Teak furniture with custom cushions, tile top table, garden stool.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Los Angeles with no cover

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Photo of a mid-sized coastal full sun backyard brick and wood fence formal garden in Boston for spring.

Mike Crews Photography
Photo of a traditional backyard gravel formal garden in Chicago.

A view through the garden rooms, a gravel path leads through to the many spaces. The path is lined with cushwa brick outlining the spaces. Terra cotta containers are filled with boxwood and petunia; pachysandra and bugleweed ground cover fill the flanking and center beds. A cast iron bench offers an opportunity to sit and enjoy the space, with the fountain creating a pleasant sound. The wall is graced with two standard form lilacs. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Pool house - mediterranean backyard stamped concrete and rectangular lap pool house idea in Dallas

Our client wanted to add a hot tub and new cabana to their poolscape. The cabana was designed with a bar in the front and pool equipment and storage in the back. The bar has a roll up door for winterising. A lounge area in front allows the home owners to enjoy a drink while watching the kids play in the pool. Flagstone patios, steps, and hot tub surround give this backyard a luxurious feel. The fence is built from custom milled Cedar horizontal boards. The fence is backed with black painted plywood for full privacy. A custom hot tub pit was built in order to use what is normally an above ground hot tub. The hot tub was supplied by Bonavista Pools. Composite lumber was used to build an access hatch for hot tub controls. Boxwood hedging frame the garden spaces. There are two Hydrangea Standard trees which are underplanted with begonias for a pop of colour. The existing Cedar hedge created a great backdrop and contrast for our Japanese Maple hedge. The existing Beech tree was stunning! Lawn area was necessary for the family pets.

The bluestone patio surrounding this inviting pool provides a beautiful backyard oasis. Greg Premru Photography
Large beach style backyard rectangular hot tub photo in Boston

Large transitional backyard tile patio photo in New York with a roof extension and a fireplace

Frank Paul Perez, Red Lily Studios European style garden
Design ideas for a mediterranean full sun backyard gravel formal garden in San Francisco.

kitchen herb garden
This is an example of a farmhouse backyard formal garden in Raleigh with a pergola.

Inspiration for a traditional full sun backyard stone landscaping in Philadelphia.

This is an example of a huge traditional partial sun side yard stone landscaping in San Diego for spring.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone and kidney-shaped lap pool remodel in Wilmington

The mountain tan gravel pathway meanders between the colorful planting palette.
This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

© Anthony Crisafulli 2014
Pool - large transitional backyard rectangular pool idea in New York

Scott Shigley
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard concrete paver water fountain landscape in Chicago.

Architect: Architectural Solutions, Interior Designer: Sarah West & Associates; Photographer: Steve Chenn
Inspiration for a timeless two-story brick house exterior remodel in Houston

Patio - transitional concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a gazebo