number two is definitely the wow factor, but methinks number one is more practical. Think in term of you in the pool and your partner.friend in the spa,,,,,,trying to converse or even share a bottle of wine. (yes yes..I know we shouldnt drink wine in a spa.......but come on.. we all do it).

Charcoal will give you more scope to mix in other items around the pool and is much more modern.

I like both ideas, however think it's good to consider the practical as well as the aesthetic you are wanting. Consider your space and picture how each would look in the space you have. To throw a few more ideas at you, here are a few pics I just found on Houzz. There are certainly some very cool designs happening in the architectural world. Just decide what moves YOU and to heck with what a builder thinks-it's not his house (even if he is a relative). :)

Hi Brenny, This is absolutely the work for an interior designer/decorator. Some designers do larger scale work, however like myself, we happily engage in all scales of work. I would definitely recommend either meeting face to face if they are local or speaking on the phone if they are remote as to get a feel for the designer before committing to them. Normally, after a discussion regarding the scope of works, they will provide you with a quote if they (and more importantly you) are happy to proceed. Even more importantly, professionals know what they are doing, and (should) have a large array of suppliers to work with and good product knowledge. Some (like us at JFI Studios) also provide you with trade discounts from suppliers who offer it, so not only do they help you with what you need to find, but also can sometimes offer it at a cheaper rate which can go a long way. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any advice or would like to chat about your home, as I would be delighted to be able to help you. Good luck and happy shopping! Jordan Manning-Ferguson from JFI Studios.