Edward Sorano and Scott Ellis didnt have a big garden budget for their Woodland Hills home, but they created a lovely outdoor area with Indonesian fabrics, gurgling fountains and tropical plants. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The Woodland Hills couple created a backyard retreat that reflects their memories of trips to Thailand and Hawaii. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The pool area is transformed thanks to purchases at garage and estate sales, thrift stores and the clearance shelves at places such as Costco, Lamps Plus and Osh. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The outdoor dining room is defined by white floor-to-ceiling sheers, $10 a pair from IKEA. The curtains are hung from bamboo dowels that are attached to the patios awning with clear fishing line. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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The curtains were easy additions to the existing space and can be closed for a cozy effect or left open, giving views of the pool. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The dining chairs, re-covered in vinyl from a downtown Los Angeles fabric store, and the hefty glass-topped dining table are all from garage sales. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Ellis reimagined the landscape, adding Japanese maple, oleander, canna and Hawaiian ti plants. He placed $12 palms from Home Depot in oversized pots from Costco and Osh around the pool. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Sorano estimates that he and Ellis spent about $4,000 for the furniture (including seating areas around the pool), water features, tile, bar, curtains, pots and plants. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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The Woodland Hills couple tried to evoke Bangkoks Sukhothai Hotel in their outdoor area. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The gardens of Thailand and those surrounding their temples are beautiful and calm, Sorano says. I promised myself that if I ever bought a home, I would incorporate that look and feel. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
