This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

CAMBRIA QUARTZ - BERWYN, OLIMPIA TILE, AND POSEIDON BACKSPLASH

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Sera Trimble
Small transitional porcelain tile kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and colored appliances

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized country porcelain tile mudroom design in Seattle with green walls

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

Governor's House Entry by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago