Poolside Paradise - 405 Magazine

Poolside Paradise

Four ways to enhance your exterior designs.

Photo by Emily Hart

Four ways to enhance your exterior designs.

Water exudes tranquil properties. With a ripple effect that relaxes all who gaze upon it, a pool becomes the ideal centerpiece to surrounding hardscapes and landscapes. Here, we dive into four ways to enhance poolside designs and create the most soothing experiences — as “ahhh-” inspiring as a cool dip in the crystal blue water.

Just add shade
Determine how much sun your backyard receives so you can pull in several dependable sources for shade. Design a pergola to cover your back porch, or build a stand-alone structure and make it your own. Incorporate ceiling fans, a misting system and walls of wooden shutters that can be adjusted throughout the day to keep you cool. Customized umbrellas are a great addition for more color, style and shade around the pool.

Photo by Emily Hart

A perfect sunny scene
Lounge chairs with cushions and pillows in no-fade, weatherproof fabrics are a thoughtful way to accommodate those craving a little more Vitamin D. Organize a bar cart nearby with all the essentials — sunblock, towels and an icy bucket of bottled drinks — for extra convenience. Monogrammed towels provide a personal touch, and you can mix in a hammock or two if your backyard has the right trees.

Photo by Emily Hart

Set up for service, please
There are so many elements to think about when planning an outdoor kitchen and bar. You can incorporate an ice maker, sink, refrigerator, kegerator, grill or pizza oven, among other amenities. High-top seating at the bar allows for built-in dining — and the opportunity to layer in welcoming chairs. Design an open layout so everyone has easy access to food and beverage service.

Photo by Emily Hart

Love your outdoor living
Durable outdoor furniture is only part of designing an outstanding exterior living room. Seek out nautical touches, like a chandelier dripping in seashells or a rattan chaise daybed in neutral tones. Lay down rugs to group seating vignettes together, and use potted plants for bursts of color and texture. To keep the area in play after summer concludes, install heaters, a fire pit or a fireplace. Cool plus cozy equals a year-round poolside paradise.

Photo by Emily Hart