe Backyards
Backyard Envy's James DeSantis, Garrett Magee, and Melissa Brasier did not hold back when it came to discussing the outdoor spaces of Kyle Richards, Melissa Gorga, and more.
James DeSantis, Garrett Magee, and Melissa Brasier spend their days taking ordinary outdoor spaces and making them extraordinary, so it comes as no surprise that the Backyard Envy cast has plenty of opinions on even the most opulent backyards belonging to Bravo cast members.
The trio, which runs an exclusive exterior design and high-end landscaping firm called The Manscapers, took a look at Bravoleb backyards from all over the country and gave BravoTV.com their totally unfiltered takes on each one. While sharing their favorite things about the outdoor areas belonging to Kyle Richards, Melissa Gorga, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Nene Leakes, and Josh Altman, The Manscapers also had some helpful ideas for how to improve their stunning spaces.
Below, read James, Garrett, and Melissa's thoughts on each Bravoleb's backyard!
Kyle Richards
"Kyle’s backyard is really beautiful! She’s always had nice outdoor spaces, as we know from all of her years of parties," they said. "She’s a great entertainer and loves opening her house up to do so, unlike some of the other ladies."
Loving that "she literally designed her yard for her dogs to take over" (you can hear her talk more about that in the video above), James, Garrett, and Melissa also had a few tips for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member. "Her sun loungers and pool are beautiful, but I might add some more potted stories throughout," they said. "I love how open and large it is, but adding a few more anchor points throughout the space will fill some of those large gaps could be filled with gorgeous, decorative potted arrangements."
"The tent and the table is cute! I think it’s nice for a party," James added of Kyle's tent and picnic table setup seen on this season of RHOBH. "I’m Middle Eastern so I love a Moroccan, Bedouin theme, and she did it tastefully. I really hate sitting on the floor though, so I’d probably elevate that table up — but that’s just me! Mel loves sitting on the floor so I’m SURE she’d disagree with me."
Dr. Heavenly Kimes
After watching the Married to Medicine dentist's recent home tour video on YouTube, the cast members concluded: "Heavenly loves her new door!" As it turns out, they're big fans as well. Noting that "statement ironwork is so imperative to a home like this (James' dad is a Master metal craftsmen, so we know a thing or two about this)", they added: "Her house and whole entry is for sure A STATEMENT."
In the video, Heavenly revealed she may want to get rid of the rounded black tree in the front of the home, a choice that The Manscapers fully support. Noting they "don’t think it does anything for the space," they suggested: "She could add a fountain, like she mentioned, or she could get a really incredible flowering tree, like a large blossoming cherry, or an incredible magnolia with white flowers."
"Her well-shaped hedges and boxwoods up against the house are really pretty and go with her more formal style," they continued, suggesting that "she could add in a large billowing statement tree somewhere in the front beds as well."
If Heavenly did want to have a fountain, the cast members said, "she could embed it into this area to create a water feature but not make it the focal point" because, in their opinion, "installing a large Versailles-like fountain centrally located just feels a little obvious, but to each their own."
"The entry and home is just SO symmetrical," they added. "It might be nice to do something more unexpected to create a balanced but not perfectly symmetrical plan."
Although they guessed her YouTube video "was filmed in winter," they noted, "It seems like the grass could use some love. If your lawn is going to be the majority of negative space, and be very clean and simple, it needs to be impeccable and lush!"
The trio concluded: "Give us a call, Heavenly. We can help, and we love you."
Josh Altman
After seeing the Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles agent, his wife, Heather Bilyeu Altman, and their 3-year-old daughter, Lexi, give BravoTV.com a tour of "Lexi's backyard", the trio declared they "want to be Josh Altman's kid, omg!"
The Backyard Envy cast members "love when parents let their kids have so much use of the space and it shows what amazing, sweet parents they really are," but suggest the couple "designate some of the toys, trampolines etc, to one area of the yard" for multiple reasons. "[We] feel like consolidating some of it would also keep Lexi from running from one area of the yard to the others and would make it easier to watch her as well," they explained. "The pool's gorgeous, though."
Explaining that they "love that they gave Lexi her own pool (hot tub really)," The Manscapers emphasized that "it’s just really nice all around that they have a young child and she can be so active in so many areas of the yard. You can tell they really love parenting and have fun with her too. It's very, very sweet."
It seems they may have a chance to put their touches on the "fun backyard" in the future. "We actually owe Josh a call," they said. "Our fellow Bravoleb said he needs to do some work, and we are all about it!"
LeeAnne Locken
After The Real Housewives of Dallas alum recently revealed her new patios adorned with blue furniture, James, Garrett, and Melissa quipped: "LeAnne's backyard is cute, functional but makes [us] a little blue." Still, the cast members note that they "do love a throw pillow, though."
"The expansive grass area is cute and perfect for her little [dog] Carly," they said. "Definitely don't let Leah [McSweeney] back there because we're not sure how long those tiki torches would last." (For those who need a refresher on the buzzed-about RHONY moment, click here.)
Melissa Gorga
The trio says Melissa is giving "full Jersey decadent fantasy" with her outdoor space. Noting that they "love the multiple living spaces outside" because it's "perfect for her big family," they are also impressed with the details surrounding the pool. "The pavers around the pool and outdoor lighting elevate the space," they said. "Just don't let Margaret [Josephs] too close, as you never know who might end up in the pool."
Nene Leakes
Describing The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member's backyard (you can get a full look here) as "total resort glam with water fountains, bountiful seating, and outdoor ceiling fans," The Manscapers added: "It's modern, comfortable, and perfect for inviting the ladies over (when they're not fighting) with the massive outdoor dining room."
"The seating arrangements have a perfect balance of direct light and shade," they continued. "Although Nene never tends to fail in the shade department."
Check out the Season 2 premiere of Backyard Envy on Tuesday, August 4 at 10/9c!
