San Francisco Backyard as Indoor Living Room: Teak Daybed, Carved Mirror, and Tropical Foliage

San Francisco Backyard as Indoor Living Room: Teak Daybed, Carved Mirror, and Tropical Foliage

Interior designer Antonio Martins's 25×25-ft backyard behind a narrow Victorian three-flat (former brothel) feels like a luxe Rio resort corner. "This garden and everything in it has a history," says Martins, who grew up in Rio surrounded by tropical gardens.

• Specimens from arboretum plant sales among existing citrus trees.
• Angel's trumpet perfumes the air.
• "More important for a garden to have meaning for you than to be in fashion. It has to be beautiful and timeless."

DESIGN: Antonio Martins Interior Design, San Francisco (415/369-9989)

The Perfect Room

1. Generous seat: Teak daybed from Bali; night sleep under stars with cozy throw. Red Sunbrella pillows (Restoration Hardware, $29) and patterned ones.
2. Mirror for space illusion: Wood carved/textured in Brazil, assembled in SF framing store. Stands up to sun/rain.
3. Rugged coffee table: From SF Flower & Garden Show; Indonesian old teak railroad ties—very durable.
4. Lanterns: Magic at night; candlelight reflects on glossy tropical foliage.
5. Improvised side table: Redwood round from Healdsburg on rusted steel pedestal from salvage store.

Antonio's Inspirations

• Rattan chairs (all-weather lounge, breezy resort look).
• Distinctive flooring: travertine pavers, seven sizes random pattern—beautiful texture/patina with age.
• Tropical foliage: evergreens (dracaenas, pygmy date palm) carry show year-round; staghorn ferns wired to trunks.