Articles by Lauren Dunec Design

Outdoor lighting can do so much to improve an outdoor space: It can mark the way, highlight a landscape design, complement a home’s architecture and boost the ambiance of an outdoor seating or dining area in the evening. It’s also one of the most popu…

Why bother with fresh flowers when you can have a fresh focal point that’s just as beautiful but lasts for years? If you haven’t already hopped on the succulent bandwagon, perhaps we can convince you with this roundup of 10 stunning and diverse succul…

Situated at the end of a long driveway and surrounded by mature redwood, oak and olive trees, this front yard seating area in the San Francisco Bay Area feels perfectly secluded. Cafe string lights twinkle overhead, and the sun winks between the treet…

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or entertain a few friends, a private garden nook can provide the perfect escape in your own backyard. In small gardens, nooks serve as focal points and inviting destinations and, in large gardens, they func…

As we move into prime outdoor entertaining season, it doesn’t take much to get your outdoor space ready for hosting. You’ve already dusted off the patio set and double-checked your stash of barbecue briquettes; now how about adding a welcoming pot of …

The sun’s out, the weather’s warm and it’s the perfect time of year to get out of town for a holiday. But that hot and dry summer climate can wreak havoc on gardens left unattended for a week or more. If you’d like to take that vacation and return hom…

As we move into the full swing of summer, temperatures climb and container gardens often need a little extra care to stay looking fresh. Watering is key for container garden care, and when and how you water make a difference. For potted displays that …

This courtyard sits at the end of a narrow San Francisco lot, behind another house, and serves as the entry for the garden-unit home behind it. Soft plantings in tones of green, bronze and purple surround the space, creating the feeling of being world…

Succulents are wildly popular with beginning gardeners and seasoned horticulturalists for good reason. They come in a dazzling diversity of forms, colors and varieties and don’t need to be fussed over with frequent watering. Potted up as patio accents…

When the weather’s right, there’s nothing like a leisurely meal enjoyed under the open sky, with soft breezes wafting through and views of the garden or — if you’re lucky — a lake or seashore. As we move into prime outdoor entertaining season, it’s ti…