HGTV.comHGTV.com

Outdoor Writing Retreat

Outer Spaces : Episode HSPA-207 -- More Projects »
Photo

Before: Dirt is basically all there is to look at in this part of the yard. The area needs to be cleaned up and given a focal point for it to be useful and beautiful like the rest of the lawn.
Photo

After: New plants, a large-scale pergola and writing desk combine to inspire hours of creative writing. Now this area is beautiful, welcoming and lush.
Photo

Before: More dirt, a worn fence and an unattractive garage wall comprise the other view of this area. The homeowners dislike this section since it's so uninspiring and uninviting.
Photo

After: The fence is freshened with muted green paint for a great backdrop to the new plants, including ferns and giant birds-of-paradise (hosta would be another good shade plant for most climates). Posts (6' x 6's) set in concrete form the sturdy structure of the simple pergola, which is now the garden's centerpiece.
Ken Baker is a busy magazine and book author who would like to find a quiet little spot in his backyard to do some work and spend quality time with his best friend, Arthur, a beloved family pet he calls "the dog of the millennium." Baker envisions a place where he can work on his writing projects and relax when his schedule permits, but that spot is nothing more than a dirt patch that suffers from a lack of light. Baker's wife, Brooke, hopes that host Susie Coelho and designer Van-Martin Rowe can transform this unused space in the otherwise beautiful yard into a haven for the entire family to enjoy.
Photo

Van-Martin Rowe's design plan includes a folding screen to redirect traffic under rather than around the vine-covered arbor, a pergola for an outdoor office complete with a large table and lights, plus lots of plant material to enhance the existing fountain.
Photo

To make the functional yet elegant hanging light more economical and safer, a power transformer converts the standard 120-volt line current to 12 so a 12-volt bulb like those for boats and RVs can be used. A photo-electric sensor will turn it on at dusk and off at dawn.
Photo

The outdoor office has a massive wood table and bench (protected with marine-grade polyurethane) along with a comfortable chair for writing. The space can easily convert to an outdoor dining area for entertaining.
Photo

Concrete pavers from the old walkway, which Ken has long detested, are painted two shades of green, and then blotted with a damp sea sponge for a mottled finish. Once dry, they form a new dry-stacked low wall to add definition to the existing fountain area.
dining table, bench, console table (Cost Plus World Market)
light fixture (The Great Indoors)
desk chair (Pier 1 Imports)
pots (Jackalope Pottery)
Resources
decorative project materials
Cost Plus World Market
Website: www.worldmarket.com

decorative project materials
The Great Indoors
Website: www.thegreatindoors.com

decorative project materials
Pier 1 Imports
Website: www.pier1.com

decorative project materials
Jackalope
Website: www.jackalope.com
Guests
Van-Martin Rowe, Interior/Landscape Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Interior Remodel and Landscaping Design
Phone: 626-577-4736
Fax: 626-577-4068
E-mail: info@vanmartin.com
Website: www.vanmartin.com
Also in this Episode
Outer Spaces : Episode HSPA-207
•Outdoor Writing Retreat
HGTV.com
Services Popular Content About
Our Sister Sites

Comparison Shop for Home Decor & Garden Tools at Shopzilla & BizRate

UpMyStreet and uSwitch.com provide UK comparison services.

© 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.