Cape Cod architecture, the client’s desire for an informal front yard patio from which to watch the boats go by in the bay, and a private place to gather and dine inspired this design.

Bay and ocean views are enjoyed from comfortable chairs on the richly colored flagstone patio in the front yard. Nearby, a complementary stone wall and a curvy black picket fence provide a stunning backdrop for the dramatic slide show of ornamental grasses and colorful perennials.

In the private courtyard, arching above an artful palette of blue and orange flowers and bronze colored foliage, a large sycamore tree is the star performer.  Its gracefully twisted branches reach over the curved stone seat wall to frame the outdoor dining room.
 

  Gary - Orange, CA

Nestled in what remains of a historic avocado grove this design provides

places to gather and enjoy barbecues after an afternoon of playing tennis or golf.

 

Winding stone pathways lead homeowners and guests through select plantings of dramatic shrubs, perennials and California native plants. Stacked stone seat walls wrap around the mature trees and make the transition from one elevation to another more interesting.

 

In the front yard the clients’ wish list included a pond, a waterfall, two small wooden bridges to greet their guests and a quiet respite from the busy backyard.
 

  Betsy - Mission Viejo, CA

A recent visit to a home and garden tour inspired this homeowner to want to transform her ordinary outdoor living space into an extraordinary destination.

Conceptual plans included a Mediterranean style flagstone patio in the front yard bordered by perfumed lavenders and sages. A blue glazed urn became a dramatic water feature in the side garden near a bold tile pattern and pots of rosemary.

A raised patio with tile steps was to provide the perfect place for viewing the adjacent rolling hills.  At the end of a perfect day, the homeowner could dine beneath a vine-clad arbor.

  Suzie & Dale - Corona del Mar, CA

A passion for boating and gardening mingle in these cozy courtyards. In the private backyard courtyard a lively mix of sky blue glass mosaic tiles dresses up a wall fountain near the white dining table and chairs. After a candlelit dinner homeowners and guests can enjoy a starry evening in front of the gas fire pit filled with recycled dark blue glass. Vinyl trelliswork against the privacy wall supports blue and white summer blooming vines.

 

In the courtyard adjacent to the master suite a fountain with pastel blue glass tiles provides summer time ambiance. A plant palette of blue and white dwarf agapanthus, campanulas, lavenders, salvia, and veronica provide color, form and textural interest.
 

   Karen & James -  Orange, CA

After more than thirty years of creating family memories in this stunningly beautiful landscape the clients decided that it was time for a modern make over. With crisp lines, strong angles and the reuse of older materials, the new outdoor dining room pays homage to the historic design.

 

Mature, overgrown, and diseased shrubs and trees are being replaced with new and improved species. Maple trees and cotoneaster surround the pool and are under-planted with azaleas and coral bells. Near the circular deck daylilies, roses and ornamental grasses provide a backdrop of color and drama for the grandkids at play.
 

  Deon & Peter - Newport Beach, CA

Surrounded by the picturesque branches of the Olive trees and a colorful palette of California native plants with ornamental grasses wafting in the breeze, this fire pit area will be the perfect place for making summer memories.

The outdoor dining room and entertaining area are finished in paving stones in subtle earth tones. Nearby, overstuffed teak chairs offer a quiet respite from a busy day of sailing.