backyards

OUTDOOR LIVING AT ITS

Finestby Maria Cortés González

june/july 2009 29

CHILDREN ARE OUT OF SCHOOL. THE WEATH-ER IS TYPICAL EL PASO — HOT AND SUNNY.

And Father’s Day is just around the corner.

Which can mean only one thing — El Pasoans are out-doors, barbecuing on stainless-steel grills, taking dipsin backyard swimming pools or sipping tea under arefreshing pergola.

El Paso may be known for its desert terrain, but it’sstill home to some amazing lush and picture-perfectSouthwest landscapes. With some expert advice, hardwork and general gardening knowledge, some ElPasoans have created their own retreats in their ownbackyards.

Though not an easy task, El Paso Style took a strollthrough some of the city’s finest yards and picked fivestunning landscapes that would make Martha Stewartjealous.

We’re talking about sitting in a sophisticated outdoorroom and sipping wine while watching the sun bidadieu. Or enjoying the view of the mountains whilesinking your body into the hot, soothing waters of agurgling hot tub in your pool.

Or how about this, Martha — feeling like you’re in a cot-tage garden as you take a walk around a multicolorbed of roses, or sway in a wooden swing from adecades-old tree, while water trickles through a stonefountain nearby.

So get yourself a glass of your favorite cool beverage, sitback in your favorite chair and take a pictorial tour ofsome of El Paso’s finest landscapes. Now this is out-door living.

THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN HAD ITS HUMBLEbeginnings as a grill in a cabinet enclosure. Thesedays, the grill is only the beginning for an amazing out-door kitchen, which can rival its indoor counterpartwhen it comes to entertaining.

And when it’s about hosting family and friends out-doors— thisWest El Paso kitchen under a romanticwooden pergola rivals most.

For starters, there are the top-of-the-line Vikingappliances including spacious grill, and an icemakerand beverage cooler conveniently under the bar. Youjust know you have a well-designed outdoor kitchen

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KITCHENSoutdoor

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when no one is scurrying back and forth for ice.

Interior designer Anne Steele, who helped her clients create theirideal outdoor space, said this couple needed plenty of dining space fortheir entertaining lifestyle.

“It was real important that they had a table that would seat 10 for thefamily that comes over,” she said.

A tin table, inspired by Italian design, provides plenty of space for out-door dining and a great backdrop for colorful summer dishes.

Raised beds and potted plants surround a nearby outdoor fireplace,creating a cozy room within an outdoor room.

Votive candles and lanterns spaced throughout the patio help provideambience once the sun goes down.

The homeowners also have done a great job of integrating their lovefor outdoor entertaining with their yard. Pots of color, brimmingwith petunias and other annuals or an elegant topiary, help softenthe look of the brick hardscape around the kitchen.

“At the end of the day, this is where they like to spend their time,”Steele said.

By the looks of this comfortable and inviting outdoor display,absolutely nothing is wrong with that sentiment.

Italian designA tin table, inspired by

Italian design, provides

plenty of space for

outdoor dining and a

great backdrop for

colorful summer dishes.

outdoor hauntFrom the warm rust

colors of the furniture

cushions and the Cantera-

style concrete of the

fireplace to the natural

surroundings, every

element of this room

contributes to an

amazing ambience.

june/july 2009 33

ASK EL PASOAN MARIAWOODYABOUT HERfavorite room in her Mediterranean-style home in theWillows, and she’ll take you for a walk — outside.

Woody, who is aMaster Gardener, spendsmore time out-side than inside during the summer.

Nothing beats “being al fresco,” she said, especially inher outdoor room, which looks like an indoor room,except for the clear blue sky. The outdoor patio is onepart of the expansive yard, which also includes a vari-ety of raised beds, a rose garden, a swimming pool anda separate, enclosed vegetable garden.

“The whole idea is that we have great weather in ElPaso 10 months out of 12 and we definitely wanted tobe able to enjoy it and do a lot of outdoor entertain-ing,” Woody said.

Woody put a lot of thought into designing her outdoorroom, making sure to include an outdoor fireplace anddurable wrought-iron furniture. The patio is extended sothat it gets some morning sun, without it bearing downon the weather-resistant seating pieces.

And yes, El Paso does have some chilly nights that justcall for sitting around the majestic fireplace, while sip-ping a glass of wine. The aroma of the burning pinewood adds to the evening splendor.

“It is so inviting, and we have like the best view of thetown and the mountains,” Woody said.

“In the mornings on the weekends, we like to go outthere and read the paper, and in the evenings, it’s just thetwo of us out there watching the sunset,” Woody saidof herself and her husband, Darren. “It’s romantic andpeaceful.”p

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AMBIANCEoutdoor

waterfall blendsThe sound of water

flowing through the

waterfall blends with

the contemporary,

instrumental music

playing throughout

the home.

AFTER CAREFUL SCANNING, JACKWINTON PICKShis favorite spot in his backyard.

“It has to be in this lounge chair where I can see the pool and theplants and on a clear day, the mountains of New Mexico,” hesaid, of a couple of rattan-style lounge chairs outside the fami-ly room.

Winton, of Winton & Associates, and his wife, Joy have creat-ed the perfect setting for intimate and relaxing brunches or forentertaining friends and family in their back yard.

The two-story abode sits on a high elevation on the West Sidethat allows the couple an overview of the still-growing WestSide, Mt. Cristo Rey and a touch of Northern New Mexico.

When entertaining, the couple can open the retractable doors oftheir family room and instantly create an indoor-outdoor room.There are numerous comfortable chairs to lounge by the pool, adurable patio set tucked in a shady corner of the yard, as well asan outdoor kitchen outfitted with a Wolf barbecue grill andrefrigerator.

Guests are welcome to travel upstairs to the game room, to playa game of pool, or enjoy a glass of merlot on the balcony over-looking the back yard.

The swimming pool, built by Paradise Pools, is laguna style,with enough curves to make a Hollywood starlet envious. Anatural-rock laden spa with clear, blue water is inviting for an inti-mate dip.

Then there are those little details that only an experienced,high-end home builder might envision.

Remote-controlled screens on various outdoor arches can glidedown, to block the harsh sunrays of a typical El Paso afternoon.Though she’s an avid traveler, Joy Winton has come to realizeshe doesn’t need to leave her doorstep for an outdoor retreat.“I can stay home and have my own resort,” she said.

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ENTERTAINMENToutdoor

YOUHEARITALLTHETIME—IT’SHOTANDDRYHERE INTHESOUTHWEST.But there are some oases in the desert.

This lagoon-style swimming pool is a refreshing and stunning focal point of this WestEl Paso yard. It sits in the middle of the well-designed yard, which also features a smalllawn area, several flower beds and a pergola over a stainless-steel barbecue grill and out-door fireplace.

Joe Beechler, owner of Paradise Pools, is the designer of this swimming pool with a van-ishing edge.

“It’s called by different names — infinity edge or negative edge,” he said. “Basically,it creates the illusion that the water is hanging in midair from a certain perspective.”

When you stand at certain spots in the pool, it can look as if the water touches the hori-zon, without anymeans of support. The high elevation of the house, overlooking theWestSide, enhances the enjoyment of this feature while providing plenty of privacy.

The pool also has a stunning waterfall, with water jetting through three small rockpockets into a hot tub. The waterfall also serves as a privacy wall between the pool andthe lawn.

The waterfall, hot tub and pool are surrounded by a dark red, Colorado-harvested rock,known as moss rock. Rain or the humidity from the pool encourages moss to grow onthe rock, providing an attractive bright green texture. During drier times, the moss sim-ply goes dormant.

Beechler, who has been in business for 22 years, said he has pretty high standards forhimself and his clients. “Ultimately, we want something that is uniquely theirs, built tothe highest possible standards and with the best equipment available,” he said.

No doubt, uniqueness, beautiful surroundings and the best in pool features cometogether in this West Side landscape.

water paradiseDuring the day, the

pergola provides some

shade over the pool.

But nothing beats

watching the sun go

down, from the comfort of

your own water paradise.

photography Rudy Gutierrez

outdoor pool

june/july 2009 37

IT MIGHT BE HARD TO IMAGINEA LUSH COTTAGE-STYLEgarden in the middle of the desert — until you step into this West ElPaso landscape. It’s like opening a beautiful page in Better Homes& Gardens, but better, because you can actually smell the roses.

It is evident this garden is a treasure for owner Mary Gaddy. Con-tainers brimming with purple and yellow pansies, geraniums andbright purple lobelia greet visitors as they walk out of the Cape Cod-style home. Throughout the landscape, there is a wonderful contrastbetween the bright hues of blooming flowers and the bright, cleanwhite, exterior walls, benches and swings.

Visitors must stop to take in the numerous vignettes of color andflowers, some in raised beds, that surround the main grass area. Onone side of the home is a half-moon bed of roses, in shades of pink,red and white.

Again, the colorful palette stands out against the home’s white exte-rior walls. Steppingstones lead visitors to a towering mulberry treethat provides plenty of shade and the perfect setting for an afternoontea.

The grand tree easily supports a white porch swing, facing a flowerbed brimming with spring color including aromatic alyssum andslender irises and lilies.

While every flower seems perfect in its spot, Gaddy is relaxed aboutwhat she grows and how she grows it. She doesn’t mind plants over-flowing or mixing bright colors together. She certainly doesn’t mindher golden retriever and his dogs, Trapper and Grateful, meanderingthrough the yard.

And even when she’s alone pulling weeds, she is surrounded bycreatures, dear and small. “I have tons of hummingbirds and robinsvisiting... and a razorback woodpecker family. It’s just really fun towatch all the birds,” she said. And just when you think you’ve seenit all, you must return soon. On every visit, you’re sure to discoversomething different in bloom. �

colorful paletteAgain, the colorful

palette stands out

against the home’s

white exterior walls.p

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outdoor garden

fran timbrook

Bring the indoorsoutside

an interior designer,I work on newhomes and remodelsdaily. I specify fin-ishes, colors,plumbing fixtures,

lighting and furniture that are not just for theinterior of the home. Frequently I am alsoasked to design the exterior living spaces ofthe home.

Our glorious El Paso climateallows us to use our patiosand gardens nearly ninemonths out of the year, sowhy not take advantage ofthe extra square footage andmake it just as livable andcomfortable as the inside?Today’s patios include out-door kitchens outfitted withall of the latest appliances,seating areas around a fire-place and/or television anddining areas.

When creating an outdoorroom, plan it the way youplan your home, giving con-sideration to its use and how each arearelates to the inside of the house. The kitchenarea should be close to your indoor kitchen

to allow for easy transfer of the foodand utensils. The living roomshould have comfortable seatinggroups that can be easilydrawn around the fireplaceand engage everyone intoconversation. And the din-ing area can have severalsquare tables for intimateseating or grouped together tocreate a large family-style gath-ering table. Place a small two-person breakfast table in the best

viewing spot, where you can enjoyan early cup of coffee and planyour day.

But there is more to creating an out-door room than just furniture. A

kitchen created with rustic materials andmodern appliances can include a refrigerator,beverage center, cooking island, warmingdrawer and dishwasher in addition to thegrill (and remember to add a vent above thegrill if there is a roof over the area to preventit from catching on fire). Add a sink and ice-maker for even more convenience.

Because most patios tend to be long rectan-gular areas, you can break up the space with

the addition ofcolumns or a differentwall material. Stonecan be used to delin-eate the space andgive each area a dis-tinctive feel. Color forcontrast on the wallsand ceilings helps cre-ate the illusion ofrooms, while deepertones that have less ofa reflective charactertend to cool the space.Draperies from out-door fabrics can betied back to create atentlike feel.

Add interest and depth to the patio with anextension that is covered by a pergola andhas the same flooring as the main patio.Floormaterials should be skid-resistant becausethey are frequently wet, but they can includestone, tile, treated wood and even carpet.Polypropylene products look like sisal butwill stand up to the elements. Stained andstamped concrete can create interesting tex-ture on the floor. Ceilings look great whencovered with wood and beamed or even cov-ered with faux brick.

Last, consider the lighting, because it is anintegral part in creating ambience. You needto provide several sources of light by usingceiling fixtures, wall sconces and indirectlighting from landscape lighting. Add plantsand accessories to these elements, and youwill have created a comfortable outdoor liv-ing room. �

Textures and treatments transform patios with illusions of rooms

asWhen creating an

outdoor room, plan

it the way you plan

your home, giving

consideration to its

use and how each

area relates to the

inside of the house.

> FRAN TIMBROOK IS A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

38 el paso style

june/july 2009 39

q & a

The trend has been all about mixing styles, wood finishes and great-looking fabrics.One of the important considerations to keep in mind is the scale of the pieces. I lovemixing styles “eclectic,” not matchy-matchy, but the pieces in the rooms need to com-plement each other in size. That is one of the challenges we have— if you’ve hadyour furniture for a long time. I’m sure you’ve noticed the larger scale of the fur-niture being produced now. New homes have open connecting spaces thatallow you to add a few larger pieces and make the room feel warm and cozy.Some of the existing pieces can be used as accent pieces. Remember you canuse that living room piece in the bedroom — who knew?

I used a wonderful round small dining table as a great living room piecenext to the sofa my client ordered. The chairs she used in her livingroom were great accent chairs for the guest bedrooms. She also hadantiques that worked great with the new furniture. The different woodfinishes were a wonderful complement to each other. Accessorieswere so very important to pull the styles together. That’s what madeso many of her old pieces work with her new ones. People aremore comfortable mixing fabric patterns, colors and textures.For the most part, adding upholstered pieces is getting easierwithout replacing the existing furniture because of all the fab-ric choices. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures — aslong as the palette is similar. Have fun with the great fabrics— from contemporary to traditional. I love a whimsicalpiece that also helps pull the old and the new together.

It’s all about comfort, and every look should reflectyour style and say something about — “YOU”! �

QA Different textures, patternscan complement each other

> M A R I E G R A F I S A D E S I G N E R . S E N D Q U E S T I O N S A B O U T Y O U R D E S I G N W O E S T O P D I A Z @ E L P A S O T I M E S . C O M

I’ve recently moved to El Paso and love the Southwestlook. How can I transition my furniture to fit in with thenew pieces I need for my new home?

When it comes to cooking in thekitchen, the couple in this home loveto mix it up, while having lots offriends over.

Their original kitchen, however, wasnot made for two cooks who love toeat in. It was tucked in one corner ofthe house and offered little view.And the white-washed oak cabinetrymade it look dated.

A complete remodeling, includingrelocating part of the kitchen tomake it more spacious, now has thecouple singing its praises whilepreparing dinner for their 30 closestfriends. The chef can see vistas ofthe Upper Valley while mincing gar-lic on a 10-foot long, granite-cov-ered island.

The new, contemporary–transitionalkitchen features walnut cabinetry,which provides plenty of storagespace including thin, pull-out spiceracks. Appliances are stainless steel,including two dishwashers and a six-burner stove with a grill.

The remodeled kitchen flooring is ahand-scraped dark wood with asmall area of travertine tile betweenthe island and kitchen sink, to makewiping up spills an easy task.It still may not be good manners tobe late. But thanks to a warmingoven with six compartments in thiskitchen, even the last guest to arrivewill not miss a warm, scrumptiousmorsel. �

From Pakistani cuisine and Italian entrees to juicy, grilled burgers.

> D E S I G N E R : F R A N T I M B R O O K • R E M O D E L I N G W O R K B Y L U I S M E D I N A • C A B I N E T R Y : K R I S T I E ’ S K I T C H E N S

Plenty of Guests V E R S A T I L E K I T C H E N C A N H A N D L E

by María Cortés González photography by Mark Lambie

BEFORE

�

AFTER�

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before and after

june/july 2009 41

• design: Think of intended uses for yourlandscape. If you have children or dogs, keep anarea with lawn. If you like to entertain, include apatio for the grill and patio furniture.

• irrigation: Look into drip irrigation orunderground irrigation, which is more efficientthan traditional watering with a hose.

• plants: Look for nurseries that carrydrought-tolerant or native plants. Great flower-ing plants include lantana, penstemons, butterflybush, damianita, cherry sage and yellow bells.

• plants with a purpose: Nativeplants tend to have interesting colors andshapes. But they also are functional: shrubs canprovide a foundation for the landscape and beused for screening or aesthetic barriers. Decidu-ous trees can provide shade in the summer andallow sunshine through in the winter.

• planting: Drought-tolerant plants tend tolook scrawny at first, but will fill out within a fewyears. When planting, be sure to consider theirmature size. Plants and shrubs with similarwatering needs should be grouped together inthe landscape.

• sunny disposition: Rememberthat drought-tolerant plants thrive in sunnyareas and are used to desert terrain. So there’sno need to amend the soil when planting.

• water:When planting new plants, givethem water several times a week until theyacclimate. Once established, plants don’t needas much water.

• mulch: Always mulch plants to help retainmoisture and control weed growth. Popularmaterials include bark chips, pea gravel, andshredded pine cones. �

This Upper Valley yard is in full bloom with drought-tolerant plantsincluding ice plants, several sage plants and a palo verde.

ready toxeriscape?Here is some food for thought:

>MAR I A CORT ÉS GONZÁ L E Z , A R E PORT ER FOR E L PA SO S T Y L E MAGAZ I N E , I S A MAST ER G ARDENER .