Located on a large farm in southern Wisconsin, this family retreat focuses on the creation of large entertainment spaces for family gatherings. The main volume of the house is comprised of one space, combining the kitchen, dining, living area and custom bar. All spaces can be enjoyed within a new custom timber frame, reminiscent of local agrarian structures. In the rear of the house, a full size ice rink is situated under an open-air steel structure for full enjoyment throughout the long Wisconsin winter. A large pool terrace and game room round out the entertain spaces of the home. Photography by Reagen Taylor

Designed to the Detail

Vernon Wentz

This pool is proof that even in small spaces a magnificent backyard can be created. The design uses the space well and gives so many dedicated spaces and yet is so easy to entertain in. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery.

Stone Residence 1

Norris Architecture

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experiance it.

Pool and Seating Area

Liebo Builders

Backyard Resort Redmond

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Parkscreative.com

SWIM

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

For more photos of this project see: LEVI

Ponce Davis

Preschel + Bassan Studio

Glass Mosaic Tiles Pool

Fireclay Tile

Submerge your senses in this pool's neutral mosaic tile that will leave you swimming with delight. DESIGN Becki Owens PHOTOS Rebekah Westover Photography Tile Shown: 1x1 Mosaic in Dove Gloss

New Pool & Spa with Custom Stepping Stones in Weston

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This amazing custom pool and wet edge spa in Weston is the perfect outdoor getaway! Complete with custom stepping stones, sun shelf, and LED bubblers, this project is sure to please family and guests!

Lake Forest Swimming Pool and Hot tub with water feature

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This lovely swimming pool measures 20'0" x 44'0", and is crowned on one end by a raised hot tub measuring 8'0" x 8'0". The hot tub has a sheer waterfall feature that spills onto a sunshelf equipped with bollard bubbler jets. The opposite end has a deep end and diving board. Both the swimming pool and hot tub have automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. The coping on the pool and hot tub is Indiana Limestone, and the pool decking is Bluestone. Photos by Outvision Photography.

Nashville- 12 South

Design Design Interiors

Beverly Hills MicCentury Modern

Dutton Architects Inc.

Dutton Architects did an extensive renovation of a post and beam mid-century modern house in the canyons of Beverly Hills. The house was brought down to the studs, with new interior and exterior finishes, windows and doors, lighting, etc. A secure exterior door allows the visitor to enter into a garden before arriving at a glass wall and door that leads inside, allowing the house to feel as if the front garden is part of the interior space. Similarly, large glass walls opening to a new rear gardena and pool emphasizes the indoor-outdoor qualities of this house. photos by Undine Prohl

Florida House

J. Graham Goldsmith Architects

Greenwich

User

Sunroom and Pool

Concept Building and Design Group LLC

CORAL GABLES POOL

Orlando Comas, Landscape Architect.

Cortijo

Tom Meaney Architect, AIA

Colored pool lights accentuate pink moment of sunset over mountain views. Outdoor seating below pool with open firepit.

Whalen House

Mark A Silva, Architect

James Brady Photography

Katelyn

Thomas Homes

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Pool & Pool House

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Photography: Scott Sandler

Blue Lap Pool Design Ideas

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.