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Amber Lewis & GSLA Studio Embrace Rustic Materials and Naturalistic Gardens

Located on a spacious property, Amber Lewis & landscape design studio, GSLA, craft a home embraced by rustic materials & naturalistic gardens.
Amber Lewis & GSLA Studio Embrace Rustic Materials and Naturalistic Gardens

Located on a spacious property adorned with established trees, Amber Lewis (Interior Designer) and landscape architecture firm, GSLA Studio, craft a home embraced by rustic materials and naturalistic gardens.

Framed with uniquely shaped olive trees on either end of the entrance, finely textured plants and other organic materials like crushed gravel, reclaimed wood and cobblestones are used on the exterior of the home.

The garden outside the front entrance, features a blend of “Boxwood balls and Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ (Coast Rosemary) to provide some structure, then did a mix of Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue) and Carex divulsa (Berkeley Sedge) grasses, punctuated by some Agave ‘Blue Glow’ and Crassula multicava (Fairy Crassula).” Ryan Gutierrez of GSLA Studio.

Amber Lewis uses natural materials like white washed stone and reclaimed grey weathered wood for garage doors while GSLA creates naturalistic gardens around the sides.
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

Exhibiting the classic rustic charm of the architecture, the garage doors of this home are made with weathered gray wood, conveying a sense of age and solidity while traditional barn-style light fixtures are used to provide light and safety at evening hours .

The balance between the structured elements and the more organic forms of the plants, adds life and color to the composition, creating a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings, making the garden seem like a natural extension of the landscape.

GSLA Studio surrounds firepit and wicker chairs with meandering crushed gravel paths and finely textures native plants consisting of ornamental grasses and wildflowers.
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

Surrounding the home, GSLA Studio created wild-style gardens showcasing a variety of plants that offer different textures, from the wispy, fine foliage of grasses to the broader leaves of shrubs. This diversity creates visual interest and depth.

On the edge of the property, tall trees and dense shrubbery form a natural backdrop that frames the sitting area, enhancing the sense of seclusion and privacy. 

The landscape architecture of this garden’s layout demonstrates an organic approach, favoring soft curves and natural shapes over rigid geometric forms.

Amber Lewis places outdoor seating areas adjacent to the home to have indoor and outdoor connections between spaces.
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

Amber Lewis, known for her use of natural materials, combines rustic white stone walls and a dark facade to create a striking contrast amongst the lush gardens.

Celebrated for her fresh approach to interior design, Amber Lewis emphasizes comfort, functionality, and personal style. Her work continues to inspire homeowners and design enthusiasts around the world.

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GSLA Studio creates lush backyard with open lawn spaces around a in-ground swimming pool adjacent to a outdoor kitchen area with fireplace and seating.
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

In the backyard, GSLA Studio balances the structure of the home with natural and man-made elements, showcasing a cohesive landscape design that integrates architecture with nature.

Near the home GSLA Studio used “Lavandula x heterophylla (Sweet Lavender), Lavandula x intermedia ‘Provence’ (Provence French Lavender), Lavandula stoechas ‘Otto Quast’ (Spanish Lavender ‘Otto Quast’), Rosemary- both prostrate and upright, Little Ollies, Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Walker’s Low Catmint), Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy), Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’ (Dwarf Mat Rush), Euphorbia characias wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge), Gaura lindheimerii ‘Whirling Butterflies’, Agave ‘Blue Flame’, Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ and Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ Ryan Gutierrez of GSLA Studio.

GSLA Studio and Amber Lewis create an outdoor kitchen area with grill and table for seating.
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

Adjoining the large open lawn space is an outdoor kitchen suited with grill, kitchen table, fireplace, outdoor seating, and a pergola with large reclaimed lumber.

In the meadow, GSLA created a mix of “Pennisetum spathiolatum (Slender Veldt Grass), Sesleria autumnalis (Autumn Moor Grass), Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’ (Dwarf Mat Rush), Miscanthus adagio (Adagio Maiden Grass), Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass), Muhlenbergia ‘Pink Flamingo’ (Pink Flamingo Muhly Grass), Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue), Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’ (Canyon Prince Wild Rye) and Carex divulsa (Berkeley Sedge). We punctuated the grasses with Agave weberi, Romneya coulteri (Matilija Poppy), Gaura lindheimerii ‘Whirling Butterflies’, Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ (Coast Rosemary), and Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy)” Ryan Gutierrez of GSLA Studio.

Amber Lewis & GSLA Studio Embrace Rustic Materials and Naturalistic Gardens
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

Showcasing a modern residential structure that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, the house displays a fusion of traditional and contemporary design elements.

The incorporation of large windows enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, providing ample natural light and views of the landscape, suggesting a design philosophy that values openness and integration with nature

Amber Lewis & GSLA Studio Embrace Rustic Materials and Naturalistic Gardens
Landscape Architecture by GSLA Studio // Interior & Exterior by Amber Lewis // Photography by Caitlin Atkinson

GSLA Studio’s approach in landscape architecture is rooted in honoring the intrinsic value of a location, ensuring each project embodies a deep connection with the place’s dynamic essence, alongside practical and aesthetic considerations.

The methodology of their work is versatile, addressing a broad range of scales and aspects to align with your project’s requirements, emphasizing a process-oriented approach that aims to infuse balance and elegance into your environment.

Landscape Architecture by: GSLA Studio

Interior Design / Exteriors by: Amber Lewis (Amber Interiors)

Contractor: J.R. Payne Construction

Photography by: Caitlin Atkinson Photography

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