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Elegant backyard concrete paver and rectangular pool house photo in New York

Photo credit: Denise Retallack Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional subway tile and white tile mosaic tile floor alcove bathtub remodel with a pedestal sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and blue walls

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

The powder room has a beautiful sculptural mirror that complements the mercury glass hanging pendant lights. The chevron tiled backsplash adds visual interest while creating a focal wall.

Geometric pool with copper scuppers, large raised spa with spillway and inpool barstools.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard custom-shaped and tile lap hot tub design in Austin

Amazing Contemporary Home in Scottsdale AZ. Impressive lautner Edge and Negative Edge Entry feature and Gravity Defying, Acrylic Panel Walled, All Bisazza Glass tile Roof top pool and spa is an example of engineering excellence Photo Credit Michael Duerinckx of INCKX Photography

Request Free Quote This indoor swimming pool and hot tub in Wilmette, IL measures 14'4" x 39'6", and is 3'6" to 8'0" deep. The spa is 6'0" x 9'0". Indiana Limestone Coping sets off the Ivory-colored exposed aggregate pool finish, and the beige colored ceramic tile on the hot tub dam wall and perimeter. Columns set off the amazing hand-painted ceiling with skylights. Photography by Outvision Photography

Heath tile on Backsplash and Kick, Island, Custom Stools Farrow and Ball Inchyra cabinets Vintage stools, Home Bar, Pool House Bar
Inspiration for a small coastal galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, green backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, a peninsula, white countertops, a farmhouse sink, quartzite countertops and paneled appliances

This was a remodel of the homeowners "florida room" - the roofline used to be much lower, and we had to raise the ceiling line to make it taller so that we could have as much of the door be glass and open space to see the great view. We put in travertine tiles in the Florida Room which was then carried out to the new patio, but the existing pool - previously, was much larger, however they were looking for something more along the lines of a "dipping pool" so we replaced the larger pool with a smaller pool with additional levels. The deck was extended and we planted new palm trees and new landscaping. We also incorporated water features alongside the pool to give the feel of a unique aquatic oasis.

One of our most popular styles this Infinity or Rimless Pool and Spa combination has full length steps and a deep end bench. Both inside and outside copings are Bluestone with a thermal finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.

Landon Acohido www.acophoto.com
Mid-sized beach style backyard rectangular and tile infinity pool fountain photo in Seattle

This stunning luxury backyard features a glowing infinity-edge pool framed by elegant water features and handcrafted tile insets, creating a tranquil resort-style atmosphere. A dramatic stone-clad pergola anchors the space, complete with string lighting, a cantera stone fireplace, and custom lounge seating beneath heavy wood beam rafters. The symmetrical fountain wall and elevated spa offer serene sounds and visual balance, while Mediterranean-style planters, brick and masonry columns, and wrought iron railings add architectural depth. Set against a vivid twilight sky, this backyard retreat merges classic European charm with modern luxury pool design.

Landon Acohido www.acophoto.com
Large beach style side yard stone and rectangular infinity hot tub photo in Seattle

Request Free Quote This freeform pool in Elmhurst, IL measures approximately 15'0" x 33'0". The raised hot tub is 7'0" round, and has a waterfall spilling into the pool. Other features include a thermal shelf with bubblers, flagstone coping and brick paver decking. Photos by Larry Huene.

This natural pool and spa waterfall design & installation in Bergen County, Northern NJ, is a perfect retreat. Natural stone coping and patio with an enormous waterfall, tranquil to the eyes as well as the ears.

The Cipriano Landscape Architecture office used LED and fiber optic pool & landscape lighting to bring out all of the violin pool's characteristics. The entire pool and spa are finished in a unique glass tile gradient which beautifully reflects the pool lighting. Landscape lighting finishes out the nighttime scene for this luxury property.

This unique glass tile violin pool design & installation includes both geometric as well as straight lines to create a piece of true art. In the bottom corner of the violin, there is a spa that appears like a chinrest for the violinist. On the other end, over 90’ away, the pool practically transforms into a lap pool running up the neck of the violin. In order to maintain a refined look, every single detail was included in the violin design, such as the tuning pegs, upper and lower bouts, F-holes, the purfling and strings.

A little used in-ground whirlpool was removed from the area at the end of the pool to make room for an outdoor living room. It features a BBQ station (beside the kitchen walkout) plus a sumptuous lounge area with three sectional sofas. The highlight is a cozy fire feature which adds drama and helps to extend the season.

Located in Çeşme, İzmir, this project brings together contemporary outdoor design with the aesthetic strength of Serapool porcelain. The fixed seating area, crafted with Pool Garden Grey porcelain terrace tiles, creates a prestigious poolside living space with the sophisticated elegance of grey tones. The Olcay Mix pool tiles add a refreshing and balanced atmosphere to the swimming area. Thanks to the porcelain's water absorption rate below 0.5%, the structure delivers long-lasting performance. High resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and thermal shock ensures lasting comfort in outdoor conditions. A slip resistance rating of PTV ≥ 45° enhances both safety and user experience. The fixed architectural solution eliminates the need for storing outdoor furniture, offering added ease of use. This is not just a seating area—it’s a holistic design that integrates with its surroundings through aesthetic transitions, offering a functional and luxurious lifestyle.