A Palm Springs inspired, arid garden provides a beautiful backdrop to this stunning modern home by Latitude 37 Homes. The courtyard swimming pool is wrapped on all sides by the home with large window walls providing views at every angle. Succulents provide accent against the pavement and boundary walls.

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel

This family friendly shape lends itself toward games and relaxation. The fiberglass pool ranges in depth from 3.6' to 6'. Aberdeen pavers from Techo-bloc mimic natural stone but do not retain the heat, therefore staying cool to the touch. Photo Credit: Nat Rea

A vanishing edge pool and waterfall are focal points for a constraint-driven project governed by a wetlands and associated no-build zone, extensive rock outcrops, steep slopes, and a small, tough-to-access work area. A team of consultants was required in order to obtain variances and other approvals across multiple agencies and meetings. The end result is a beautiful outdoor living space that expresses the architecture and utility of the owner's home into a highwater garden for relaxation and enjoyment.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Request Free Quote This lovely rectilinear swimming pool measures 20’0” x 46’0”, and has a separate, raised hot tub measuring 9’0” x 9’0”. On top of the hot tub is a raised wall water feature with three sheer descent waterfalls. The shallow end features a 20’0” sun shelf with two sets of attached steps. On the opposite end of the pool, there is a 20’0” infinity edge system overlooking Lake Michigan. Both the pool and hot tub feature Bluestone coping. Both the pool and hot tub interior finishes are Ceramaquartz. The pool features an automatic hydraulic pool cover system with a custom stone walk-on lid system. The pool and hot tub feature colored LED lighting. There is an in-floor cleaning system in the pool. Photography by e3.

Dallas small yard - beautiful modern pool project with outdoor living and a putting green designed by Mike Farley. Pool is surrounded by a safety fence. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Flat roof pool pavilion to rear of property housing living and dining spaces, bathroom and covered outdoor seating area. Timber slat wall hides pool pumps and equipment, a vertical wall and pool seating/storage units. Rendered retaining walls provide an opportunity for planting within the pool area. Frameless glass pool fence, outdoor/pool lighting. Outdoor and pool lighting.

Finished project, Soake Pool surrounded by lovely stone work and bluestone patio overlooking gas fire pit area. A truly stunning backyard retreat! Photo credit: Tim Murphy, Foto Imagery

This backyard is going to be home to epic backyard gatherings all year long. The pool's extended bench, baja step, custom spillover provide plenty of space to relax. The outdoor kitchen, thoughtfully designed turf area, putting green, and fire place with pergola round out the backyard so that it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways all year long. The travertine decking and Regal Blue Pebble radiance interior finish complement the stacked stones and Aluma-wood used throughout the yard. Designed by Jordan Frabasilio at Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio

The Barefoot Bay Cottage is the first-holiday house to be designed and built for boutique accommodation business, Barefoot Escapes (www.barefootescapes.com.au). Working with many of The Designory’s favourite brands, it has been designed with an overriding luxe Australian coastal style synonymous with Sydney based team. The newly renovated three bedroom cottage is a north facing home which has been designed to capture the sun and the cooling summer breeze. Inside, the home is light-filled, open plan and imbues instant calm with a luxe palette of coastal and hinterland tones. The contemporary styling includes layering of earthy, tribal and natural textures throughout providing a sense of cohesiveness and instant tranquillity allowing guests to prioritise rest and rejuvenation. Images captured by Jessie Prince