View of the backyard from inside the dining room. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
A tiled fountain provides a charming backdrop and calming sound to a table and chairs in the central court. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Marek conceived parts of the yard as extensions of the rooms inside the house and made every inch count. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
A glass-tiled spa was created in the pool, replacing an outdated hot tub and bringing the design into the 21st century. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Wisteria hangs from the pergola over an outdoor dining table. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The backyard of this Santa Monica home was redesigned by landscape architect Joseph Marek. (Ricardo DeAratanmha / Los Angeles Times)
Marek added a wood pergola with stucco columns off the indoor kitchen. (Ricardo DeAratanmha / Los Angeles Times)
A detail of the Santa Monica backyard designed by landscape architect Joseph Marek. (Ricardo DeAratanmha / Los Angeles Times )
The pool in the Santa Monica backyard. (Ricardo DeAratanmha / Los Angeles Times)
Landscape architect Joseph Marek packed a ton of function and seamless design into a Mediterranean-style garden for clients in Santa Monica. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
A pond filled with water lilies greets visitors to the Santa Monica home, signaling the quiet retreat to be found in the backyard. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times )
Water lilies on a pond in the front yard. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
