8.357 billeder af tropisk design og indretning
Sweet Smiling LandscapesWhen 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.
Summer Thornton Design, IncLanai and outdoor kitchen with blue and white tile backsplash and wicker furniture for outdoor dining and lounge space overlooking the pool. Project featured in House Beautiful & Florida Design.
Interiors & Styling by Summer Thornton.
Photos by Brantley Photography
Studio 84 InteriorsThis family-friendly pergola with a Jacuzzi has been designed to reward the senses and bring a relaxed atmosphere. Being in the garden is the favourite activity of our client - a landscape designer - so we have created this special corner where he can appreciate the beauty of his garden while enjoying a warm bath.
Dawn D. Totty Interior DESIGNSWhat a feel good space to sit and wait for an appointment!
Organic features from the wood furnishings to the layers of plant life creates a fun and forest feel to this space.
The flooring is a high gloss gray/taupe enamel coating over a concrete base with walls painted in Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil- satin finish
Interior & Exterior design by- Dawn D Totty Interior Designs
615 339 9919 Servicing TN & nationally
Maria Causey Interior DesignSophisticated and fun were the themes in this design. This bathroom is used by three young children. The parents wanted a bathroom whose decor would be fun for the children, but "not a kiddy bathroom". This family travels to the beach quite often, so they wanted a beach resort (emphasis on resort) influence in the design. Storage of toiletries & medications, as well as a place to hang a multitude of towels, were the primary goals. Besides meeting the storage goals, the bathroom needed to be brightened and needed better lighting. Ocean-inspired blue & white wallpaper was paired with bright orange, Moroccan-inspired floor & accent tiles from Fireclay Tile to give the "resort" look the clients were looking for. Light fixtures with industrial style accents add additional interest, while a seagrass mirror adds texture & warmth.
Photos: Christy Kosnic
The DesignoryThe Barefoot Bay Cottage is the first-holiday house to be designed and built for boutique accommodation business, Barefoot Escapes (www.barefootescapes.com.au). Working with many of The Designory’s favourite brands, it has been designed with an overriding luxe Australian coastal style synonymous with Sydney based team. The newly renovated three bedroom cottage is a north facing home which has been designed to capture the sun and the cooling summer breeze. Inside, the home is light-filled, open plan and imbues instant calm with a luxe palette of coastal and hinterland tones. The contemporary styling includes layering of earthy, tribal and natural textures throughout providing a sense of cohesiveness and instant tranquillity allowing guests to prioritise rest and rejuvenation.
Images captured by Jessie Prince
Nautilus HomesA custom designed and constructed 3,800 sf AC home designed to maximize outdoor livability, with architectural cues from the British west indies style architecture.
8.357 billeder af tropisk design og indretning
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