jonathan_dempsey's ideas
Think Tiers If you have the space, consider building several levels for the deck. Here, it helps the transition from conversation areas to lounging areas. And this one delineates the levels even more by using different materials on the deck. Long boards emphasize the area you traverse, while a more rhythmic composition sets the tone in the sitting area and turf adds a relaxing element in the sunbathing area.
With the help of a designer, the homeowners were able to build the shed in two weeks, spending roughly $5,000 on both labor and materials. Smart choices on building materials, including using salvaged windows and corrugated Plexiglas for the roof and one side, cut down the cost and allow light to shine through.
Dick has a large collection of hand tools for working with iron and wood, as he prefers the artistry of traditional techniques over modern machinery. Converting the shed into a workshop created plenty of space for Dick to keep his tool collection organized and within easy reach of his workbench and forge.
To make an existing garden shed feel more like an outdoor room or office space, bring elements from the home into the shed, such as artwork, comfortable furniture and soft lighting. Here, a pair of patio chairs on the stoop provides a relaxing spot to take a break from work and enjoy views of the garden.
Power is produced by solar panels and stored in a battery bank. Additional heating is provided by a slow-combustion wood heater that burns fallen timber collected on the property. Rainwater is collected and stored in four tanks with a total capacity of 24,000 gallons. Wastewater, which is treated through an aerobic sand filter, is used for irrigation in the garden.
“This veranda space can be used in different ways in response to the weather conditions,” Williamson says. “Either as a breezeway with the glazed bifold doors open, or as a conservatory or sunroom with the doors closed. This flexibility means the owners can always find a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It’s where conversations occur, food is shared and views of the ocean and bush are enjoyed.”
"Meeting table and relaxing place." Tritus.
Marinnus' plant place.
Mars and t rex club house.
"Calm place." Tritus.
Cool climbing wall and treelights.
Maintenance. To keep the pathway looking good, use a combination of a rake and a broom to keep gravel smooth and stray rocks off the pavers. Leaf blowers set on low are also effective at removing lightweight fallen leaves and debris without shifting the gravel. To counteract sinking gravel, every few years spread a layer of fresh gravel, rake smooth and lightly compact it around pavers.
In this California habitat garden, the pathway was made of gravel and bluestone flagstones set into sand over compacted base rock. The cool tones of the stone pick up the blue-violet hues of native Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii, zones 8 to 11) and foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus, zones 6 to 10).
Building departments are primarily concerned with the safety of new walkways (particularly in front yards) as well as the total amount of “permeable” vs. “impermeable” surfaces on the property as a whole. Gravel and pebbles count as permeable surfaces since rainwater can be absorbed between the stones. Counties vary on whether they consider compacted gravel surfaces (such as those of a driveway) to be impermeable or permeable surfaces.
“My husband bought me a chop saw for my birthday, and I needed to start putting it to use,” Fernandez says. In addition to the trestle table, she made the banquette, staining its tongue-and-groove paneling to match the existing mahogany on the windows. White midcentury modern chairs add the modern contrast she loves, while their wooden dowel bases tie into the wood. The botanical chart has a vintage look and picks up on the green stems, leaves and flowers the stylist loves to use.
As a stylist and designer, Fernandez has an eye that’s always open for fresh inspiration. The style of local coffee shops inspired the eating nook. “I’m seeing a lot of rustic dark wood with pops of modern black and white around the coffee shops and cafes here right now, and I wanted to bring that look home,” she says. She transformed an unused corner of the living room in her 1943 farmhouse into a dining room. The banquette seating on one side makes the most of every inch. “It also gives us a lot of extra storage we needed in here,” she says.
Around the corner from the front door, the porch provides a spectacular view across the infinity pool to the fruit-forward rows of pinot noir grapevines.
Here’s a glimpse directly out those corner windows. A built-in window seat adds a great spot to enjoy the view.
By using the existing foundation, Alper did not have to remove one single vine. The simple shapes and wraparound porch recall a simple farmhouse vernacular, as do the materials she used — board and batten siding, hog wire, metal roofing and rough-hewn posts and beams. White siding creates a pleasingly crisp contrast to the colorful earthy surroundings.
This former tech exec was ready to unplug and live life among rows of grapevines in Northern California. He found his ideal property, a working 7-acre pinot noir grape farm close to Santa Rosa, California. But the dark suburban kit house on it didn’t fit in with its surroundings and didn’t take advantage of the wine country views. Architect Amy Alper was able to work some of the existing structure into the classic farmhouse-meets-contemporary style her client yearned for, making the most of the setting, taking advantage of the natural light, putting the focus on the spectacular views and blurring the lines between inside and out.
An Eames chair, a live-edge coffee table and abstract art from a local painter give the living room a modern vibe. The coffee table was custom made by a local carpenter using a slab of American walnut with a strip of glass through the center. It sits on plexiglass legs, which gives it the appearance of floating.
Q