This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.

Luxury bay front waterfront property with a geometric contemporary pool, vanishing edge, lower basin, vanishing edge hot tub, custom tile, large format natural stone decking, artificial turf banding and a coastal landscape. A custom koi pond in the front entry creates an elegant entrance to thehome.

Large beach style side yard rectangular pool in Paris with with a pool and concrete slab.

This picture shows the Cedar jacuzzi tub and surrounding Ipe deck lit at night. Photography: Brett Hilton
Large contemporary backyard pool in San Diego with decking and a hot tub.

Inspiration for a large modern indoor rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and decking.

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with natural stone pavers.

Large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Toronto with a water feature.

What happens when everything and everyone comes together? This project, an outdoor living and entertainment environment anchored by an OMNIA Group Architects designed poolhouse, is a perfect example of synergy of client and a team of skilled and talented professionals and craftsman. It started with a sophisticated client looking to put in a pool - but they wanted something special and the form they decided on was a beautiful shape which blended the shapes of their land, the sun and the existing house structure (also designed by OMNIA Group Architects.) The client had toyed with the idea of a cabana / pool house of some sort and contacted us to design it. We worked together to create an indoor - outdoor experience of infinite flexibility. Featuring folding walls of glass (www.nanawall.com) this wood and stone and stucco structure seamlessly blends formality and a sleek nature inspired modern character. This essence is enhanced by neutral hues which reflect the colors of the home and the pool decking. These neutrals are punctuated by natural wood browns and subtle greens on the cabinetry. The poolhouse is comprised of an encloseable dining space, an arbor capped living space which features a fireplace for cooler fall nights, a dressing area with washer dryer and ingenious OMNIA Group Architects designed cabinetry for towels and storage and finally a cool simple powder room. A typical example of the melding of features is how the vertical grain of the grass colored bamboo bar cabinet doors mimic the tall modern grasses specified by the landscape designer, Landscape Design Group. The pool was designed and built by Armond Pools. THe project is located in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

Photo of a large modern backyard rectangular pool in Melbourne with stamped concrete.

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.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard lap pool in Los Angeles with with a pool.

This modern rectangular pool incorporates both a spa and beach style shallow lounge area. A waterfall wall offers soothing sounds to relax to while lounging poolside. Built in plaster planter boxes and white plaster walls surround the luxe backyard escape.

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: Kennerknecht Design Group Builder: JJ Delaney, Inc. Landscape Architect: Horiuchi Solien Landscape Architects Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

This is an example of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in New York with a water feature and decking.

Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular pool in Las Vegas with a water feature and tile.

This is an example of a large modern rectangular pool in Sydney with with privacy feature and tile.

Relaxation extends beyond the pool from loungers on the sun shelf to a hanging swing in front of a mosaic design wall and ipe wood decks. Photography by Jimi Smith.

This beautiful, modern lakefront pool features a negative edge perfectly highlighting gorgeous sunset views over the lake water. An over-sized sun shelf with bubblers, negative edge spa, rain curtain in the gazebo, and two fire bowls create a stunning serene space.

corner lots present unique opportunities. This one has a side yard protected by a stucco landscape wall. Layers of space can be seen from tons of rooms.