Let me set the stage! We walk in from vacation drop the bags at the door and enjoy 0.5 blissful days in our backyard oasis. Taking dips in the pool, grilling in our new outdoor kitchen and boom, I wake up feeling like death has taken me over my body — the FLU in July. Yippie for me, and unfortunately for the boys, I was kind enough to pass it around. For the next week, I barely left bed my only link to the outside world was a reflection of the glistening pool outside my window, true story. I am slowly feeling like myself again, and nothing has been better for the healing than some good ole Vitamin C!! Today, I am going deep with all the details. Revealing our modern outdoor pool and patio!
SWIMMING POOL DEETS
Although it was a more expensive option, we opted for forte synthetic turf and natural stone pavers as our pool decking instead of a poured concrete option. We extended the patio utilizing the same pavers for a cohesive look. To get the names of materials we selected, check out my step-by-step picture diary during construction.
Once the “new” patio was complete, I didn’t love the brick-on-brick of the “old” patio; it just seemed too redundant. So I did something totally not like myself and did a DIY projected limewashing the walls. It turned out exactly as I had hoped. This space went from feeling more cave-ish to light and bright, just like the rest of our backyard.
While the boys are busy playing ball in the pool, I knew I would need an area to relax. That’s where you will find me, the sundeck, a shallow space perfect for sunbathing! We added two ledge loungers to complete the area. Now I need my waiter to bring me a frozen drink with a pink umbrella, Nick, I am referring to you! Get to it!
We love to entertain, and when we envisioned this enter space, we wanted every aspect to lend itself to entertaining. Integrating areas for a group to hang out in the pool, a table and underwater benches worked perfectly.
My absolute favorite FAVORITE feature in the pool area is the water feature/wall. You all know my love for a white/black combo! We picked a charcoal leather stone for the wall. Knowing exactly what I wanted the water feature to look like, we went the custom route — creating a pool scupper made of black coated steel. The texture of the stone wall, paired with the industrial style scupper on top of the smooth curves of the concrete ball, it is pure perfection blending hard and soft elements!!!
OUTDOOR KITCHEN SELECTIONS
If you can’t tell by now, let me let you in on a little secret. We went all out (could have done more, but there had to be some limitations). No, we will not get our money back when we go to sell this house, but that was not our primary goal. However, we did want to ensure we got everything we wanted in our backyard, instead of doing it half @** and regretting it. So, let’s dig into the kitchen details!
Can I tell you how I am drooling over the waterfall edge on the ends of the outdoor kitchen? Indeed the BEST decision EVER. It elevates the entire space. You can’t get this from pictures, but the feel of this leather granite is so amazing, somehow it feels soft but so smooth yet so textured!!
As far as appliances go, we kept it pretty simple, opting for a grill, griddle, and beverage fridge. The grill is a 32” with really fun L.E.D. lights. Big enough for everything we need, but not over the top. The griddle is 30” so plenty of room for my hibachi skills, still trying to perfect my volcano and choo-choo train show, stay tuned.
I didn’t want people going in and out of the house soaking wet, I wanted everything we should need already outside. A double pullout trashcan was a must, there is always so much trash and this way we can have one dedicated to recycling. We incorporated a few drawers for storage, trays, and those super long grilling tools.
One item that I left out was a sink; we didn’t think we would use it, in its place put in a beverage sink. I envision this being used for cooling beverages (obviously), but condiments, cold dips, an oyster display during Christmas! The list goes on and on.
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ALL THINGS LIGHTING
You know my views on lighting in a room, it can make ordinary extraordinary, and the Sierra chandelier does just that. Pulling in our home color pallet, we needed a little brass added to this space. It will be a focal piece for the furniture design of the patio. As a bonus, It can be seen as you walk in our front door.
It is H.O.T. in Texas like H.O.T. H.O.T.! Fans are a must. Again, I think over every aspect in terms of design. Yes, it has to be functional, but it has to go with the overall vibe of the space. I found a customizable nine-blade fan for the existing patio. There are so many options; you are sure to find the perfect combination for any room.
We also added two oscillating fans, one on each column. These are a bit loud, but put out a ton of wind!
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LANDSCAPING
I have a green thumb, keeping plants alive and thriving is easy for me as long as I remember to water! When it was time to select plants for the backyard, I wanted easy maintainable and hard to kill plants. So naturally, I chose a faux wall: Jk, kind of. Having a pool means unsightly pool equipment. We don’t have a pool house to hide it in, so I had to get creative. I wanted something that would provide proper coverage year-round. At over 8’ tall this boxwood did just that.
The fence is lined with vine-Jasmine. Once it grows, it will make a stunning manicured design.
The corner trees we opted for Graham Blandy boxwoods. Our house backs up to our neighborhood park, so I had the landscapers come back after and add a few additional for extra coverage. We love our neighbors, but we also love privacy.
Behind the water wall, you will find tailored junipers. Did you know if planted close together they create a sound barrier, great for when I am blaring my 90’s rap on the outdoor speakers?
Remember how I told you this backyard was inspired by our honeymoon to Greece? Of course, I had to add Olive trees to complete the landscaping.
I wanted some white blooms back here but was struggling to find a bougainvillea tree this time of year. I will definitely add one soon. For now, I have added limelight hydrangeas and cant wait to see them bloom!
We also have Rosemary and Lavender planted; both are excellent natural mosquito replants.
We anchored all the beds with Blackstargravel, adding the perfect charcoal, black accent. Eventually, we want to re-stain our fence…once our money tree grows back!
DESIGN PLAN
Now comes the fun part if it can get any more fun, adding the final design details and furniture! Above is a “working” rendering of the space. It changes every day! The overall vision for the pool and backyard is Modern-Mediterranean. I want our outdoor space to be an extension of the inside of the home, and that means creating that same cozy feeling while maximizing the design. Stay tuned, ALL of the furniture has been ordered. Follow my IG stories to see them all as they arrive!
Thoughts?
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