backyard decks/hardscape

The seating on the deck just outside the house mirrors the lines of the built-in bench inside and is low enough to not obstruct the windows—and the view.

A slatted Western red cedar fence screens a neighbor’s yard, adding a measure of privacy while permitting branches from their Japanese maple to cross the property line.

The yard feels secluded thanks to solid fencing and a buffer of dense greenery. Benches by Angel City Lumber, stacked on stones and all from Molly’s home state of Oregon, create a seating moment to look back at a towering cork oak tree. The pavers and Adirondack chairs are all from OR.CA

Located in the corner of the lot, the 2-story art studio is connected to the existing main house via a raised deck with outdoor fireplace and a meandering hardscape path

View from the existing main house of the hardscape leading to the art studio and deck. The exterior stair has open risers

The backyard is a protected retreat out of the wind. The team added a balcony off the kitchen at the third floor. It has a ship’s ladder to access the roof deck, in order to service solar panels installed there. The balcony also has a grill for cooking al-fresco. “You gotta be able to go out back and barbecue – this is the beach after all,” says Levy.

Richie walks through the shared plaza between the main house and ADU.

becomes this wood cocoon with ambient light coming through the clear wall panel. You don’t need to even turn on a light.”

Raised deck with exterior dining terrace at dusk

Bistro lights and raised deck with exterior dining terrace at dusk

Raised deck at outdoor dining terrace with Mini Cooper and wood trash enclosure feature wall beyond

Wire fox terrier on guard at the raised wood deck and bedroom beyond

Kuo transformed the original back house and attached garage using playful geometries and creative uses of space.

Designed by award-winning Sant Architects, this four-bedroom vacation rental near Topanga elevates the concept of a mountain retreat to new heights—from its raw, concrete facade and hillside pool, to the Bauhaus-inspired interiors that feature expansive glass walls that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The clean, architectural lines are expressed using iron beams, concrete slabs, timber-panelled walls, and glass, and the sprawling, open-plan living area features a slide-away fireplace and enormous windows that seamlessly transition the property from cosy winter retreat to breezy summer getaway.

“Eichlers aren’t very big—that’s why so much emphasis was on the outside. The house had to look like it extended out.” —Bernard Trainor, landscape designer

Pacific wax myrtle, euphorbia, saucer plants, and lavenders border the front entrance ramp

The large backyard space extends the home’s 1,378 square foot interior, with a Milgard bifold door creating fluidity between indoors and out.

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.”