Ranch Bungalow - Manhattan Beach
Overview
Site Planning
Hardscape Design
Planting Design
Lighting Design
Client's Brief
Complete redo of the front of the house
Increase curb appeal, safety, and stop soil erosion.
Create a relaxing backyard
Designer's Notes
Laidback coastal living with respect for the authentic architecture that is disappearing in Manhattan Beach
Develop a playful, relaxing, and unique landscape that is sympathetic to the community, butterflies, and hummingbirds
The property needed a fundamental uplift taking into account the owner's curious and playful personality with a house that has been in the family since her childhood.
Create a better overall circulation on the site that is coherent including better linkage with the front and back yard.
Replace a broken staircase with a new safe and comfortable staircase to access the property. Inlay shells into the concrete work for the stairs for the ocean connection.
Add a large front porch with driftwood reclaiming finish. The front porch needed to have the feel of intimate outdoor living space as the owner meets and relaxes with friends and neighbors there during her free time.
Create a large retaining wall for one entire side of the property with a rustic reclaimed wood feel.
Transform a brick retaining wall on the other side of the house that is structurally sound with an improved aesthetic using a paint treatment.
Choose a plant palette in green tones with variations in texture instead of colors to fit an already colorful house.
Plant grasses to accentuate the ocean breezes with movement.
Create a verticle living wall in the backyard reusing various elements and adding colorful plants.
Attract butterflies and hummingbirds with backyard plant selection.
Beautiful LED lighting defines the property including some very old beautiful tall trees. Add dimmable, remote-controlled LED bistro lights for backyard dining and entertaining.
Client Review
“Breathtaking.. Gorgeous. Transcendent. Ethereal. No amount of words can describe my joy when I think about the paradise Catherine and her team created for me. The entire experience, from first introduction to the design, to the construction, and to the final touches was ALWAYS rewarding. Catherine is an artist, I can truly say that given what she had to work with and given the amazing results. But her process including me every step of the way. She asked specific questions about my wants and needs. She looked in the interior of my house and nailed my aesthetic. And she was delightful to work with, as was her entire team. Catherine and her entire team are true professionals. Catherine still calls me to check in, and her team still comes by to fix anything I need done. I actually miss having Catherine, Daniel and Florencio around; they made me feel important, nurtured, and joyful. Can’t recommend enough.”
