Forever in such high demand, a swimming pool can beautify the space as well as create a place to exercise, have fun with the family, entertain, and simply relax by the water.
Not just yet another home addition, an outdoor pool can be a beautiful addition to a garden landscape and a design feature in its own right. ‘A swimming pool provides a dynamic aesthetic feature to a home and surrounding landscape,’ says Luke Carter, director of Sydney and Canberra architectural practice Sandbox Studio.
If you want a calming outdoor pool space, try taking inspiration from Jennifer Aniston's garden, which is inspired by traditional Japanese garden ideas with its emphasis on peace, serenity and simplicity.
‘Pools allow for a multitude of possibilities,’ says Hillary Littlejohn, principal of her eponymous design studio in Dallas, Texas. ‘ They can become focal points or supporting actors positioned as water features with swimming capability. A pool of ten grounds a large expansive space like a lawn or large terrace; infinity pools direct your eye towards a horizon.’
However, if you wish to replicate the pool shown here, you'll do well to focus on the symmetry and serenity you often see in Japanese gardens. Actress Jennifer Aniston's pool garden, designed by Marcello Villano, is an immaculate and perfectly poised example of one.
This picture-perfect pool is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and some of the best plants for privacy. This is a clever design trick, as most of us would want to enjoy peace and seclusion when swimming in a backyard pool.
Compared to western pool areas, the color palette is restrained, emphasizing foliage rather than flowers – a celebration of green in all its varying shades. Trees and shrubs are used more than herbaceous perennials – adding height and structure to the pool area. For a classic, look, the American Boxwood Shrub from Fast Growing Trees is a personal favorite in my own garden. Meanwhile, the pool deck idea is simple, refined, and hard-wearing – perfect for hosting pool parties and family get-togethers.
Don’t rule out using deck ideas as an alternative to pavers when designing a pool area for your backyard. It’s another way to create a cool and sturdy feel underfoot, and can also help blend the pool area into the surrounding landscaping or link it to a home with wood siding.
Choose a wood such as cedar, teak, or ipê that will stand up to the demanding conditions, and bear in mind that it will have maintenance requirements.
‘Another option to consider is using some of the non-slip composites instead (made from polymer and wood fiber) which are sustainable and much more durable,’ says Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers and CEO of Bowles & Wyer John Wyer. ‘If you’re sold on the wood look, you could use non-slip porcelain planks, which are available in a wide variety of wood-like finishes.’
Over the years, decking's usage has expanded, and it has become the go-to material for contemporary pool ideas. Materials have also come into their own. While early decks were made out of first-generation hardwoods, now it's hard-wearing composites and eco products made of recycled materials that are all the rage.
Shop the look
If you already have a pool, you may be wondering how to enhance the privacy and shade. If so, I've selected my favorite planting, screening and garden tools to help you achieve the look.
Installing mains-powered lights can be an expensive business. Solar lights can be had for a fraction of the cost, and there's a huge variety available to choose from. If you wish to add an intriguing accent to your pool after dark, you'll want to invest in these beautiful floating solar pool lighting.
Japanese trimming shears are some of the best on the market. Our garden editor loves this option for its ability to cut through almost any hedge with ease – and for its accurate precision.
Japanese holly makes an excellent box substitute hedges. Although it has no berries, this holly can be pruned into all sorts of shapes – great for adding structure and privacy to your borders.
This gorgeous solar lantern will illuminate dark borders and pathways – and add interest to your plot come nightfall. The intricate cut-out design is the star feature and is a guaranteed talking point.
Some of the best fall trees for large and small gardens are the Japanese maples. Their slender multi-branched trunks ensure they look good all year, whether they have an iconic mounded form reminiscent of a Japanese garden or an elegant upright habit. They are also fantastic plants for novice gardeners.
Outdoor furniture doesn't have to be cold or sterile. In fact, the best designs beautifully blend form and function. With a relaxed silhouette and casual, comfortable design, this chair is a must for modern, minimalist spaces. Styled for use both indoors and out, this iron-framed chair features a removable cushion making it easy to clean.
