The owners of this charming Spanish-style home wanted an oasis in their small backyard. In just 1,400 square feet, not only did we give them a pool and spa, but also an inviting area for lounging and eating, created from repurposed vintage brick. Their love of Mexican design is seen in a new Talavera-tiled outdoor shower area. Softly billowing California native plants mingle with a growing collection of cacti and succulents.

This is an example of a large eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard river rock landscaping in San Francisco.

Transitional white tile white floor freestanding bathtub photo in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a farmhouse patio design in San Francisco

LAUREN PRESSEY
Patio - coastal backyard tile patio idea in Los Angeles with a fireplace and no cover

Photo of a modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

Garden Entry - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes photo by Aidin Foster
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean partial sun side yard stone landscaping in Orange County for spring.

Patio fountain - mediterranean patio fountain idea in Other with no cover

Shiplap Fireplace
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor, multicolored floor and vaulted ceiling living room design in Atlanta with white walls, a standard fireplace and a shiplap fireplace

The grand living room needed large focal pieces, so our design team began by selecting the large iron chandelier to anchor the space. The black iron of the chandelier echoes the black window trim of the two story windows and fills the volume of space nicely. The plain fireplace wall was underwhelming, so our team selected four slabs of premium Calcutta gold marble and butterfly bookmatched the slabs to add a sophisticated focal point. Tall sheer drapes add height and subtle drama to the space. The comfortable sectional sofa and woven side chairs provide the perfect space for relaxing or for entertaining guests. Woven end tables, a woven table lamp, woven baskets and tall olive trees add texture and a casual touch to the space. The expansive sliding glass doors provide indoor/outdoor entertainment and ease of traffic flow when a large number of guests are gathered.

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

Grand entry stair with topiary and a blend of mediterranean and subtropical plantings
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical full sun stone formal garden in Orange County.

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Walls with thick plaster arches and simple tile designs feel very natural and earthy in the warm Southern California sun. Terra cotta floor tiles are stained to mimic very old tile inside and outside in the Spanish courtyard shaded by a 'new' old olive tree. The outdoor plaster and brick fireplace has touches of antique Indian and Moroccan items. An outdoor garden shower graces the exterior of the master bath with freestanding white tub- while taking advantage of the warm Ojai summers. The open kitchen design includes all natural stone counters of white marble, a large range with a plaster range hood and custom hand painted tile on the back splash. Wood burning fireplaces with iron doors, great rooms with hand scraped wide walnut planks in this delightful stay cool home. Stained wood beams, trusses and planked ceilings along with custom creative wood doors with Spanish and Indian accents throughout this home gives a distinctive California Exotic feel. Project Location: Ojai designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.Spanish Revival home in Ojai.

Dining room - mediterranean dining room idea in Los Angeles

Spanish revival architecture with mediterranean plant palette Photos by Wayne
This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean full sun side yard stone garden path in Orange County.

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis

Paul Dyer
Example of a mid-sized transitional black one-story wood house exterior design in San Francisco with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Innis Casey Photography
Inspiration for a large modern drought-tolerant and shade front yard gravel retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles.