A sectional in tobacco brown, a relaxed, rust-colored lounge chair, a Frank Gehry Twist cube, and sculpted planters strike a modern chord, while throw pillow fabrics play more tribal notes. Tony Soluri Photography

Increase the value of your home by adding Coronado Stone Veneer! Not only does stone veneer add character, it also retains its value better than nearly every other type of remodeling project. This also makes stone veneer a great investment! This beautiful project utilized Tuscan Villa / Florentine stone veneer. Image by William Lyon Homes, Greater Las Vegas and Eric Figge Photography. http://www.coronado.com

All Rights Reserved © Mondo Exclusive Homes (mondoexclusive.com)

Photo by David Wakely

Like most growing families, this client wanted to lure everyone outside. And when the family went outdoors, they were hoping to find flamboyant color, delicious fragrance, freshly grilled food, fun play-spaces, and comfy entertaining areas waiting. Privacy was an imperative. Seems basic enough. But a heap of challenges stood in the way between what they were given upon arrival and the family's ultimate dreamscape. Primary among the impediments was the fact that the house stands on a busy corner lot. Plus, the breakneck slope was definitely not playground-friendly. Fortunately, Westover Landscape Design rode to the rescue and literally leveled the playing field. Furthermore, flowing from space to space is a thoroughly enjoyable, ever-changing journey given the blossom-filled, year-around-splendiferous gardens that now hug the walkway and stretch out to the property lines. Soft evergreen hedges and billowing flowering shrubs muffle street noise, giving the garden within a sense of embrace. A fully functional (and frequently used) convenient outdoor kitchen/dining area/living room expand the house's floorplan into a relaxing, nature-infused on-site vacationland. Mission accomplished. With the addition of the stunning old-world stone fireplace and pergola, this amazing property is a welcome retreat for year round enjoyment. Mission accomplished. Rob Cardillo for Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

Entry

The new backyard is perfect for entertaining large groups, hosting intimate dinners, or relaxing. Birdhouses and plants line the new space and a pergola shades a table for al fresco dining. A pass-through into the basement allows guests to pull a stool right up to the bar.

California Cozy Backyard offers indoor-outdoor living with a rustic, repurposed, and thoughtfully lit design. Offering, a live edge bar over the outdoor kitchen, a fire bowl to roast marshmallows, a beautiful live edge dining table, and a wood panel backdrop for lazy lounging. This Functionally and aesthetically pleasing cozy backyard is entertaining ready!

A perfect spot to enjoy the waterside views. Plantings of Vardar Valley Boxwood, Autumn Bride Coral Bell, Dwarf Summer sweet, Inkberry and Ornamental Grasses are used around the patio. These selections bring evergreen foliage, fragrance and movement to the setting.

Photos by Steve Chenn