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. This was done by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing portion of the patio, 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 it's surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool with their 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 overwhelming in the space) and also opened up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive Pecan tree 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 possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited for proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks added, and once again expertly married into the existing decks, opening the area to house a large dining table and a newly 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. 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 landscape as possible. But, the surrounding decks, walls and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle-yet-transformative changes that came together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, as well as to improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of this massive hardscape.

After: Gunite Pool with spa, travertine pool decking and landscape
Huge elegant pool photo in New York

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard brick and rectangular lap pool fountain remodel in Charlotte

Materials: Orange Glass Tile, Scabbos Travertine Coping, Aegean Sea Diamond Brite Plaster Mix, and Kahlua Creme Spray Deck
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This is a home that was designed around the property. With views in every direction from the master suite and almost everywhere else in the home. The home was designed by local architect Randy Sample and the interior architecture was designed by Maurice Jennings Architecture, a disciple of E. Fay Jones. New Construction of a 4,400 sf custom home in the Southbay Neighborhood of Osprey, FL, just south of Sarasota. Photo - Ricky Perrone

Contemporary in-ground pool
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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.

Louis Caya
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OK - Let's take it from the top! This architectural masterpiece is a 4-story, contemporary style home located 2 blocks from the Capitol building and 2 block from Austin's famed "Sixth Street", known as the Live Music Capital of the World. This home gives the phrase "location-location-location" a whole new meaning!

Art Gray Photography
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Los Angeles

StarMark slate cabinetry with Cambria Galloway quartz countertops with flat polish edge, Angel Rutica tile shower with oil rubbed bronze Moen Eva faucets and Kohler Verticyl rectangle sinks, wood plank tile.

Neil Johnson Photography
Large mountain style backyard rectangular aboveground pool photo in New Orleans with decking

Example of a mid-sized backyard rectangular aboveground pool design in Boston with decking

Chris Parker
Mid-sized danish rectangular lap pool photo with decking

Minimalist backyard rectangular pool house photo with decking

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A backyard poolscape. Features a rectangle pool with a waterfall. Also includes several seating areas, a custom cabana, a picnic table, and a poolhouse with bar seating. Includes a well-appointed patio and deck, as well as a firepit and fence. Gardens complement the space.