Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a little tour of the exterior of my beloved Getaway House — a place where relaxation and style blend seamlessly to create an outdoor haven. Whether basking in the sun or enjoying a cozy dinner under the stars, we’ve designed every inch of this space with one goal in mind: pure, unadulterated *joy*.
First, let’s talk about landscaping. It was such a pleasure working with Amy Blakemore of Greens Landscape Design. I asked her a few questions about her design process for the Getaway House:
__What do you love about Montecito that you're bringing into the landscape design at the Getaway House?__
There is a timeless elegance inherent in a successful Montecito garden that provides gracious outdoor spaces for living, playing, relaxing, and celebrating. The Getaway house provides a variety of spaces to embrace the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the area.
__What's the most unexpected/unique feature in this project?__
We were able to repurpose an old wall fountain at the rear of the house to a new low planter with espaliered fragrant vines. The rear wall of the fountain provided some great privacy and screening, but it needed a new look. Now it’s like an extension of the decorated interior walls- and smells great too!
__From layout to plant selection – can you walk us through your process?__
Function really informs the design. The layout of the space was driven by the activities the garden supports: sitting by the fire, sunbathing, relaxing with the sounds of water. And it’s important to select the right plants to provide either structure or screening, color or fragrance, especially in more enclosed areas of the garden so it can be captured and enjoyed. Montecito can grow such an amazing variety of plants, sometimes it’s hard to pick!
__Where do you turn for inspiration?__
I’ve had the good fortune to work with a number of amazing designers over the years- Eric Nagelmann and Sydney Baumgartner have been great and talented mentors. Lotusland and Casa del Herrero are both must see gardens in the area. The Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens are also a great place to spend an afternoon and get excited about plants.
__What aspect are you most excited about for the exterior of the Gray Malin Getaway House?__
We’ve added some mature olive trees that really provide some much needed structure and presence to the garden. There’s nothing like a field grown olive to add some instant romance to a space!
To enhance the natural beauty of the backyard, I turned to Monrovia Plants. These stunning plants bring life and vibrancy to the exterior, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. From blooming flowers to hearty shrubs, each plant was meticulously chosen to enhance the beauty of the outdoors — we decided to incorporate hydrangeas to add a pop of color that complements the blues of the shutters and dutch door. Just as a refresher from my previous post, we chose Winter Gem Boxwood as our primary ground cover, Bronze Carpet Stonecrop to add some color and Silver Streak Flax Lily to add dimension and shape. We wanted to make sure we got plants that worked in a coastal climate so the landscaping would stay lush year round. We decided to use pea gravel and stone for the walkways and chose to add staked Texas Privet to separate some of the outdoor spaces.
Introducing one of my favorite features of the outdoor area — the long dining room table. It’s perfect for fun, leisurely lunches and dinners that stretch into the night. Imagine a spread of fresh, vibrant dishes, the laughter of friends and family echoing around you, and the stars beginning to twinkle above. This table is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s the heart of many unforgettable memories.
What’s a getaway without a little friendly competition? The bocce ball court is where we let loose, enjoy some light-hearted fun, and embrace the playful spirit of the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first-timer, the bocce ball court is always a hit, bringing people together in the most delightful way.
Because this is sunny California, these pink and white umbrellas from Santa Barbara Designs are a necessity. We also worked closely with Williams Sonoma to pick out the perfect deck chairs. Set in an ideal spot for lounging, they’re an invitation to unwind with a cool drink in hand. It’s the ultimate way to recharge and soak in the beauty of the day.
I couldn’t resist adding a touch of elegance with the coral outdoor set from Williams Sonoma. Their vibrant hue and chic design bring a pop of color and a sense of cheeky nostalgia to the space. Of course, no outdoor space is complete without the perfect rugs. I chose Ruggable outdoor rugs for their combination of style and practicality. These rugs are designed to withstand the elements while adding a layer of comfort and elegance to the space. Their vibrant patterns and durable materials ensure that every corner of the getaway house feels like a well-thought-out extension of home. These pieces are not just functional but also serve as a beautiful complement to the natural surroundings, creating a seamless blend of comfort and style.
I worked closely with Madison Nicole Design to create multiple seating areas, each offering a unique vibe. Imagine sinking into a plush lounge chair with your favorite book, or catching up with friends on a comfy outdoor sofa, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle hum of nature. Each spot is a little nook of tranquility, perfect for soaking up the serenity of the outdoors. I love the sound our fountain makes, it provides ultimate relaxation vibes.
Every element of my outdoor space is designed to invite relaxation, inspire joy, and create lasting memories. From the varied seating areas to the elegant dining setup and the playful bocce ball court, it’s a sanctuary where style meets serenity, and every moment is a celebration of the great outdoors.
Thank you for joining me on this little tour. Here’s to creating your own slice of paradise, wherever you may be!
xx,
Gray