Mini rooms for hanging out

Editor's pick / special mention

Every garden needs at least one spot where friends can linger, day or night. For this backyard in Alamo, California, a poolside “room” is that spot. Crape myrtles and red phormiums, flanking the fireplace, define the room; the chimney creates a visual centerpiece for the area. At night, the fire’s glow reflects on the surface of the water while guests can hang out on the low walls of ledger stone.

Design: Stefan Thuilot, Thuilot Associates, Berkeley (thuilot.com or 510/848-3200).