A Sympathetic In-between Positioned at the edge of the Field of Mars Reserve, Walless Cabana is the heart of family living, where people and nature come together harmoniously and embrace each other. In creating a seamless transition between the existing family home and the distant bushland, Walless Cabana deliberately curates the language of its surroundings through the Japanese concept of 'Shakkei' or borrowed scenery, ensuring its humble and respectful presence in place. Despite being a permanent structure, it is a transient space that adapts and changes dynamically with everchanging nature, personalities and lifestyle.

Everything you need for the perfect staycation - a roomy porch, outdoor kitchen, spa and pool, and a view of a beautiful lake.
Photo of a mediterranean backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Orlando with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Evoking a sense of calm and equilibrium for all who visit, this symmetrical poolscape provides a haven in a Hauppauge, NY backyard. Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth pavers, with custom-made 2'x2' slabs, provide a smooth transition from the side walkway and up the stairs to the elevated, geometric pool. As guests and family gather on the expansive poolside patio, they can take in plenty of sun while listening to the calming rush of three nearby waterfalls. The stone-like design weaves its way around the property, leading right up to the front door for ultimate curb appeal and elegance. From the front yard to the back patio, clean lines and a delicate balance encompass both the paver and pool design, while incorporating lush gardens and symmetrical hedges.

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.

Il progetto di restyling e di arredo per questa villa moderna in fase di costruzione, ha voluto unire contemporaneità e tradizione, tema importante nei nostri progetti. Dell’architettura della Costa Smeralda abbiamo recuperato i colori caldi e tenui, la sensazione di uno spazio avvolgente, quasi naturale, declinato in chiave moderna e lineare. L’ambiente principale, la zona giorno era caratterizzata da un corridoio stretto che con due pareti inclinate si affacciava bruscamente sulla sala. Per armonizzare il rapporto tra gli ambienti e i cambi di quota, abbiamo scelto di raccordare le linee di pareti e soffitto con un rivestimento in granito rigato, che richiami i lavori di Sciola e impreziosisca l’ingresso. Il decoro rigato viene richiamato in altri elementi di arredo, come nella camera da letto e nel bagno, nei pannelli in rovere che rivestono la testiera del letto e il mobile lavabo. Il granito si ripropone nel rivestimento della piscina, nei complementi di arredo e nel top cucina. Nel soffitto, il tono grigio chiaro luminoso del granito viene riproposto all’interno delle campiture centrali. Il richiamo alla tradizione è presente anche negli elementi di decoro tessile utilizzati in tutta la casa. In sala, i toni neutri e giallo oro dei tappeti di mariantoniaurru, richiamano la tradizione in maniera contemporanea e allo stesso modo il pannello Cabulè, disegnato dallo studio, impreziosisce la camera da letto e ne migliora l’acustica. Per la cucina è stato scelto, infine, un look semplice, total white, adatto ad un ambiente funzionale e luminoso. Gli arredi sono tutti in legno, granito e materiali tessili; veri, quasi rustici, ma al tempo stesso raffinati. The project involves a detailed restyling of a modern under construction villa, and it aims to join contemporary and traditional features, such as many of our projects do. From the Costa Smeralda architecture, we borrowed warm and soft colors, and that atmosphere in which the environment seems to embrace the guests, and we tried to translate it into a much modern design. The main part of the project is the living room, where a narrow hall, would lead, through two opening walls, abruptly facing the wall. To improve the balance between hall and ling room, and the different ceiling heights it was decided to cover the walls and ceiling with striped granite covering, recalling Sciola’s work and embellishing the entrance. Striped decor recurs throughout the house, like in the walnut panels covering the bedroom headboard and the bathroom sink cabinet. Granite is present on the pool borders, in furniture pieces and on the kitchen top. The ceiling, thanks to a light grey shade, recalls the granite impression. In the living room, golden yellow details appear in mariantoniaurru carpets, while in the bedroom, Cabulè textile panels, designed by the Studio, improve acoustic performance. For the kitchen we picked out a simple, total white look, to focus on its feature of functional and luminous environment. All the furniture pieces are made of natural wood, granite or textile material, to underline the feeling of something true, rustic but at the same time sophisticated. Traditional elements are also present, all the while translated in modern language, on many textile furnishing accessories chosen.

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Brisbane with a pool house and tile.

Photo of a large beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with tile.

Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design, & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Photography by Raquel Langworthy Shop the East Hampton New Traditional accessories at the Chango Shop!

Although less common than projects from our other product lines, a Sunspace Design pool enclosure is one of the most visually impressive products we offer. This custom pool enclosure was constructed on a beautiful four acre parcel in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It is the third major project Sunspace Design has designed and constructed on this property. We had previously designed and built an orangery as a dining area off the kitchen in the main house. Our use of a mahogany wood frame and insulated glass ceiling became a focal point and ultimately a beloved space for the owners and their children to enjoy. This positive experience led to an ongoing relationship with Sunspace. We were called in some years later as the clients were considering building an indoor swimming pool on their property. They wanted to include wood and glass in the ceiling in the same fashion as the orangery we had completed for them years earlier. Working closely with the clients, their structural engineer, and their mechanical engineer, we developed the elevations and glass roof system, steel superstructure, and a very sophisticated environment control system to properly heat, cool, and regulate humidity within the enclosure. Further enhancements included a full bath, laundry area, and a sitting area adjacent to the pool complete with a fireplace and wall-mounted television. The magnificent interior finishes included a bluestone floor. We were especially happy to deliver this project to the client, and we believe that many years of enjoyment will be had by their friends and family in this new space.

Every Pool needs a poolhouse. The outdoor kitchen creates an outdoor dining area while the large enclosed area creates a place to gather inside as well as storage. The oudoor shower helps to keep the mess out of your house. 16x20 Custom built poolhouse in Norwell MA

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

Amber Frederiksen Photography
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature and concrete pavers.

When working with your builder, make sure you tell them to leave room for your dream pool and spa. These clients did and Bruce Mears Deign and Build helped us make it happen.

Pebble Sheen Aqua Blue Pool Finish complemented by light pavers so your feet stay cool and deep blue porcelain water line tile
This is an example of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Other with a hot tub and tile.

Large transitional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Other with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Designed by founder and creative director, Ryan Hughes, the Lakeview project includes a swimming pool with a crowning raised Vidapur glass cladded spa adjacent to the pool. Neutral travertine tile covers the surfaces with attractive turf gridding. Photography by Ryan Hughes Design

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.