When you think of French and Mediterranean design, a farm in California might not be the first thing that leaps to mind. But a married couple – she an interior designer, he an architect – have created an oasis of strong southern European influence at the Patina Farm in Ojai, California. After touring the farm…
As you plan your swimming pool installation or renovation, you’re likely hoping for a pool that is just as beautiful as it is functional. We have some good news: With a wide variety of pebble interior options available, we can help you identify a look that suits your backyard as well as your practical needs….
At some point during the planning process for your swimming pool, you will discuss the concept of pool coping with your contractor. In masonry terms, coping refers to the material used to cap the top of a wall. In swimming pool construction, the term refers to the material placed around the top of the pool…
We’ve all experienced our fair share of Easter egg hunts over the years, and after some time the same old celebrations can feel stale. As the kids get older, you probably want to liven up your celebrations to keep them relevant to your family and guests. Or if you don’t have kids, you hope to…
“Sustainability” is a word you’ve probably heard a lot in recent years. It’s true that we need to change the way we live in order to minimize our impact on their environment as the population surges. But that’s a lot easier to do when we design structures and landscapes with sustainability in mind from the…
Backyard chicken coops are all the rage in the past few years. Keeping your own flock can help you provide healthy, fresh food to your family with minimal effort. And now, with the price of eggs skyrocketing, you might be more interested in chickens than ever! But first, you will need a chicken coop. No,…
When you hear the word “garden” you’re probably already thinking of plant life. But many aspects of traditional gardens aren’t technically alive. We use fencing, hardscape, furniture, decorative objects, and more in our outdoor spaces. But with a little ingenuity, you can build structures that are living works of art all by themselves. These ideas…
Who wouldn’t love their own private, cozy outdoor space, filled with serene, beautiful plant life? If The Secret Garden was a beloved book when you were a child, or you’re just the type to enjoy peaceful seclusion, you will be excited to learn that you can create your own “secret garden” in your backyard. You…
Those of you missing outdoor activities at this time of year might be looking for ideas for a fun day trip. Why not visit the Getty Villa in Malibu? The museum has something to offer everyone in the family, from gorgeous, landscaped grounds, to intricate architecture, to fascinating works of art indoors. Located on a…
The holidays have come and gone, and if you’re like most people you can’t wait until spring. For now, we’re stuck with the dreary cool weather of January and February. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun nature-themed activities indoors. Create a succulent garden. All you need is a bag of rocks, a…
The cool season has left many of us dreaming of spring, lush gardens, and the scent of roses in the air. That’s why you should take advantage of this time to perform your winter rose care, and encourage your roses to bloom plentifully this year. What kind of roses do you have? The type of…
Each January we highlight the Pantone Color of the Year, so that our clients and blog followers can anticipate upcoming trends in home decor and landscape design. This year, we’re excited to announce that has been named the Color of the Year. The bold reddish hue is sure to invigorate the design world and excite…
As your interest in gardening grows, you ironically might find yourself longing for more indoor space. We all think of gardening as an outdoor activity, but there are certain times that you need shelter for your plants. A backyard greenhouse can provide exactly the space you need to expand your gardening hobby, fur a number…
Growing grape vines has become a popular hobby in recent years, both for making homemade wine or simply enjoying the fruit. Plus, grape vines look really cool! But they can quickly become a mess if you don’t train them to grow appropriately. Here’s everything you need to know. Build a support structure. You can train…
Many of us tend to think of landscaping as a rather static installation. You plant some shrubs and trees, perhaps install a flower garden, and then you simply maintain your landscaping for years to come. And yes, you can do it that way. But landscape design can be much more dynamic, incorporating the latest trends…