Design with Intention: A Thoughtful Exterior by Garden Studio Design

Some of the most compelling exteriors don’t shout for attention, they simply feel right. Every element has a purpose, and nothing feels overdone. That’s exactly what stood out to us about Garden Studio Design’s Newport Harbor 2 project.

From the layered materials to the way details repeat throughout the space, the entire exterior feels calm, balanced, and timeless. Even the smallest elements, like the house numbers, feel thoughtfully chosen, not tacked on at the last minute.

About Garden Studio Design

Garden Studio Design is a luxury landscape design/build firm based in Newport Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, they work with clients both locally and around the world on custom residential, renovation and commercial projects.

At the heart of their work is a simple goal: to reimagine underused outdoor spaces, add real value to a property, and create places where people can gather and enjoy life. Guided by a shared passion for creativity and innovation, their team brings together a wide range of expertise to design award-winning landscapes that feel refined, inviting, and personal. The result is outdoor spaces that feel thoughtfully crafted and anything but ordinary.

Starting with a Clear Goal

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

We caught up with Chris Fenmore, Founder and Principal Designer at Garden Studio Design to talk about her approach to the project, the decisions that shaped the landscape, and how those finishing touches helped bring everything together.

From day one, the vision was clear.

“Our design objective was to create a landscape that feels clean, balanced, and intentional,” Fenmore shared. “We wanted to honor the home’s traditional architecture while giving it a fresh, streamlined edge, classic, but very much of today.”

The home itself helped lead the way. White painted brick, reclaimed wood shutters, and a coordinating garage door add warmth and depth, while sleek black metal windows introduce contrast and structure.

“That mix of old and new really set the tone,” she explained. “It gave us a framework to layer materials without creating visual noise.”

Hardscape That Complements the Architecture

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

With such a rich architectural texture, restraint was especially important, particularly when it came to the hardscape.

“The home already has a lot going on visually,” Chris notes, “so we chose materials that were textured, but still subtle.”

Muted cobblestone grounds the front yard pathways and driveway, adding character without overpowering the space. In the backyard, soft limestone laid in a running bond pattern creates a quieter, more refined foundation.

“Both materials work beautifully with the home’s finishes,” they add, “and help keep the overall look balanced instead of busy.”

Plantings with Purpose

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

That same intentional mindset carried through to the planting design.

“We avoided overcrowding,” they explain, “and focused on a clean, textural palette instead.” Groupings of soft, mounding plants in varying shades of green create a layered look that feels cohesive throughout the landscape.

To keep things relaxed, airy grasses were woven in as well.

“They add movement and a light, coastal feel,” Chris shares. “That contrast helps soften the more structured elements.”

Classic touches still have their place, too. “Details like the climbing white rose bring in an estate-like charm,” they note, “but still feel effortless and beach-adjacent.”

Finishing Details That Bring Everything Together

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

As with many great designs, it’s the finishing touches that really make the project feel complete.

A salvaged wood garden fence introduces warmth and a hint of cottage charm, while the front gate, paired with clean black hardware, feels welcoming, textured, and modern all at once.

A multi-trunk olive tree anchors the front yard, adding scale, texture, and a sense of permanence. Even the smallest details were carefully considered.

“Subtle choices, like the green seams within the hardscape, help reinforce balance across the entire exterior,” she explains.

Partnering with Modern House Numbers

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

House numbers may seem small, but when chosen thoughtfully, they play a surprisingly important role.

For the Newport Harbor 2 project, Garden Studio Design partnered with Modern House Numbers, selecting Palm Springs QuickShip house numbers in a matte black finish.

“The modern black numbers provide a crisp contrast against the lighter tones of the home,” the team shares. “They quietly signal that while the house is rooted in tradition, it’s been thoughtfully updated for today.”

The Palm Springs style’s clean, architectural lines complement the structure without stealing the spotlight, while the matte black finish ties directly into the black metal windows, gate hardware, and other dark accents throughout the exterior.

“Repeating black elements helped connect the whites, natural textures, and muted palette,” they add, “so everything feels cohesive from start to finish.”

A Cohesive Exterior, By Design

Photo Credit: Riley Starr

In the end, Newport Harbor 2 is a perfect example of how intention shows up in the details. When materials, textures, and finishes are chosen with care, the result feels natural, never forced. Even small elements, like house numbers, play a role in reinforcing that sense of balance.

It’s exactly the kind of exterior design we love to be part of: thoughtful, timeless, and quietly confident. To explore more of Garden Studio Design’s work, visit their website at gardenstudiodesign.com.