Dive into Décor: Creating the Perfect Poolside Retreat
I’m no stranger to a home makeove. But when I stepped out of my car at the site of our latest project in Joshua Tree, I realized this one would be different. I was there to create a poolside retreat for a vacation home, but as there was no pool yet, we would be starting from scratch. I pride myself on my ability to change outdated spaces for the better, giving rooms new life through renovation and decoration. But as I walked around the property, surrounded by miles of desert and sweeping views of Joshua Tree National Park, a question crept into my head: What do I do with a blank canvas?
Where to Start?
I wanted this blog post to help not only those looking for poolside décor inspiration, but anyone faced with a daunting home makeover project. Working with nothing can be intimidating. The first step is to assess what you do have. In my case, I had desert. I had mountains. I had sunsets. Competing with all that untamed nature seemed to be the obstacle at first, but I quickly realized I could work with it instead of against it. In fact, that’s become one of my biggest pieces of advice for any makeover project: work with what you have.
Live near a beach? Try decorating with driftwood instead of out-of-area plants. Have an old house? Find that one great old feature (original hardwood floors, big beams, vintage trimwork, stained glass) and bring in elements (e.g. accent paint) to emphasize that. Creating a poolside retreat in the middle of the desert? Let the surrounding landscape become part of your vision. The Vision.
The Vision.
Once I got a handle on the strengths of the property, a vision for a space started to emerge. I now knew one thing for sure: we didn’t want to obstruct the views. So, I embraced an open concept. We also decided we needed the space to be family friendly to make it rentable—ideal for BBQs, swimming, or just lounging to enjoy the sunset. We didn’t just want to make a backdrop for a pool party, we wanted to create an oasis.
The Design.
1. Walkway to Wonder
A stylish, functional walkway leading from the house to the outdoor haven was our first step. The path, like a red carpet to relaxation, teased the natural beauty waiting for our guests.
2. Poolside Paradise
The pool, of course, had to be the star of the show, offering a splash pad, a jacuzzi, and horizontal views that kissed the skyline. When it came to picking tiles for the pool, I went back to my favorite rule (work with what you have) and chose a design that would complement the Mediterranean/Spanish architecture of the house. I used geometric tiles in pinks and blacks to bring in color and charm while playfully nodding to the terracotta roof.
3. BBQ Bliss and Dining Delights
Adjacent to the pool, an area looking out at the mountains begged for a BBQ. With a dining table set for eight or more, it was the perfect stage for alfresco feasts and conversations that would linger long into the night.
4. Lounging in Style
Shaded for comfort, our lounge area was designed with the Joshua Tree sunset in mind. Terracotta furniture to, you guessed it, work with our terracotta roof, as well as a stylish rug, plush patterned throw pillows, and bursts of greenery to balance the pinks and bring some warmth to the neutral sandy expanse.
5. Fireside Conversations
While the pool turned out exactly as we envisioned, I have to say, the sunken fire pit ultimately stole the show. Nestled low to keep the horizon ever-present and capture the panoramic views, this lounge can accommodate up to 14! I imagine it filled with generations of family and friends, having cozy conversations by the captivating flames. For a finishing touch, I threw in vibrant pillows that elevated the space into a modern Spanish dreamscape, bringing in those pinks we love, along with some blues in shades of the perfect summer sky.
6. Netted Nook for All Ages
Finally, for our younger guests (and the young at heart!), we built a netted pit to provide a haven for reading, relaxing, or taking a well-deserved nap. After working hard to bring this latest design vision to life, I took one myself.
The Final Product.
As we wrapped up our project, I thought about the blank canvas I started with 6 months earlier. Crafting a desert pool escape, like any home makeover, is an art form. It's about harmonizing the comforts of human design with the surrounding natural world. Working with what you have.
And what we have now is the perfect poolside retreat. As I got in my car to go home, I could already hear the splash of the pool, the laughter echoing through the desert air, and the murmured fireside conversations under the setting Joshua Tree sun. Satisfied, I drove off into my own sunset.
