Living the dream: pools to drool over
If the summer heat has you hankering for a pool of your own, or you’re simply dying to get outside and warm up to escape winter blues, try a few laps around this lineup and commit to taking the plunge.
1. Pair it with a pergola
Stunning formal landscaping surrounds this custom-built pool to evoke a resort feeling. The azure colour of the pool itself is highlighted with the unique see-through window at the end that magnifies and an underwater view of the pool below.
"We tend to live outside during the summer months"
Philippa, Homeowner
2. Keep it cool
The grey tones of the decking surrounding this curvaceous pool drives a palette of driftwood and white washed weatherboards seen in the home beyond. Palms planted in lush groupings throughout the garden lend a tropical island feel.
3. Steal space
Tucked into one end of the pool area, this cabana is a great lesson in how to maximize the potential of available space. Topped with timber, a built in seat runs the length of the pool and ends adjacent to a small but sturdy pavilion, which serves as both a poolside shady retreat and a landing place for towels and pool paraphernalia.
4. Max is out
The oversized scale of this pavilion brings it right up to the pool’s edge and provides welcome shade when the sun is behind it. Far from overwhelming the pool however, its grand proportions allow for minimal accessories and lend the entire entertaining space a sense of opulence.
5. Indoor pool
A large window ensures the pool and garden view are the star feature of this living area. "When you put a pool into the kind of space we have, by necessity it needs to be a focal point of the house and garden," explains homeowner Louisa.
"I can't believe that so much has been achieved in such a small space"
Louisa, Homeowner
6. Laser dreams
The pretty pattern for this laser-cut poolside screening was inspired by an old tile held by homeowner David, who sketched it up and had it scaled up and transformed into three aluminium panels powder-coated to specifications from Dulux. At night, the panels are lit from behind to make a dynamic feature of the garden wall.
7. Natural wonder
Timber decking is left unoiled to age gracefully here in the hills with a simple design for relaxing and soaking up life. Adirondack chairs add to the sense of escapism.
"When you're in the pool, it feels like you're floating amongst the hills"
Homeowner Shannon
