Regional: Morro Bay, CA

A wow backdrop

Without missing a beat, this backyard echoes its stunning view of Morro Bay, California. Every element and material takes a cue from the estuary setting, including paths that mimic the shoreline curves, a concrete wall bench whose sheen mirrors the bay’s still waters, and flagstone pavers in the colors of the distant sandspit. A meandering path leads to a bench overlooking the bay. Ah, solitude.

Design:  Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture, Baywood Park, CA (805/528-2118)

Steal it: Let the landscape you love inspire your paving. Landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith chose flagstone pavers with dark Mexican pebbles between them to resemble the fingers of water that drain to the bay.