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.

Request Free Quote This project features a 20’0” x 47’0” freeform swimming pool, 3’6” to 6’0” deep, and a 7’6” x 9’0” oval hot tub. The pool also features a 176 square foot freeform sunshelf. Pool and Hot Tub tile are all Oyster Blue Deco accent tiles. The glass tile on the sunshelf, pool steps, hot tub spillover and wall going into the pool is Lake Blue Blend glass tile. Both the pool and the hot tub feature Valders Wisconsin Limestone coping. The pool also features an in-floor automatic pool cleaning system. The pool and hot tub interior finish is Wet Edge Prism Matrix Deep Sea Blue color. The pool decking is mortar-set full range Bluestone. The pool features 6 deck jets water features. Both the pool and the hot tub feature LED color-changing lights. There is also a raised water fall feature with 3 scuppers. The Retaining wall features Rosetta Belvedere with capstone. Photos by e3 Photography.

Crystal clear water in a natural pool with plant filtration system. No harsh chemicals, just a naturalist look with rocks, plants and the softest water you would ever want to swim in.

Inspiration for a midcentury backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

Design ideas for a large backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Phoenix with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

Mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular natural pool in San Francisco with with a pool and concrete slab.

Dive into the epitome of aquatic opulence with our range of bespoke swimming pools. Immerse yourself in the sheer luxury of private poolside retreats, complete with rejuvenating spa features, mesmerizing water elements, and the soothing embrace of nature in our meticulously landscaped surroundings. Our pool designs transcend the ordinary, offering a perfect blend of contemporary aesthetics and timeless elegance. Experience the allure of outdoor living as you step onto our thoughtfully designed pool decks, adorned with stylish wooden accents, modern lounging furniture, and captivating poolside ambiance. Unwind in style with our pool lounge black chairs, creating an inviting space for relaxation and socializing. Explore the seamless fusion of form and function in our wooden pergolas, providing both shade and architectural charm. Indulge in the pleasure of luxury living with our diverse pool options, ranging from sleek and modern to classic and timeless. Transform your backyard into a haven of tranquility with our expertly crafted pool designs, tailored to your unique vision. Discover the joy of refreshing dips, serene surroundings, and the ultimate outdoor escape, as we bring your dream poolside experience to life. Elevate your lifestyle, redefine relaxation, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of our exceptional pool designs.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Boston with with a pool and concrete pavers.

The pool, hot tub, patio and landscape areas were dramatically updated and modernized for this Sleepy Hollow modern hillside home. The updates feature a beautiful blue pool tile and a modern concrete patio/pool surround. I designed the concrete patio with rectangular shapes that harmoniously integrate the pool coping, providing a continuous, contemporary detail extending to the pool's edges. To add some soft touches, we incorporated several narrow accent strips within the patio, and planted them with the ground cover Elfin Thyme. A new planting bed edges the patio below the existing stone retaining wall filled with a variety of sculptural succulents, tall Kangaroo Paw plants and edged with polished black pebbles. The polished pebbles also surround the raised galvanized planters alongside the house and are used as a fire-resistant mulch in other areas. The hillside was updated with dramatic succulents and other architectural plants and ground covers, all with low water needs. This project was completed in the Spring of 2021.

It’s easy to see why my clients love this property in Paradise Valley, AZ. For pool parties and day-to-day unwinding, we selected comfortable chaises lounges plus umbrellas for shade. The mountains are courtesy of Mother Nature. Photo by Cole Horchler

Casual seating nooks are located throughout the space. Each enjoys a magnificent view of the pool, spa, and main outdoor living space.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard natural pool in Phoenix with with a pool and concrete pavers.

Pool designed for a 4 people family, as an spa and parties place. the tiles used are made of resined concrete.
This is an example of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with with a pool and concrete slab.

This is an example of a mediterranean backyard natural pool in Dallas with with a pool.

Photo of a large backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in San Diego with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

Natural rock water feature constructed on a freeform lagoon shaped pool. Inspired by natural landscapes to blend with the clients backyard.
Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Brisbane with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

The brief for this project included three separate areas wrapping around the house. Each area embraces a different function that is reflected in the designs. The main space included an existing pool that was revitalized and matched with new-seated areas and focal points. Although different materials are used, each feature compliments each other and highlights the planting. One of the exciting elements of this project is an evolving feature wall using star jasmine plants and vertical steel wires. The second space is a small-decked entertaining area, flowing seamlessly from the interior. The main focus is the three corten steel panels with bamboo planting placed behind. The timber decking and the planting creates a relationship with main pool area whilst still having its own identity.

This large gated estate includes one of the original Ross cottages that served as a summer home for people escaping San Francisco's fog. We took the main residence built in 1941 and updated it to the current standards of 2020 while keeping the cottage as a guest house. A massive remodel in 1995 created a classic white kitchen. To add color and whimsy, we installed window treatments fabricated from a Josef Frank citrus print combined with modern furnishings. Throughout the interiors, foliate and floral patterned fabrics and wall coverings blur the inside and outside worlds.

This Caviness project for a modern farmhouse design in a community-based neighborhood called The Prairie At Post in Oklahoma. This complete outdoor design includes a large swimming pool with waterfalls, an underground slide, stream bed, glass tiled spa and sun shelf, native Oklahoma flagstone for patios, pathways and hand-cut stone retaining walls, lush mature landscaping and landscape lighting, a prairie grass embedded pathway design, embedded trampoline, all which overlook the farm pond and Oklahoma sky. This project was designed and installed by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc., a small locally-owned family boutique landscape design firm located in Arcadia, Oklahoma. We handle most all aspects of the design and construction in-house to control the quality and integrity of each project. Film by Affordable Aerial Photo & Video

Expansive backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with with a pool and natural stone pavers.