While the Egret stool side tables were the perfect injection of more tactile texture which you know I love! Mixing the modern and traditional elements breathes life into the front entry and stops it feeling stuffy or staid, which in turn makes it feel more welcoming. The teak Santa Barbara loungers lend a modern feel that contrasts nicely with the more traditional elements, such as the shutters and brick. These elements worked perfectly with the outdoor furnishings I chose from Summer Classics. So for the showhouse entry I did this by bringing in almost ASMR type elements through the pea gravel walkways - to me, the crunch of the gravel underfoot is so pleasing and is akin to that “feeling of home” but in a sound! The rustic and lived-in feel of the reclaimed brick porch helps create the relaxed vibe and it means guests and homeowners don’t need to be precious about it because its charm lives in its imperfections. So I always approach my designs from a tactile and sensory approach, introducing elements that make you want to reach out and touch them, and then ensure that the furniture items and layout in the space create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I don’t think anyone feels at ease when a home is so perfect that it looks or feels like a museum where you’re scared to sit down or touch anything. My aim for the show house front entry was to set the tone for the home by creating a space that felt aspirational but also accessible. Let me take you on a tour, starting at the front entry. Then, my design is brought to life by the talented yousee.studio, a 3D visualization studio and produced by Embello. In my spaces I picked out every detail from the stone, tiles, lighting, furniture, plants, layout and so on. In case you are wondering what a virtual showhouse is, let me explain! A real house floor plan is picked and then designers, like me, all have a space to build out. Through my designs I blend the convenience and comfort of American design with the ease and charm of European styles, with lots of zones and cozy break out areas, such as the conversation corner and the relaxed outdoor living area, so that this big backyard still felt intimate. I hope this gives you some California garden inspiration. My goal was to create a calming, California-meets-Mediterranean retreat that encapsulated that easy-breezy, barefoot feeling of being on vacation but in your own private garden.

I had the pleasure of designing the front entry and backyard. This year I was so happy to be one of the 12 designers for the second annual show house called Living by Design.

Hotel outdoor end tables