Turning a Humble Patch into a Magnificent Oasis

Twenty years ago, while California was experiencing a drought and I was dealing with financial uncertainty, I decided to create a garden. During flusher times, I had purchased the empty lot next to my bungalow in the Elysian Park neighborhood of Los Angeles with the express intention of making a beautiful oasis. As a painter, I generally worked late at night, which left plenty of time during the day for other pursuits. Although I had no clue how to begin, my garden became my magnificent obsession.

In the making of my own garden and later gardens for many others, I learned a lot about designing landscapes and met a number of kindred spirits who share my passion for all things outdoors. My lack of experience didn’t deter me from jumping in once I became focused on creating my own garden. My head was full of images of Sissinghurst, Barrington Court, and Tintinhull – just a few of the many grand and wonderful English gardens I had had the good fortune to visit. It wasn’t the vast lawns and multitudes of clipped hedges that spoke to me; rather, it was the gorgeous and colorful ornamental borders full of exotic blooms and intoxicating fragrance that I found completely captivating.

Having grown up in Santa Monica, it would be easy to think that this is a uniquely Californian mindset. Southern California has historically been a hub of activity for modern outdoor living since the mid-20th century. It had the perfect ingredients for realizing the dream of outdoor living: great weather, lots of available open space, and a continual influx of new residents ready and willing to pursue that goal. As that trend has continued into the 21st century, I’ve come to realize that this attitude is not limited to a small section of the West Coast. It flourishes all over the country, from rooftops and terraces to beachfronts and forested areas, and of course, in urban yards nationwide.

Bringing the Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle to the UK

My first client in New York hired me because she wanted a California-style garden. I took that to mean a dynamic and beautiful outdoor space that could really be lived in, which is exactly what she and her family now do. I have been to parties there in spring and summer and heard stories of Halloween celebrations, snowmen, and all kinds of events and activities held throughout the year in their compact outdoor space. The art of outdoor living can be practiced anywhere.

So, when I travel to other parts of the country and encounter the same attitude toward outdoor living, I feel right at home. California is a state of mind. I take inspiration from seeing what people have done in all kinds of climates and environments. I find it endlessly fascinating to see how different people’s imaginations have sparked their creativity and been put into play. I appreciate both the quiet peace of a wooded property enhanced by the subtle design of a thoughtful garden and the pop of a brightly colored poolside hangout that shouts out, “Join the fun!” Add a casual approach to entertaining and plenty of good food, drink, and conversation to the mix, and you have what I consider California living at its finest.

And now, I’m thrilled to bring this same sense of indoor-outdoor living to the UK with my work for Sofa Spectacular, a custom sofa company based in London. The company’s ethos of creating beautifully crafted furniture that seamlessly integrates with the home and garden aligns perfectly with my own design philosophy. Together, we’re on a mission to help Brits transform their outdoor spaces into stylish, functional, and deeply enjoyable extensions of their living areas.

Crafting a Cohesive Aesthetic

One of the key elements I focus on when designing a garden is creating a cohesive aesthetic that ties the indoor and outdoor spaces together. This might involve using similar materials, textures, or color palettes in both the interior and exterior elements. For example, if you have a beautiful custom sofa from Sofa Spectacular in your living room, you could echo the upholstery pattern or accent colors in the planting scheme or patio furnishings outside.

Alternatively, you could use natural materials like wood, stone, or rattan both indoors and out to create a seamless flow between the two spaces. This not only makes the garden feel like a natural extension of your home but also helps to visually elongate the overall living area.

Bringing the Outdoors In (and Vice Versa)

Another key aspect of my design approach is to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. I love to incorporate elements that bring the outdoors in, such as large windows, sliding doors, or even retractable walls that allow the garden to be fully integrated with the interior. This might mean designing a covered patio or pergola right off the back of the house, creating a true indoor-outdoor room.

Conversely, I also enjoy bringing the indoors out by placing comfortable, weather-resistant furnishings like Sofa Spectacular’s custom-made sofas and armchairs in the garden. Pairing these with coffee tables, area rugs, and even potted plants can make the outdoor space feel just as inviting and lived-in as the interior. It’s all about creating a seamless, cohesive experience that encourages you to move freely between the two realms.

Embracing the Imperfect: Rustic Charm in the Garden

One of the things I love most about garden design is the opportunity to embrace a more casual, relaxed aesthetic. Unlike the pristine perfection of many interior spaces, the outdoors lends itself to a certain rugged charm and natural imperfection. This might come in the form of weathered wood, uneven stone pathways, or even a slightly wild, overgrown planting scheme.

I find that incorporating these elements can actually make a garden feel more inviting and lived-in. A set of rough-hewn lumber steps leading up to the front door, for example, has a much more approachable feel than a perfectly symmetrical staircase. Flanking the steps with ornamental grasses, kangaroo paws, and fragrant lavender adds to the sense of informality and sensory delight.

Similarly, punctuating the garden with unexpected artistic elements, like a giant period sculpture or a whimsical piece of found furniture, can inject a playful, personal touch. These kinds of unique, one-of-a-kind features help to differentiate a garden and make it feel truly reflective of the homeowner’s personality and style.

Crafting a Comfortable, Livable Oasis

At the end of the day, the true essence of California-inspired outdoor living is all about comfort, relaxation, and the ability to truly enjoy your surroundings. That’s why I always make a point of incorporating cozy seating areas, whether it’s a set of upholstered chairs, a plush sectional, or even a full outdoor “living room” configuration.

When selecting these furnishings, I look for pieces that not only look beautiful but also prioritize comfort and durability. Sofa Spectacular has been an invaluable partner in this regard, offering a wide range of custom-made sofas, loveseats, and armchairs upholstered in tough, weatherproof fabrics like Sunbrella. These pieces don’t just look the part – they’re built to withstand the elements and provide years of enjoyment in the garden.

By creating these inviting, lived-in seating areas, I’m able to encourage my clients to truly embrace the outdoors as an extension of their indoor living spaces. Whether it’s hosting a lively garden party, curling up with a good book, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in the fresh air, these spaces become the heart of the home’s outdoor oasis.

Bringing it All Together

Transforming a humble patch of land into a stylish, functional, and deeply enjoyable garden oasis is no small feat. It requires a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of how people want to use and experience their outdoor spaces, and a willingness to embrace the natural imperfections that make a garden truly unique.

But the rewards are immense. By blending the indoor and outdoor realms, incorporating rustic charm and personal touches, and prioritizing comfort and livability, you can create a space that nourishes the soul and invites you to linger, entertain, and truly revel in the beauty of the great outdoors.

So, whether you’re starting with a blank slate or looking to revamp an existing garden, I encourage you to embrace the California-inspired mindset and let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless, and the end result will be a glorious outdoor oasis that you’ll treasure for years to come.