Highland Park, Los Angeles

This charming, vintage cottage in Highland Park had been updated but no love had been giving to the landscape or exterior spaces of the property. The new owner wanted to make the outside into an inviting space for relaxing and entertaining friends and family.

The natural slope of the backyard presented opportunities for terracing into different levels. The upper level now hosts a cedar hot tub and a grill island with bar seating. The lower level provides space for a generous dining table and fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. A new cedar fence provides privacy while also directing the eye to views of Highland Park’s rolling hills in the distance. Bistro lights and lush plantings make the space feel intimate and cozy.

In the front yard, water-wise and colorful plantings welcome visitors to the newly restored front porch.

Photo credit: Sarah Ford Creative (excluding “before” photos)

Sustainability features include: Water-wise and climate appropriate plants that also provide habitat and support pollinators; highly efficient drip irrigation and low-impact materials such as decomposed granite.