As the winter darkness continues to creep in and the days get painfully short here in Boston, I crave the light of southern climates.  Sarah Sherman Samuel’s new garden in Palm springs is just where I’d like to be.  This makeover transforms a manky and dark a-frame home in the desert of Palm Springs, CA to a light and fresh modern home for a growing family.  My favorite elements are those giant wood blocks that make the paths and patio floors (a diamond in the rough gift from the renovation gods) and the cactus with the backdrop of the white-painted stone.  I love that particular mix of textures in the garden.  And did you see the painted white stock tank plunge pool?  It is so sweet and fun and far better to look at than any blow up rubber job that you might pick up at the toy store.

Make sure you head over to Sarah’s blog to see more (and there is a lot more to see) of this fantastic makeover!

Before, the A-frame home was dark and garden was full of garbage, debris and dead trees.

After a fresh coat of white paint, a new roof and a-lot of garden cleanup.

Before – Despite being in the sunny desert, this garden looks dark and miserable.

After – A new fence, tree pruning, and distinctive white gravel makes the space much more attractive.

images: sarah sherman samuel