Example of a large transitional dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar design in New York with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets and stone tile backsplash

Example of an eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room design in New York with multicolored walls

Island style white one-story exterior home photo in Miami with a hip roof, a metal roof and a white roof

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

This is an example of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

Peace of Mind designs is a luxury interior design and staging company. Our designer, Lisa Gulliver, works with homeowners to curate specific design elements for your home. Here are some examples of some of our work.

Transitional living room photo in Dallas

Landscape design front yard in South Florida by Matthew Giampietro
Design ideas for a tropical front yard landscaping in Miami.

Tropical landscaping in a front yard beside the road in South Florida
Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in Miami.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Legacy Custom Homes, Inc Toblesky-Green Architects Kelly Nutt Designs
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Orange County with no fireplace and gray walls

Modern Ina Wall Trellis for vertical garden by TerraTrellis.com.
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

This client requested to design with aging in place details Note walk-in curbless shower,, shower benches to sit and place toiletries. Hand held showers in two locations, one at bench and standing shower options. Grab bars are placed vertically to grab onto in shower. Blue Marble shower accentuates the vanity counter top marble. Under-mount sinks allow for easy counter top cleanup. Glass block incorporated rather than clear glass. AS aging occurs clear glass is hard to detect. Also water spray is not as noticeable. Travertine walls and floors.

Werner Straube Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless 3/4 gray tile and limestone tile porcelain tile, single-sink and gray floor alcove shower remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, open cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a freestanding vanity

Inspiration for a coastal formal and open concept living room remodel in Orange County

The Key Elements for a Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen Design. ... “Classic American farmhouse style includes shiplap, exposed wood beams, and open shelving,” Mushkudiani says. “Mixed materials like wicker, wood, and metal accents add dimension, colors are predominantly neutral: camel, white, and matte black

Family room - rustic open concept light wood floor family room idea with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Mid-sized farmhouse open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Chicago with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Peace of Mind designs is a luxury interior design and staging company. Our designer, Lisa Gulliver, works with homeowners to curate specific design elements for your home. Here are some examples of some of our work.