landscape design by merge studio © ramsay photography
Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco.

Large beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with a hot tub and tile.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in San Diego with a water slide and concrete pavers.

View of infinity edge pool and spa overlooking Lake Lanier.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Atlanta with a water feature and concrete pavers.

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, outdoor fireplace, custom pizza oven, dining area, bathroom and storage room. The lower level includes a custom wood burning fire pit and manicured lawn.

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

Inspiration for a large country backyard rectangular pool in Miami with tile.

©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.
Photo of a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Toulouse with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Large contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and a pool house.

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Sacramento with a water slide and stamped concrete.

Welcome to your Southwestern Adventure. Nestled on over two acres this Incredible Horse Property is a ''Ranchers'' dream! Gated front pergola covered courtyard, 92''x48''x3'', and cedar door w/speakeasy. Stunning inlaid floor t/o with stone design in foyer and coat closet. Unique kitchen features Viking appliances, double ovens, food warmer, 6 burner gas stove top, built-in Miele coffee maker, vegetable sink, pot filler, insta hot water, breakfast nook/bar seating, pantry, skylight, and granite/glass countertops with custom cabinetry. Open concept family room to kitchen. Wood burning fireplace, large upper lit viga beams, and French door to pool. Amazing Atrium with skylight and fountain all opening up to family rm, dining rm, and game room. Pool table in game room with wood burning fireplace,built-ins, with back patio access and pool area. First bedroom offers Murphy bed and can be easily converted from office to bedroom. The 2nd bedroom with large closet and private bathroom. Guest bedroom with private bathroom and large closet. Grand master retreat with attached workout room and library. Patio access to back patio and pool area. His/Hers closets and separate dressing area. Private spa-like master en suite with large shower, steam room, wall jets, rain shower head, hydraulic skylight, and separate vanities/sinks. Laundry room with storage, utility sink, and convenient hanging rod. 3 Car garage, one extra long slot, swamp cooler, and work room with built-ins or use as an extra parking spot for a small car or motorcycle. Entertaining backyard is a must see! Colorful and fun with covered patio, built-in BBQ w/side burner, sin, refrigerator, television, gas fire pit, garden with 2'x15' raised beds and work area. Refreshing pool with water feature, Jacuzzi, and sauna. Mature fruit trees, drip system, and circular driveway. Bonus 2nd patio, extra large wood or coal burning grill/smoker, pizza oven, and lots of seating. The horses will love their 7 Stall Barn including Stud Stall and Foaling Stall. Tack Room, automatic flyer sprayer, automatic watering system, 7 stall covered mare motel. Turn out or Riding arena. Pellet silo and covered trailer parking. Security system with motion cameras.

This is an example of a large transitional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

E.S. Templeton Signature Landscapes
Design ideas for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Luke Gibson Photography
Large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with a pool house.

Christian Spires
Inspiration for a large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Raleigh with a water slide and natural stone pavers.

From a dirt backyard to complete backyard entertainment space. Complete with a sports court, outdoor kitchen, large pool and spa (with waterfall feature), outdoor fire features with concrete accent furniture and new pergola over backdoor patio.