Renowned exterior design firm Inner Gardens is led by Stephen Block, celebrity landscape designer and antiques dealer. Stephen is guided by the principle of wabi-sabi, the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. He embraces vintage and antique designs as well as aged reproductions that transform garden spaces from ordinary to extraordinary. Stephen has created stunning interior and exterior landscape designs for many respected clients, including Spago, Soho House, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Elton John, and Ellen Pompeo. See some of Stephen’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Lush greenery creates a secluded tropical oasis around this tranquil pool, perfectly blending privacy with natural beauty.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Stephen Block: While I had no formal design education, my inspiration came from my deep love of plants and antiques. A lot of design is about “placement.” I just seemed to know where to place objects.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
SB: Tension, hand, and heart.
This playful, tucked-away corner uses sculptural seating and whimsical accents to create a shaded escape beneath lush palms.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
SB: I look for inspiration from a tree, shrub or object. Whether it exists on the property, in a nursery or in my inventory.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
SB: It seems the last 10 years have been about all things modern. I am starting to feel a return to a bit more richness. Modern needs a bit more love — by that, I mean a touch of warmth and richness to soften its edges.
This thoughtfully arranged grouping of planters and a reflective mirror elegantly fills the empty wall space, creating visual depth and texture.
AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
SB: A return to richness, more movement and less straight lines.
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
SB: Antique objects, firepits, water features, unusual and odd follies like giant mushrooms.
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