Balinese Pond Garden

Before

Johnny Roxas would love a tropical terrace in his backyard. Roxas has had trouble designing the space so as a thank you for being like an uncle to him, Raymond Fernandez wants to turn this cacti-cluttered space into a tropical getaway. The design team of Yuko Hashimoto and Mark McMahon combine their talents to turn the yard into a Balinese retreat.

The homeowner doesn't like the Southwestern theme he inherited in his backyard and the prickly cacti. He's tired of watering the grass and would like a place to relax and entertain without a lot of maintenance.

After

A parched patio is turned into a watery wonderland with a koi pond. Many of the homeowner's collected objects that were gathering dust in the garage now take center stage where their beauty can be enjoyed.

Before

A lush tropical look is what the homeowner would love to see out his windows, but he needs some help to finish what he started with the porch and pergolas.

After

Billowy bright blue curtains on the porch and pergolas plus lots of lush plant material transform the barren space into a tropical paradise reminiscent of Bali.

Before

These pergolas are a nice start to the tropical theme, but they haven't been touched since the homeowner finished building them.

After

Draped sheers add color and a bit of shade to the entertaining area. A buffet and large table offer a comfortable place to serve guests and enjoy the nearby koi pond.

Yuko Hashimoto's plan has a seating area on the porch with curtains to soften the sunlight, a stepping-stone landing at the base of the porch steps that leads to a sitting area on the existing patio and a shaded entertaining area between the pergolas. Mark McMahon plans to make it look like a koi pond actually comes out of the ground.

Plywood that's cut into an octagonal shape with a center hole is topped with a reed mat for texture and tropical flavor (wood glue plus staples along the edge keep it in place). The unattractive edges are hidden with pieces of bamboo. A large Balinese-inspired planter and bromeliad centerpiece complete the table.

The Balinese coffee nook on the porch greets each day with weather-resistant wicker furniture that won't stretch or split, sheer blue curtains and more plants. Serving trays make a great wall accent when paired with wooden medallions and candle sconces.

Two concrete blocks covered in reed mats form the base of a bench made from a recycled door with half-rounds of stained bamboo nailed over the top of it. It's wide enough for a comfortable seat, but even empty it adds a wonderful structural element to the garden.

This koi pond is the focal point to the Balinese design. Its soothing sound and the lush plant life and golden statue can't help but make the homeowner and his guests feel relaxed and reflective.

tall and short candleholders, wooden chair and coffee table (Target)
blue, green and white cushions, bamboo candleholder (Pier 1 Imports)
pots (Jackalope)
blue sheer curtains (IKEA)
pond kit (Pro Ponds West)