Inspiration for a transitional backyard patio remodel in Houston with a fire pit

Located within a gated golf course community on the shoreline of Buzzards Bay this residence is a graceful and refined Gambrel style home. The traditional lines blend quietly into the surroundings. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

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.

Huge minimalist open concept living room photo in Los Angeles

Designed & Photographed by Doug Lynn Built by Olympic Atlanta Pool & Spa
Pool - traditional kidney-shaped pool idea in Atlanta

This fifty-foot arcing infinity pool fits seamlessly into the environment and matches the contemporary style of the home.
Inspiration for a contemporary infinity pool remodel in Dallas

This pool and spa combination has an Infinity Edge. The spa is raised slightly with a Negative Edge that overflows into the infinity gutter system. Both inside coping and tile are Black Absolute Granite with a honed finish. Outside coping is 2’ x2’ Bluestone pavers and both pool and spa are finished with a Black Galaxy Pebblefina.

With an existing pool and retaining walls, we took this space and made it more modern offering many various spaces for lounging, enjoying the fire, listening to the water feature and an upper synthetic turf area for playing games. It is complete with bluestone pavers, a modern water feature and reflecting pool, a raised ipe deck, synthetic turf, glass railings, a modern, gas fire bowl and a stunning cedar privacy wall!

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

Renovated to accommodate a family of eight, this oceanfront home proudly overlooks the gateway to Marblehead Neck. This renovation preserves and highlights the character and charm of the existing circa 1900 gambrel while providing comfortable living for this large family. The finished product is a unique combination of fresh traditional, as exemplified by the contrast of the pool house interior and exterior. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Selections & Furnishings | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architecture | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

Tuscan stone and l-shaped pool photo in Los Angeles

The great room flows onto the large lanai through pocketing glass doors creating a seamless indoor outdoor experience. On the lanai teak daybeds imported from Bali face each other with custom blue covers and throw pillows in blue with coral motifs, the rectangular pool is complete with an aqua lounge, built-in spa, and a swim up bar at the outdoor BBQ. The flooring is a gray ceramic tile, the pool coping is natural puka pavers, The house a combination of traditional plantation style seen in the white board and batten walls, with a modern twist seen in the wood framed glass doors, thick square exposed tails and ebony stained square posts supporting the overhangs.

This modern Mediterranean residence features a private courtyard with a raised, zero edge, all-tile pool with stone terraces and seating areas around on all sides.

Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular pool house design in DC Metro

Summer Classics Outdoor Furniture: Skye Collection: Viking legend describes Scotland’s Isle of Skye as the Winged Isle; romanticizing its mist-laden and mountainous scenery. Our stackable patent pending Skye has cloudlike curves and is fully woven for worry-free coastal enjoyment. Made from a 6mm hand-woven, flat, ™ resin. Shown outdoor chaise lounge, outdoor patio furniture, pool furniture, end tables, patio furniture set.

Pool - traditional rectangular pool idea in Austin

Infinity Pool With A View. The perfect blue infinity pool creates an illusion of the sky and pool meshing as one. The storybook location for an afternoon BBQ pool party.

Inspiration for a contemporary lap pool remodel in Austin