Turn your swimming pool into a retreat

A swimming pool is a great way to spruce up your space and cool off. However, just having a pool can be a bit drab and uninviting. In this article, we will be exploring how you can upgrade your pool area and make it more inviting, fun and aesthetically appealing for both you and your guests.

With some simple additions and thoughtful design elements, you can easily transform that basic pool area into a luxurious outdoor retreat - your own personal oasis right at home. 

Embrace Color with Plants

One of the most impactful ways to elevate a pool's look and feel is through lush, colorful landscaping and plants. Tropical plants can spruce up the space and offer a feast for the eyes, making your swimming pool a place you look forward to enjoying. Surround the pool deck with flowering shrubs, ornamental trees, and cheerful annuals for pops of vibrant colors. Use a variety of pots for the potted plants to draw interest. Not only does this enhance the overall aesthetic, but it creates a sense of being transported to an exotic, tropical paradise. Consider planting bougainvillea, hibiscus, bird of paradise, or even palm trees for a taste of resort-style ambiance. 

Add Playful Elements

While you want an air of luxury, you don't want your pool area to feel too stuffy or serious. Inject some playful, fun elements that encourage relaxation and quality time. This can be anything from quirky decorative pieces, murals, or rock art  to draw interest and act as conversational pieces. More functional pieces such as hanging chairs, daybeds, or even swings suspended from sturdy tree branches can also add the playful elements to the pool area. They also help you let go and gently sway as you enjoy the sunshine and cool waters, making the pool area a fantastic retreat. Freestanding hammocks also make for inviting lounging spots. And don't forget games - lawn bowling, oversized chess/checkers sets, and putting greens can transform the space into an entertaining backyard retreat. 

Seating is Key

One element you cannot ignore for your pool area is seating. People don't want to be standing around all the time or be in the water. Sometimes you just want to enjoy the view without getting yourself wet. As such, having strategic seating spaces by the pool can be a great way to relax. Whether it's benches, lazy beds, outdoor furniture or swings seating can help showcase your creativity. A good example of that is the use of repurposed tires as swings over the pool as in the design above. 

Water and Fire Features

In the spirit of not making your swimming pool space boring, consider investing in interesting water features and fire places to elevate the space. Not only are water features aesthetically pleasing they are also therapeutic and here at Citta Magica we are all about creating multipurpose spaces. The sound of water flowing transports you into nature and helps you calm down and relax. In addition to lowering your anxiety and soothing your soul, water features are a great way to reduce noise pollution. Specifically, water features help to drown out the sound of traffic, industries and the neighborhood to a large degree.

Similarly fire places can help transform the pool area and give it a more luxurious feel to your backyard. Fire features are a must have to create a dramatic flare to your space. That said, it is worth noting that fire features can also be functional particularly during the cool evenings and colder months. When the sun is shying away behind the dark clouds, the allure of the outdoors diminishes significantly. However, a fire feature can help keep your pool area active during the colder months and evenings by providing a place for people to congregate.

Water and fire features do not have to be extravagant, which is great regardless of whether one has a grand budget or a more reserved one.  Regardless of the type one chooses, having either or both of these features to complement the pool area can upgrade the space and be a great conversation starter.

Create Drama with Lighting

Proper lighting is key for cultivating a true luxury feel day or night. As the sun sets, the right lighting can set a romantic, alluring mood. Uplight trees, plants, and architectural elements like pergolas or gazebos. Hang glamorous chandeliers or pendant lighting over outdoor living and dining areas. You can even get floating pool lights that illuminate the water in colorful, glowing sculptures. With a mix of ambient and focused lighting, your pool territory instantly feels more high-end and resort-inspired.

In conclusion, by thoughtfully incorporating lush botanical gardens, playful elements, functional amenities, water and fire features and strategic lighting design, you can easily transform a basic backyard pool into a luxury retreat that rivals any five-star destination. 

Each swimming pool design is a reflection of its owners. Let your own personal oasis set the bar in your neighborhood! Create amazing memories, take great pictures, hold barbecues and have fun with those you love with a swimming pool that you enjoy.

Cheers!

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by Christine Ndegwa 

8th May 2024

Ready to transform your space? At Citta Magica, we specialize in turning your design dreams into reality. Contact us at info@cittamagica.com for a consultation, and let's create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs. Your modern sanctuary awaits!