This contemporary traditional custom pool and guesthouse features an outdoor wet bar, sizeable pool, and orange accents.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard kidney-shaped lap pool with a pool house.

Unable to get away? Destination home. Major changes were made to the landscape of this existing property including the creation of a destination pool house. The materials and building style used for the new structure complemented the architecture of the existing home. The approximately 1,000 SF building included a large outdoor kitchen and dining area, an indoor sitting room and kitchenette, laundry room, and changing areas. A small loft space was added as a playroom for the family’s three young children. The owners also asked the firm to make some changes to the existing house including a new balcony at the master bedroom, a new all-season sun room, and the addition of a heavy timber structure over an existing hot tub for added privacy. The pool house was featured in the August 2007 issue of Style Magazine. Photography: Anne Gummerson

Relaxing in the summertime has never looked more beautiful. Whether you're looking to catch some sun, or cool off from a hot day, you will find plenty of amusement with this project. This timeless, contemporary pool house will be the biggest hit among friends and family.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Phoenix with a water feature and concrete slab.

PA Landscape Group, Inc. http://www.palandscapegroup.com/ Project Entry: Wormleysburg Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Silver Project Description: On this project our client was looking to create an exterior environment that mirrored the eloquent, modern style of the interior of his home, while still feeling comfortable and welcoming. The interior had been updated with a contemporary feel. The owner is a person with high appreciation for art and architecture. He likes to entertain and does so in a casual fashion. The attention to detail of the interior space was the benchmark for the exterior space. Every room inside the house had a comfortable deliberate feel and the intent was to do the same with the exterior. The hardscape of the exterior space had been renovated in the recent past. However it was done with poor workmanship and material selection. The softscape of the exterior space was well planned but had been done some time ago and had become overgrown. Given the disrepair of the hardscape we made the decision to completely rework the hardscape. On the softscape side we saw a great opportunity to take advantage of some mature plant material while adding some of our own selections. Our design goal was to create usable spaces from the time a guest would enter the landscape thus allowing them to enjoy the entire property. We also wanted to capitalize on views from the interior. We start at the driveway where guest would arrive. The guests proceed down walkway with cedar and copper trellis on either side. The design of the trellises was drawn from an existing cedar pergola at the pool area. The guests would then reach a space where a 6' Basalt column fountain is located. The fountain is placed so that it is the focal point from the kitchen of the house through a two story corner window. The fountain is placed on a permeable paver surface for a clean look. The next area the guest would come upon is the fire feature space. The carved granite fire bowl was selected to complement the accent paver in the fountain and fire feature spaces. In both of these spaces a rustic tumbled paver was selected as the main field for a casual feel and a granite type accent paver was selected to add a touch of elegance. These two spaces were laid out to capitalize on the mature River Birch and Red Bud that provide an overhead plane to help define the spaces. An added touch of pine straw mulch was used to help brighten up these spaces and complements the mature nature of the property. After leaving the fire feature area the guests would enter the pool surround. This is the space that was designated for the main entertaining area. The paver selection in this space was made to set a tone of sheer elegance. The border paver in this area was carried through from the other spaces to create continuity. Ample space was laid out for grilling, dinning and lounging. Off of the main area were two more spaces. The first of which is a recessed hot tub area. The placement of the hot tub was to be convenient to the pool area. The not tub was recessed so that it would not dominate the space. The final area was lawn space off of the back side of the pool area. This area allows you the opportunity to stroll through the landscape and enjoy the plant material. Low voltage lighting was used in the landscape to accent plant material as well as extend the usability of the spaces at night. Along the perimeter of the property select plant material is lighted to provide a sense of depth. Special features such as the fountain and pergola were also lighted. The 6' Basalt fountain makes a huge statement from both inside and outside the house. In the end the project achieved the goals we set out for and exceed the expectations our client. Photo Credit: PA Landscape Group, Inc.

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Phoenix with a water feature and concrete slab.

San Diego Custom Pool Design Infinity pools are especially popular among beach cities, such as San Diego, since they can be especially dramatic when poised over a coastal view. A pool is a powerful outdoor focal point, and becomes an instant center of get-togethers and social activity. Many homeowners are interested in learning about different water features options that can really bring their pool to life. Water features such as water bowls, water spouts, fountains, waterfalls and water jets can all make wonderful additions to your new pool. Complete our comprehensive online form to receive a FREE Design Consultation http://westernoutdoordesigns.com/gallery-custom-pools-spas-vanishing-edge.html

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary indoor kidney-shaped lap pool in Moscow with tile.

This home was a love affair as it was a light filled 1956 house that needed a complete face lift. I literally took it down to the studs. I raised the ceilings and added a new master suite wing, and added onto the entry with new doors and windows. It had the potential to be a beauty with its lush greenery and private setting.

San Diego Custom Pool Design Infinity pools are especially popular among beach cities, such as San Diego, since they can be especially dramatic when poised over a coastal view. A pool is a powerful outdoor focal point, and becomes an instant center of get-togethers and social activity. Many homeowners are interested in learning about different water features options that can really bring their pool to life. Water features such as water bowls, water spouts, fountains, waterfalls and water jets can all make wonderful additions to your new pool. Complete our comprehensive online form to receive a FREE Design Consultation http://westernoutdoordesigns.com/gallery-custom-pools-spas-vanishing-edge.html

We extended the pool deck out toward the lagoon, in order to gain more floor space around the pool. We created a number of new sitting and sunning areas. We provided spots that have shade, as well as designing a new covered pool pavilion with an outside bar and grill. The pavilion was designed to match elements of the main house. We wanted to retain the existing palm trees, so the new Timbertech decking was custom cut to allow the trees to grow. A pool changing area and shower were added along with the wire / cable rail system.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Orlando with a pool house and brick pavers.

Swan Pools | Tropical Haven Feast on a taste of the tropics, while maintaining a sizeable space for eating, entertaining, or just plain living! This Mission Viejo landscape combines Natural Casa Loma concrete with Red Mountain Stone coping – offering both exotic ambiance and modern artistry. The raised spa is accessible by stone steps, and boasts a unique Rip Rap water feature to emulate a streaming waterfall. The open layout monopolizes on natural light, creating the perfect outdoor setting to capture our sunny SoCal weather.

Inspiration for a large contemporary indoor kidney-shaped infinity pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Large contemporary backyard kidney-shaped infinity pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and tile.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Phoenix with a hot tub.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Tampa with a water feature and tile.

Rather than a home addition, this customer thought outside the box - a satellite lounge area next to the backyard pool is a great space to hang out and relax after a dip. This Studio Shed is coordinated with the exterior space through color matching and orientation.

Relaxing in the summertime has never looked more beautiful. Whether you're looking to catch some sun, or cool off from a hot day, you will find plenty of amusement with this project. This timeless, contemporary pool house will be the biggest hit among friends and family.