Uber green earthy contemporary Winner of the Gold Medal and the International Landscaper Designer of The Year for APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers)

Stone slabs, succulents and large boulders used to create a dramatic entry
Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun gravel landscaping in Santa Barbara.

After Picture.............Garden and hardscape Transformed
Inspiration for a mediterranean brick formal garden in Santa Barbara.

We decided on a retro look for our new kitchen with lots of display shelving, happy colors, laminate counters (no cracking!), a chubby old stove, period details and “linoleum” flooring.

Small beach style back porch idea in Santa Barbara with decking

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern u-shaped linoleum floor and multicolored floor kitchen design in Santa Barbara with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, white appliances, a double-bowl sink, an island and white countertops

Very inviting walkway with Flagstone, Gravel and Stepstone Pavers. We found this amazing iron gate at an estate sale!
This is an example of a huge farmhouse partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Santa Barbara.

After picture: Ta Da............Major face lift complete!! We found these fantastic Batchelder "Like" tiles to use as our focal point on the Fire Place Surround in our Living Room. We love the cool Scenery! We Beefed up the original wooden shelf and mantel to give this room a richer look.

Burl wood bowl filled with Succulents sitting on a driftwood glass table.
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

We decided on a retro look for our new kitchen with lots of display shelving, happy colors, laminate counters (no cracking!), a chubby old stove, period details and “linoleum” flooring.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Wonderful rock bench....all thats needed is a good pillow... Uber green earthy contemporary Winner of the Gold Medal and the International Landscaper Designer of The Year for APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) Winner of Santa Barbara Beautiful Award, Large Family Residence

Kitchen pantry - transitional l-shaped beige floor kitchen pantry idea in San Diego with open cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, no island and white countertops

Example of a transitional mudroom design in Cleveland with white walls

Santa Barbara Lifestyle..... outdoor living and entertaining in our lovely garden. A Vintage Faux Bois table set under a Great Oak Tree
This is an example of a huge farmhouse partial sun and drought-tolerant backyard gravel landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Romantic Entry.....Santa Barbara Living
This is an example of a mid-sized country stone front porch design in Santa Barbara with a roof extension.

Mid-sized transitional girl brown floor and wallpaper kids' room photo in Phoenix with white walls

David Meaux Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor kids' room remodel in DC Metro with blue walls

Heaven on earth! All Margie could think of while on this site was, "All I need is a tent out here with this view and I'd be happy." The small weekend home on the flank of the rolling grassy coastal plain in Hollister Ranch (near Gaviota, CA) faces breath-taking panoramic views of ocean, islands, coastal plain, foothills and mountains. This place is all about a great outdoor space with just enough house for in case it rains! The pocket sized garden makes a titanic impact bringing a little intimate, livable space to the expansive scenery. Restrained plantings take their cue from the glorious setting. Sweeps of native grasses and succulents dot the garden with olive trees for shade. Dramatic succulents in pots as juxtapose the simple background. The goal was to blend a few practical uses such as wind protected dining and lounging, a hot tub and a fire pit into the nearly undisturbed surroundings. The cedar hot tub is tucked into hillside and surrounded by fieldstone walls and fish-scale flagstone. A small flash-heater provides a warm water shower under an olive next to the tub for de-sanding before plunging into the tub for post-surf warm-up. Meandering gravel paths and lyrical fieldstone "tole work" on the floor plane brings movement to the garden and ties the long narrow space together. The campfire circle (fueled by propane) and lanterns in the trees invite outdoor evening entertainment. Driftwood details - surf rack, stools around the fire pit, posts for hanging lanterns - complete this idyllic surf camp. Cowabunga, dude!