There is something about being near water that always makes one think of a resort, a cottage or the ocean. Recreate the best parts of those memories in your own backyard. Here are a few tips to make your pool area feel like an all-inclusive.

Photo Source: H2O Designs

Photo Source: H2O Designs

Small-Time Trevi

We all have a fascination with moving water and the sound of it soothes the soul. Adding a water feature to your swimming area can increase your enjoyment of the environment without ever changing into a swimsuit. Whether it’s nod to Renaissance Italy or a sleek, modernist design, a fountain is a striking addition to any patio space. Pool hardware and fixtures also offer options to complement the style of your poolside retreat.

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Photo Source: Kepoon

Patio  Furniture

Designing the perfect patio can be tedious and time-consuming but it will ultimately be the space that you will use even more than the pool itself. Break up the space into sitting and eating areas in order to figure out how many chairs and loungers you will need. Most pool loungers are 6 feet so make sure to leave enough room to accommodate them. Include a walkway between any patio furniture and the pool so no one takes an untimely dip in the water. Luckily, there are many different sizes of patio furniture and outdoor dining tables available.

Fire It Up! 

The latest trend in outdoor living is the classic fire pit. They are a handy way to prolong the summer season starting from the chilly nights of spring and later during the brisk cold of autumn. Keep in mind any wood burning fire pits must be kept at least 10 feet from the water’s edge especially if the pool has an automatic safety cover. You don’t want sparks to fly and land on the cover fabric. Also make sure that kids understand it’s a safety hazard. Whether toasting marshmallows for s’mores or basking in the romantic light of the flames, a fire pit is a cozy addition to any poolside patio.

To complete your swimming pool paradise, add a pile of fluffy towels, a tea cart loaded with fancy beverages and some trashy magazines. With these easy changes, you and your family will get the most out of your new backyard vacation spot.

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Kim Bartley, Principal of Kim Bartley Design, brings 25 years of business ownership and management to the table. Kim’s keen eye for design lends her rooms an edgy sophistication while remaining current and functional. Her philosophy is that your home should make you happy and reflect your lifestyle and changing needs. Focusing on unparalleled client care, Kim aims to make the design experience positive and enjoyable at each phase of the project. She works collaboratively with her clients to develop spaces that are clean and modern but still warm and approachable. Kim believes that everyone deserves to live in a beautifully designed space and focuses on truly “getting” her clients.
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