Dara Caponigro is a celebrated design visionary known for her ability to bring authenticity and artistry into every space she touches. With a passion for blending timeless style with fresh creativity, she’s a leading voice in interior and garden design.
Melanie Acevedo
Her latest book, Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers, showcases her unique perspective, featuring breathtaking outdoor spaces that inspire readers to reimagine their own gardens as extensions of their homes. Featuring West Coast icons Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mark D. Sikes, and Todd Nickey, this stunning new book brings the vibrant beauty of their gardens to the page, offering fresh ideas for outdoor spaces that are as thoughtful as the interiors they create.
Signature Elements of Western Gardens
From Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers by Dara Caponigro, © 2025. Photograph by Amy Neunsinger. Published by Monacelli.
Western gardens have a magic all their own—lush yet livable, elegant yet endlessly functional. For West Coast icons like Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mark D. Sikes, and Todd Nickey, the secret lies in creating outdoor spaces that are as thoughtfully designed as the rooms inside their homes. “Because California is warm year-round, there’s a greater emphasis on creating beautiful outdoor living spaces,” says Dara Caponigro. “They are a true extension of the interiors and receive equal consideration.”
Take Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s garden, for instance—a glamorous escape where sultry green plantings meet dramatic design. Built-in banquettes, graphic tile, and distinct spaces for lounging, cocktails, and dining make every corner feel decorated and intentional. Similarly, Mark D. Sikes channels timeless sophistication with structured greenery like boxwood topiaries in classic terra-cotta pots and architectural hedges that double as privacy screens. Even Todd Nickey’s relaxed, contemporary garden achieves that perfect California balance—effortlessly stylish yet entirely approachable. Whether it’s lush greenery or drought-friendly plants, these gardens embody the West’s signature ability to blend beauty and function seamlessly.
Beautifully Blurred
From Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers by Dara Caponigro, © 2025. Photograph by Laura Resen. Published by Monacelli.
In the hands of these visionary West Coast designers, outdoor spaces become seamless extensions of the home. “Just as much care and thought go into designing their outdoor spaces as their interiors,” says Dara. The key? Paying attention to sight lines and creating harmony between the indoors and out. Thoughtfully designed gardens frame up beautifully through windows and doors, ensuring a cohesive flow that reflects the home’s singular aesthetic.
For readers looking to craft their own “outdoor rooms,” Dara recommends treating them just like any other room: “Make sure there’s a comfortable place to sit, a spot to rest your drink, a focal point, and a sense of scale.” West Coast gardens also enjoy distinct advantages, thanks to their mild climate. Martyn Lawrence Bullard embraces materials like zellige tile that wouldn’t hold up in freezing conditions while incorporating elements like antique pottery and sculptures that weather gracefully outdoors. The result is a relaxed yet refined approach to outdoor living, perfectly suited for year-round enjoyment.
Stylish Sanctuaries
From Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers by Dara Caponigro, © 2025. Photograph by Caitlin Atkinson. Published by Monacelli.
Gardens aren’t just an extension of the home—they’re deeply personal spaces where creativity and nature collide. “What I found most interesting about working on the book is that these interior designers have found great satisfaction in creating their gardens, even though it isn’t their specialty,” says Dara. For these design icons, the garden becomes a space where they can let go of control, embrace the unpredictability of nature, and, in the process, discover a newfound sense of patience and reward. Their personal Edens reflect not only their signature style but also the transformative power of working with the land.
To turn your own outdoor space into a restorative retreat, start with sensory elements. A simple water feature, like a small fountain, can create a calming ambiance. Don’t underestimate the power of scent, either—fragrant blooms like jasmine, or even herbs like rosemary and lavender, can transport you to a peaceful state of mind. In the end, a garden isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a place to reconnect, recharge, and escape.
Legendary Lessons
From Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers by Dara Caponigro, © 2025. Photograph by Matthew Millman. Published by Monacelli.
One of the biggest takeaways from Glorious Gardens is that even the smallest outdoor space can be transformed into something luxurious and lush with a bit of creativity. Freestanding pergolas wrapped in climbing vines instantly create architecture and intimacy, offering a sense of “room” within the garden. For a smaller footprint, planting low hedges—just 18 inches tall—can add order and structure without closing off the space. These hedges can frame planting beds or create zones, bringing a thoughtful, layered design approach that feels both polished and welcoming.
“I hope this book inspires readers to put as much thought and energy into their outdoor spaces as they do when decorating the inside of their homes,” encourages Dara. And why not? A beautiful garden isn’t just a backdrop— it’s a way to expand your world, invite creativity, and carve out a space that feels uniquely your own. Whether it’s a tiny patio or a sprawling backyard, there’s an opportunity to rethink, refresh, and fall in love with your outdoor sanctuary.
Monacelli
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