Design ideas for a tropical shade backyard water fountain landscape in Miami with decking for fall.

A rustic pergola provides a shady spot beside the pool. Robert Benson Photography
Inspiration for a huge farmhouse side yard stone and rectangular pool remodel in New York

Sunken seating area with integrated hot tub at pool edge. Other design elements include "shade sail" lounge deck, xeriscape planting, steel fire feature, concrete step pads, indoor / outdoor lifestyle connections.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Inspiration for a large traditional shade backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

Swimming pool renovation with outdoor sunning area, covered seating area, gazebo, and outdoor fireplace
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone and kidney-shaped lap pool fountain photo in Toronto

Michael Todoran
Inspiration for a large modern backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a pergola

Example of a cottage white two-story exterior home design in New York with a shingle roof

Patio fountain - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete patio fountain idea in Tampa with a gazebo

One can enjoy the beautiful Florida sun while sitting in the McKinnon & Harris patio furniture, overlooking the pool deck & spa. Taylor Architectural Photography

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Island style backyard stone and l-shaped lap pool photo in Other

Example of a mid-sized minimalist pool design in Richmond

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.