Northwest Design Awards 2006 – Outdoor Living
sponsored by the Seattle Design Center and Seattle Homes and Lifestyles magazine.

About the Awardwinning Project

Lush European Garden Livingroom (900 square feet)

This seductively chic outdoor living area emerged from a patch of urban backyard which, for 75 years, had consisted of simply a sloping lawn and two apple trees.  A generous 16’ by 26’ wood deck was built to offer a dynamic transition from the house (through newly-added leaded glass French doors) to the formal, walled, 12’ by 18’ stone patio, reminiscent of a European courtyard.  A stone fountain with fleur de lys spout stands in the center of the patio, surrounded by four symmetrical planting beds containing boxwood topiaries in formal pots.  Smaller stone tiles, set amongst plantings of Corsican mint, provide a fragrant, symmetrical segue between deck and patio.  There is an orchard with 2 very old apple trees, 2 Italian plums, a pear, a peach and an apricot.  The scent of fragrant Daphne, lilies and lilacs permeates the air.  A graceful gravel path winds its way through the orchard and around the property.  

The garden soothes yet invigorates the senses:  the overall design, furnishings and plantings are pleasing to the eye; the sounds of water falling evoke pastoral melodies; materials used are tactile and welcoming; fragrant perennials abound; and the orchard provides bounties of fruit.  It’s a restful, spa-like atmosphere.   

Furnishings are a mixture of teak, metal and Grange’s St. Tropez all weather wicker with Perennials’ solution-dyed acrylic fabric.  Sheer draperies, also of Perennials’ fabric, were recently added and give a wonderful sense of serenity and elegance as well as much-needed shade from the intense afternoon sun.

Design Goals:  The garden’s design was intended to reflect and enhance the architectural integrity of its 1930 Normandy Tudor stucco home, designed by William Bain, Sr., and, at the same time, create a sense of historical relevance through the use of materials and landscape style.  It was the design goal to construct an outdoor “room” that would easily and warmly welcome large numbers of guests into its invitingly private oasis, while remaining close to the amenities of home. 

Designed by:  Jann Placentia, Principal, Piacenza Design