We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

The Barefoot Bay Cottage

The Designory

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

United Roofing and Construction

Mirror Lake Designs - Pools

Mirror Lake Designs

www.danielkellyphotography.com

Portlock Residence

WhiteSpace Architects

Modern Hot Tub & Cabana Space

Arbordale Landscaping

Our client wanted to add a hot tub and new cabana to their poolscape. The cabana was designed with a bar in the front and pool equipment and storage in the back. The bar has a roll up door for winterising. A lounge area in front allows the home owners to enjoy a drink while watching the kids play in the pool. Flagstone patios, steps, and hot tub surround give this backyard a luxurious feel. The fence is built from custom milled Cedar horizontal boards. The fence is backed with black painted plywood for full privacy. A custom hot tub pit was built in order to use what is normally an above ground hot tub. The hot tub was supplied by Bonavista Pools. Composite lumber was used to build an access hatch for hot tub controls. Boxwood hedging frame the garden spaces. There are two Hydrangea Standard trees which are underplanted with begonias for a pop of colour. The existing Cedar hedge created a great backdrop and contrast for our Japanese Maple hedge. The existing Beech tree was stunning! Lawn area was necessary for the family pets.

Pools, Spas, Water Features & Fountains

Knapp and Associates, Inc.

Old Westbury Pool House

A. B. Lake Construction Corp.

Pool house that during the summer months a custom cover can be over the trellis for shade between the building.

Battista Residence-Landscape Architect, NJ

Thomas Biro Associates

In-ground spa with spillway into pool and bluestone patio Olivia Holmes Photography

Schuman Pool

Liquid Assets Pools, Inc.

Two waterfalls add a touch of elegance to the overall look of the pool. A sheer descent cascades from the spa into the pool while another descent flows from a flower bed.

Our Projects

Westrock Pool and Spa

Apartment Complex Pergola

Outdoor Designers

Outdoor Living Space with swimming pool

CDG DESIGN BUILD

Swimming pool renovation with outdoor sunning area, covered seating area, gazebo, and outdoor fireplace

Lagoon Pools

Big Daddy Construction and Design

Mirror Lake Designs - Pools

Mirror Lake Designs

www.danielkellyphotography.com

Water Features

Premier Outdoor

Raised cascading boulder fountain into a spa. This creatively using the pool and spa as basins. The pool and spa are finished with pebble tech and flagstone at the water line and on the outside of the raised spa.

The Barefoot Bay Cottage

The Designory

New Manor Residence

Whitlock Builders

Mediterranean Outdoor Living

JRP Design & Remodel

Every day is a vacation in this Thousand Oaks Mediterranean-style outdoor living paradise. This transitional space is anchored by a serene pool framed by flagstone and elegant landscaping. The outdoor living space emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding area while offering all the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities, including stainless-steel appliances, custom beverage fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. The dark stain and raised panel detail of the cabinets pair perfectly with the El Dorado stone pulled throughout this design; and the airy combination of chandeliers and natural lighting produce a charming, relaxed environment. Flooring: Kitchen and Pool Areas: Concrete Pool Surround: Flagstone Deck: Fiberon deck material Light Fixtures: Chandelier Stone/Masonry: El Dorado Photographer: Tom Clary

Bedford Park

Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design

Caroline Mardon

Round 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.