A LUSH PATIO WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Pier One and Ikea are some of my favorite resources to create a mix and match patio. Sunset magazine features this lush patio: $85 Potted plants$285 One sofa; new and re-covered cushions$25 Concrete stain$190 Accessories (outdoor rug, $75; lanterns, $75; baskets, $40)

GREEN PICK OF THE WEEK

I saw this little jewel on Conran, the Sun Jar Lamp is made with a traditional Mason jar and high efficient solar cell, rechargable batteries and low energy LED lamps. Place the jar in sunlight during the day to create an electrical current that charges the battery over a few hours. This energy is then used at night to power the three LED lamps inside the jar. There is a clever light sensor inside that will automatically trigger the lights when it gets dark or lights are turned out. There is also an override switch inside the lid to turn off the light at night and conserve battery life.

GARDEN WALK

I been thinking about options for our blank slate yard and connecting the 3 sets of french doors we have that lead out to the back yard. We want to combine the hardscape and softscape. Soft at the perimeter but not too much. This wood walkway is a simple asianesque form that is bridgelike and defines the space nicely. I love that there is a focal point and resting spot at the end.

FLOATING ARBOR

This is a whimsical way to create shade, shape and connection between structures. No wood necessary. Made from welded steel mesh (the kind used in concrete driveways), a barrel-vaulted arbor is tensioned between the roof and fence to provide shade and privacy. It’s covered with a light-diffusing fabric and a rapidly growing vine to shield this west-facing wall from afternoon sun.

RAISED BED IDEAS

It's springtime and we're all talking about what to grow in our backyards and frontyards. My husband Dan is the builder with a designer mind so I know all he needs is a little inspiration and he'll be building us the perfect raised beds. Maybe after the addition to the house is done?

RAW AND REFINED

Organic materials blend flawlessly in this interior. I appreciate the subtle color accents. When you start with a strong space like original brick walls and wood floors the fresh soft materials can bring a strong finish!

ARTIFACT DESIGN AND SALVAGE

This unique local shop offers an amazing array of architectural antiques ranging from garden ornaments to the most interesting finds for the home interiors.

ARTIFACT DESIGN AND SALVAGE

CORNERSTONE GARDENS

Cornerstone Sonoma is an eclectic collection of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations created by the world's leading landscape architects.

MY OBSESSION WITH JOHN DERIAN

John Derian creates a collection of decoupage trays, paper weights, lamps, etc. that I am collecting. They look great in my modern home!

ECO CHAIRS

Based in Japan, Leif.designpark is a collective of three designers, Takashi Ueno and Mamoru Naito and Keizaburo Honda, whose work is both modern and deeply traditional. Their new Tone series of chairs and tables uses the natural "tones" of different woods to hark back to parquetry

GREEN PAINT

Green Planet Paints is a company that uses natural mineral (clay) and plant-based ingredients to make their matte-finish paints. It is also great to find a paint manufacturer that goes beyond one green product in their whole line — they support a complete culture of sustainability and do their share. See below for some of their green practices. Their paints are also made in the U.S. (in a wide variety of colors, might I add), so there are fewer worries about the distance your paint purchase must travel to reach you. If you wish, you can also try to find a dealer in your area.

DESIGN IS IN THE DETAIL

I intended for this focal point to have the best of both worlds. Introducing the natural walnut into the grey green slate was intended to create friction between the organic nature of these materials. One material is very cool and rough and the other is warm and highly refined

MID CENTURY MODERN INTERIOR