Outdoor Living Spaces By Architect Patrick Szurpicki
Outdoor Living Spaces
By Architect Patrick Szurpicki
In a season of lemons, aren’t we glad we have lemon trees in Southern California to make limoncello? Outdoor living has always been an important part of our California lives, but the past few years the ability to get outside of our homes makes a huge impact on our happiness and mental well-being. Upgrading your outdoor space is probably easier than you realize. Here are a few options that are relatively quick and easy to install and enjoy.
Broken concrete, photo by Mason Shroder
Your socially distanced get-togethers will have more character as your guests greet you walking down a mediterranean inspired path accented with your favorite landscaping. A broken concrete path is simpler to create than you might imagine. It’s recycling the concrete on your driveway or pathways for sustainability as well. You can manually break the concrete and angle it to your desire. Set in gravel, grout and enjoy! You can also consider gravel paths, planned concrete areas, and layered landscape for depth and illusion of a larger property. Tip, you can choose more mature plants for instant gratification.
Raised planter, photo by Steve Sandalis
Pondless Water Feature, photo by Stave Sandalis
Pondless Water Feature, photo by Stave Sandalis
Imagine your morning coffee sitting next to the sound of song birds splashing in water. Pondless water features allow for the tranquility and sound of moving water while saving on space because they do not require an actual body of water. The water is recycled through a pump system and oxygenated through the water movement. Once decided upon, these features can be created in a few days.
Fire Pit, photo by Dan Kuras
Fire features create moments that extend your home to the outdoors and require little space. Running a gas line to your fire feature is an investment into a permanent feature for years of enjoyment. It will also save you from wondering if you have enough propane on hand! Children can roast marshmallows while you enjoy the cool evenings. Your local plumber can easily secure a city permit and run the gas line.
When you need a break from working from home and want to sneak away to a secret garden of your own, consider planters. Steel raised planters define spaces and, when used with succulents and native softscape, provide dramatic contrast. This is a simple way to create height on flat land and can be used to frame a patio area for added privacy.
Touches of beauty make a home more peaceful. Decorative corbels can be added above doorways or to the side of detached garages to provide a blanket of vegetation to grow on the wall. Corbels (and trellises) can be purchased from your local lumber yards with a variety of decorative cuts to match the style and character of your home.
Our homes have truly become our refuge.. Take the time to make your house the home you have always wanted. The small touches can add a big impact in both appearance and for your happiness. Creating brings out joy, and knowing that you created something that is just for yourself and your loved ones will make memories of 2022 better, lovelier and more peaceful.
Photos contributed by the following companies:
Steve Sandalis
Mystic Water Gardens
Nicole Cook
Patrick Szurpicki Licensed Architect
Studio Build CA patrick@studiobuildca.com
Studio Build CA is where your vision becomes reality. Studio Build CA owner, Patrick Szurpicki, has over 20 years of experience in residential home design. He knows the client relationship is as important as the final project. Studio Build CA works to provide concierge style home remodeling; aiding their clients through the architecture & interior design with comprehensive product, material, and color selections. Feel confident choosing a team that knows how to get your project built with beauty and efficiency.
Patrick’s commitment to the Design Build team process started 15 years ago when he realized that too many of his designs were ultimately sidelined, and the rolls of un-built projects started accumulating on his desk. The disservice to his clients was clear; traditionally architects/designers do not understand the intricacies, processes, and the costs of construction. The result of this archaic process is fully designed, and detailed architectural plans that far exceed the client's budget. These final plans are rolled up to collect dust, or worse yet sent to the chopping block to be “value engineered” to produce an unsatisfactory product and experience for the homeowner.