Lindsey Denny

jimmywhitephotography

The screened, open plan kitchen and media room offer space for family and friends to gather while delicious meals are prepared using the Fire Magic grill and Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grill; drinks are kept cool in the refrigerator by Perlick. Plenty of room for everyone to comfortably relax on the sectional sofa by Patio Renaissance. The tile backsplash mirrors the fireplace’s brick face, providing visual continuity across the outdoor spaces.

Lattice patio cover with scallop cut rafters

Redesigned patio area and adjacent plantings.

Vicenza Grigio Limestone

There is nothing like a firepit with a view. This lovely firepit overlooks an infinity swimming pool and the firebowls on either side of the pool frame the lake nicely making this area a great place to take in the evening with friends and family.

These wide circular steps were designed to create a dramatic entry up to the top tier of this backyard patio. This top tier is complete with an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub and an outdoor living space. It is softly lined with raised garden beds to add a splash of color to patio.

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Welded steel + gabion mesh create the structure for a cedar + angular basalt garbage enclosure, surrounded by a drought-tolerant landscape of Polystichum munitum, Festuca idahoensis, Madrones and Ponderosa Pines.

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

A Cape Cod style home with a backyard patio inspired by the East Coast. A casually elegant Hamptons style deck lends to family BBQs and relaxing in the afternoons. Turquoise accents and a range of blue fabrics pop against white and cream backgrounds. Bronze lanterns atop teak tables are perfect for a little light in the evenings. This coastal style backyard is located in Sierra Madre, California. Photography by Erika Bierman, Awnings and Curtains by La Belle Maison, Landscape and Pool by Garden View Landscape, Nursery and Pools.