backyard

The couple spent about $11,000 on exterior and interior paint.

The pergola provides plenty of space for outdoor dining and Francis’s collection of cacti and succulents.

The ceramics studio was formerly a pergola wrapped in chicken wire, used as a dog kennel by the previous owner. Inside the new structure, a vintage Danish chair, found on eBay, provides a modern perch. The windows’ deep mullions double as display shelves.

External deck frame with brick that contains the exterior space while cascading into the garden. Timber deck grades at ramps to ease access and timber pergola provides valuable shade structure in summer months.

The prefab's external cladding is corrugated Colorbond in woodland gray; the pergola features natural timber hardwood battens.

This pergola-covered seating area, complete with hanging chairs, is off the living room.

A wood pergola offers coverage while allowing light to filter inside.

In Sweden, architect Bengt Mattias Carlsson created a pavilion adjacent to a residence dating from the late 1800s. The pergola is made from glue-laminated timber beams set atop steel posts; it protects the pool from falling pine needles. George Nelson benches offer places to sit.

Although Leah, a landscape designer, often travels to project sites and works on the go, she draws inspiration from working outside on the days she is home. “When I’m home and working on actual designs, I love to work out back where it’s peaceful and sunny,” Leah says. “It helps me be productive.”

A healthy budget for landscaping allowed Leah to achieve a natural, wild look with plants. “I wanted to look out and see just lush plants growing wild,” she says. The collage of native vegetation was also used to soften the transitions between surface materials and backyard zones.

The fire pit area is arranged near the rear of the yard, where lush plantings create the feeling of an urban oasis.

The architects design for the backyard showcases an outdoor deck, bleacher seating, a lush grass area, and a deck with seating and a fire pit.

A bright-yellow entrance leads to the home's spacious courtyard, which sits sandwiched between its iconic A-framed roofs and offers access to various parts of the interior.

The home's original butternut paneling in the kitchen inspired new white oak cabinetry for its open plan layout.

"Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just relaxing with family and friends, this space is perfect for enjoying the Southern California lifestyle,

In the kitchen, an “Alpine Mist’ Caesarstone slab tops Alder cabinets. A mint green custom steel hood conceals a Vent-a-Hood insert, and Ann Sacks ‘Context’ tile in Frost covers the backsplash.