Arcadia Studio-Designing for Outdoor Living

Landscape Architect Derrik Eichelberger created welcoming outdoor living areas for a Montecito getaway.

Enjoying a typically beautiful morning in Santa Barbara, Dianne and Albert Orlando marveled at the fact that it was only the day before that they had left the inclement weather on the east coast behind. Soaking up the sun’s warmth as they settled into their chairs it was clear that choosing this place for a second home was the right decision.

Although they knew no one in the area at the time, they found making friends was easy and now feel a part of the community. In fact, recommendations from these new friends and their real estate agent Rebecca Riskin made a project that was 2000 miles away from their Connecticut home easier to accomplish. The project was kept on schedule by Darrell Becker of Becker Construction. Darrell’s wife, Kirstin Kemp Becker, was the couple’s eyes during construction, assisting with color selection and finishes.

Landscape architect Derrik Eichelberger of Arcadia Studio came highly recommended. “He completely won us over,” Albert notes. “We worked very closely with him to develop the landscape plan.” Now each time the couple arrives, the garden has grown more inviting as seasonal blooms create new floral scents to greet them. “It’s as if Derrick planned these surprises for us,” Dianne says.

The addition of a terrace with a fireplace, trellised bar area, and lounging banquette was inspired by rustic Napa-style outdoor rooms and allows the Orlandos to take full advantage of the California lifestyle they yearn for during snowy winters and humid summers in Greenwich.

Eichelberger designed the fountain using a salvaged copper bird bath with a custom designed iron stand set in a hand carved sandstone basin. Vintage chair and baklava table from Maison K in Montecito.

The Orlandos, during visits to Santa Barbara, ventured out to discover locally-owned shops and craftsmen - Porch, Maison K, and Steven Handelman among them - making friends with owners whose design sensibilities reflect the Santa Barbara style they admire.

They’re amazed by how easy outdoor entertaining can be with ready access to farmers markets, fresh local fish and specialty food shops such as C’est Cheese and Our Daily Bread. Add to this the abundance of flowers and citrus branches in their garden that makes creating loose arrangements for casual entertaining effortless.

orlando-kitchen-jb

Napa-based Architect Tom Thornton reorganized the floor plan by creating a large open kitchen in the center of the house as the focus for informal, California-Style living. Food, wine and entertainment for family and friends in comfortable surroundings were the themes.

The Architect added rustic charm to the higher ceilings with vintage wood timbers – evocative of the older agricultural barns and “ghost wineries” in the wine country. Greenwich-based interior designer Betsy Finley helped with the selection of furnishings in the living room.

Black tile on floor in bathroom is antique reclaimed French tile. A view of ocean and garden adds a sense of spa-like serenity.

“The time we’ve been spending here is bound to increase in the coming years because Santa Barbara is a place that replenishes our spirits,” Dianne smiles. “We feel blessed that we are able to take advantage of this gift.”

Arcadia Studio Landscape Architecture

Derrik Eichelberger

202 E. Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.962.9055

Visit the website:

www.arcadiastudio.com

Resources for Home, Garden and Entertaining

Hand-woven Tunisian linens, 3-Tiered iron centerpiece strewn with succulents was fashioned from old foundry parts and vintage belgian bread board available at PORCH in Carpinteria.

Porch

5065 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013

www.porchsb.com