Spanish-Style Oasis

A lot of care and dedication went into the restoration of this sensational 1930s home. Warm colors and rich woods have unified the Mediterranean feeling indoors.

Before

Before

After

Before

After

Outdoors, the abandoned backyard is calling for the same sort of thoughtful attention. The homeowners are anxious to recruit some inspired guidance to transform their neglected backyard into a Spanish-style oasis. They would like to soften the hard edges of their backyard and add a Mediterranean flavor to the entire area. They hope to camouflage the barrage of bricks and wrought iron and create some much-needed shade. Ready for the challenge are landscape designers Reid Freeman, Kenneth Brown and Jerry Hritz.

Freeman proposes softening the brick and wrought iron by using plants and flowering vines. A shade cloth and misting system on the existing pergola would provide comfort on sweltering days. Kenneth Brown's plan calls for a cozy outdoor room with a flagstone patio, swanky furniture and sheered fabric curtains. In Hritz's design, the home's visual drama extends outdoors with a striking focal point — sheets of water spill from a spectacular urn fountain.

After a week of reviewing the three designs, the homeowners select Jerry Hritz to handle their landscape makeover. Now his beautiful stone work on the patio extends to the converted pool and beyond. Colorful pots, ceramic tiles and the use of dark wood accent this now dramatic outdoor space. Inspired by their home's great architecture, Hritz has given the homeowners a charming Mediterranean-style retreat that is perfect for entertaining or just lounging by the pool.