This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.

The existing pool was way too large for the space, it took up the entire back yard.
Small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with tile.

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house and brick pavers.

This custom pool and spa have everything a backyard needs. The custom pergola over the spa rains water to keep you warm. There is also a raised wall with 2 bubblers and a fire feature.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

A couple by the name of Claire and Dan Boyles commissioned Exterior Worlds to develop their back yard along the lines of a French Country garden design. They had recently designed and built a French Colonial style house. Claire had been very involved in the architectural design, and she communicated extensively her expectations for the landscape. The aesthetic we ultimately created for them was not a traditional French country garden per se, but instead was a variation on the symmetry, color, and sense of formality associated with this design. The most notable feature that we added to the estate was a custom swimming pool installed just to the rear of the home. It emphasized linearity, complimentary right angles, and it featured a luxury spa and pool fountain. We built the coping around the pool out of limestone, and we used concrete pavers to build the custom pool patio. We then added French pottery in various locations around the patio to balance the stonework against the look and structure of the home. We added a formal garden parallel to the pool to reflect its linear movement. Like most French country gardens, this design is bordered by sheered bushes and emphasizes straight lines, angles, and symmetry. One very interesting thing about this garden is that it is consist entirely of various shades of green, which lends itself well to the sense of a French estate. The garden is bordered by a taupe colored cedar fence that compliments the color of the stonework. Just around the corner from the back entrance to the house, there lies a double-door entrance to the master bedroom. This was an ideal place to build a small patio for the Boyles to use as a private seating area in the early mornings and evenings. We deviated slightly from strict linearity and symmetry by adding pavers that ran out like steps from the patio into the grass. We then planted boxwood hedges around the patio, which are common in French country garden design and combine an Old World sensibility with a morning garden setting. We then completed this portion of the project by adding rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that frames the yard. This design is derivative of those found in morning gardens, and it provides the Boyles with a place where they can step directly from their bedroom into a private outdoor space and enjoy the early mornings and evenings. We further develop the sense of a morning garden seating area; we deviated slightly from the strict linear forms of the rest of the landscape by adding pavers that ran like steps from the patio and out into the grass. We also planted rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that borders this portion of the yard. We then landscaped the front of the home with a continuing symmetry reminiscent of French country garden design. We wanted to establish a sense of grand entrance to the home, so we built a stone walkway that ran all the way from the sidewalk and then fanned out parallel to the covered porch that centers on the front door and large front windows of the house. To further develop the sense of a French country estate, we planted a small parterre garden that can be seen and enjoyed from the left side of the porch. On the other side of house, we built the Boyles a circular motorcourt around a large oak tree surrounded by lush San Augustine grass. We had to employ special tree preservation techniques to build above the root zone of the tree. The motorcourt was then treated with a concrete-acid finish that compliments the brick in the home. For the parking area, we used limestone gravel chips. French country garden design is traditionally viewed as a very formal style intended to fill a significant portion of a yard or landscape. The genius of the Boyles project lay not in strict adherence to tradition, but rather in adapting its basic principles to the architecture of the home and the geometry of the surrounding landscape. For more the 20 years Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's fine neighborhoods.

Inspiration for a modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Photo: Narayanan Narayanan, Andrew Petrich
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Santa Barbara with decking and a pool house.

The Pool House was pushed against the pool, preserving the lot and creating a dynamic relationship between the 2 elements. A glass garage door was used to open the interior onto the pool.

Mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

A client, an avid swimmer, wanted an exercise pool / spa installed and garden landscaped. Garden has contemporary touches yet classical layout. Clipped hedges match the shape and dimensions of the Ipe benches. Corten borders keep the compact garden in check and easy to maintain.

Inspiration for a small mediterranean backyard l-shaped lap pool in Toronto with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Luxury doesn't have to equal tons of space. In fact, the inherent parameters of a small yard are a fun design challenge for the team at Big Rock Landscaping. Using neutral tones, clean lines, and a simple design, this small contemporary pool has lots of impact with ease.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard lap pool in Los Angeles with with a pool.

This project feaures a 18’0” x 35’0”, 4’0” to 5’0” deep swimming pool and a 7’0” x 9’0” hot tub. Both the pool and hot tub feature color-changing LED lights. The pool also features a set of full-end steps. Both the pool and hot tub coping are Valders Wisconsin Limestone. Both the pool and the hot tub are outfitted with automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. The pool and hot tub finish is Wet Edge Primera Stone Midnight Breeze.. The pool deck is mortar set Valders Wisconsin Limestone, and the pool deck retaining wall is a stone veneer with Valders Wisconsin coping. The masonry planters are also veneered in stone with Valders Wisconsin Limestone caps. Photos by e3 Photography.This project feaures a 18’0” x 35’0”, 4’0” to 5’0” deep swimming pool and a 7’0” x 9’0” hot tub. Both the pool and hot tub feature color-changing LED lights. The pool also features a set of full-end steps. Both the pool and hot tub coping are Valders Wisconsin Limestone. Both the pool and the hot tub are outfitted with automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. The pool and hot tub finish is Wet Edge Primera Stone. The pool deck is mortar set Valders Wisconsin Limestone, and the pool deck retaining wall is a stone veneer with Valders Wisconsin coping. The masonry planters are also veneered in stone with Valders Wisconsin Limestone caps. Photos by e3 Photography.

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.

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!