Design ideas for a large transitional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Sacramento with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

This gorgeous multi-level pool and flag stone patio houses a spa and water slide on the terrace level with stacked stone steps leading down to the pool house which features an open air cabana, custom pizza oven, dining area, bathroom and storage room. The lower level includes a custom wood burning fire pit and manicured lawn.

Large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

[Encore Mosaic Pool & Waterline] Escape to a luxurious retreat that is right in your backyard with beautiful tile from Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.

Beautiful Hobert pool and raised spa with outdoor fire pit and arbor, sheer descent water features, and LED lights. An outdoor oasis!!
Photo of a large traditional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub and tile.

Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

A more contemporary pool design with 3 underwater stools, sheer decent from pergola, pergola over kitchen area, 2 bubblers. Though the pool is not centered to the backyard, it is still a functional part that will get a lot of action.

Custom 10,000 square foot beach house built immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Outdoor living area. Pool, Cabana, pergola, outdoor living.
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

Gary McDonald
This is an example of a large beach style backyard custom-shaped natural pool in San Francisco with gravel.

Photo of a large modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Baltimore with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Location: Location: Tampa, FL, USA Hive Outdoor Living Wet Edge Pearl Matrix finish, Flagstone brick deck and coping, custom Tennessee flat rock waterfalls, outdoor kitchen with custom concrete countertops, stone Hardscape ledge stone, FireMagic grill and appliances.

Rectangle Pool with Spill Over Spa, Limestone Coping, Stamped Decking
Inspiration for a large backyard rectangular natural pool in Atlanta with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Photo by Chris Reilly Photography
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

A larger panel of artificial turf provides room for children and pets to play as well as adding to the visual appeal.
Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Large contemporary backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Hawaii with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Phoenix with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Photo of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Miami with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and a pool house.