Greg Saunders
Pool house - mid-sized contemporary backyard tile and custom-shaped pool house idea in Boston

It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

Mark Boisclair
Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern backyard stone and custom-shaped infinity pool fountain remodel in Phoenix

This steel and wood covered patio makes for a great outdoor living and dining area overlooking the pool There is also a pool cabana with a fireplace and a TV for lounging poolside.

Large island style backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped water slide photo in Orange County

The outdoor living area utilizes bold radial lines to offer a sense of unobstructed openness along the panoramic riverside views. Special consideration was given to the design and engineering of the outdoor space to allow a massive 60-foot span between columns, resulting in an unparalleled view. Playful geometric shapes speak to an easy livability that belie the bold and glamorous design. The second floor deck provides seamless access from the guest bedrooms, office and exercise rooms. The use of glass railing and zero-edge doors carefully preserve the view. A Grand ARDA for Outdoor Living Design goes to RG Designs and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Pool with Pennsylvania bluestone coping and decks, copper scupper fountains surrounded by a lush landscape. Photo By Sara Donaldson
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard rectangular and stone infinity pool fountain remodel in Dallas

Mid-sized island style backyard rectangular and concrete lap water slide photo in San Diego

Inspiration for a large modern indoor rectangular lap hot tub remodel in San Francisco with decking

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

Hot tub - mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular and stone lap hot tub idea in Boston

Traditional rectangular pool with beautiful landscaping.
Inspiration for a timeless rectangular pool remodel in DC Metro

Hot tub - mid-sized contemporary backyard tile and rectangular infinity hot tub idea in Miami

Custom pool design
Hot tub - large rustic backyard stone and custom-shaped natural hot tub idea in Philadelphia

Shane Leblanc
Example of a huge tuscan backyard stone and rectangular hot tub design in Other

Example of a huge cottage backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped infinity water slide design in Nashville

Champion Pools & Spa Inc
Large trendy backyard rectangular lap pool photo in Miami

Heather Fritz
Inspiration for a huge rustic backyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped natural water slide remodel in Atlanta

Custom cabana with fireplace, tv, living space, and dining area
Inspiration for a huge timeless backyard stone and rectangular pool house remodel in Chicago