About the Project

APLD Gold Award for Residential Design (2008)

This small residential back and side yard was transformed into a restful entertaining space using imported arches and doors, dramatic lighting fixtures, water, and fragrance to create an enticing, romantic escape from the day-to-day.

The antique Indian arches were mirrored, stretching the illusion of space while creating a backdrop for bold tropical foliage. Central to the design is a structure that assembled built-in banquettes, as well as a reflecting pond with sheer-drop waterfall on the upper level that appeared to flow into the natural-gas fire pit completed with clear glass to resemble crushed ice.

Plantings of purples, mahogany, blues, and whites repeat the blue/purple tile combination, while adding fragrance and low-maintenance color throughout the year. Fine upholstery and a rich collection of antique pots add polish and a sense of age to the space.

Thick slabs of chocolate sandstone ground the space and seem almost “edible” with the white creamy plaster of the house and masonry. With a flick of a switch, the evening lighting transforms this space into an exotic oasis.

This project received the Gold Award in the residential design category from the international Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) in 2008. It was also featured in a Los Angeles Times article.
[View all press clippings for this project.]

(NOTE: All work was performed by licensed landscape contractors.)