Backyard & Pool Design and Renovation – The Reveal!
Come see this backyard and pool renovation where we took a dated outdoor space and made it into a French inspired oasis!
I’ve been promising this post for awhile now, and it’s finally here! Today I’m so excited to be sharing my backyard and pool renovation reveal!
Now if you’re new here, you may not know that last summer we started a huge project; that of completely re-doing the yard. This meant re-landscaping, as well as re-doing the pool and all the surrounding hardscape. A big undertaking to say the least!
Today I’m going to take you through all that we did and share every little detail. So grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and settle in. There are quite a lot of photos and lots to share!
(A complete source list is included at the end of the post!)
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Backyard and Pool Reveal
Let’s do a little flashback, shall we? Here’s what it looked like one short year ago…
Before
And here’s where we are now!
After
As I shared in my backyard renovation plan, we knew we would have to do some concrete in order to save money. But what I really didn’t want, was only concrete, which is what we had originally. Our patio/hardscape area is quite large, and I was afraid that if we simply did concrete everywhere, it would be a sea of cement.
I looked at travertine, and though I actually found a pretty good price at wholesale, it would have delayed the job by two weeks, something I didn’t want to do. I also entertained the idea of having grass right up to the pool, at least on one or two sides.
It’s inexpensive and gives a very European feel, which I love. However, there are issues with that (like bugs and flies which land on you constantly if you’re sitting on a lounge chair on top of grass) so my family kind of overruled me on that one, haha!
So, that left us back at concrete, at least in most of the main areas. My contractor as well as a few friends recommended stamped concrete, but my husband wasn’t crazy about it, so we ruled that out pretty early on.
That’s when I went back to the drawing board and really looked at what was inspiring me online and on Pinterest, and I quickly realized that many of the backyards I had saved and loved had natural stone. Either the entire hardscape area was stone, or it was at least trimmed in it or parts of it were stone so that’s the direction I went in!
Hardscape Choice: Flagstone
It immediately felt like the right decision! I knew it would add some much needed interest to our boring exterior. It also feels somewhat European, something stamped concrete definitely doesn’t. And it’s timeless. We wanted something that wouldn’t go out of style quickly, so the fact that stone is classic and has been used forever, really helped finalize that decision for me.
To compromise, we decided to add stone trim around the pool and all around the outside edges of the concrete. We simply couldn’t afford to do the stone everywhere (though, boy, would I have wanted to!)
So though it took awhile, and probably delayed the backyard renovation at least as long as waiting for the travertine would have, haha, we decided on the stone and I’m so glad we did! It’s so pretty, and it adds so much charm and interest to the space!
Our stone is flagstone, and the color is Bouquet Canyon. I love the fact that it has grey, but it’s not just grey which can sometimes go flat. It has lots of warm tones of beige and brown mixed with the grey which for us is perfect!
Pool Coping: Flagstone
We also used the stone as the coping around the pool. We added some stacked stone (also in flagstone), as well as a very simple tile for the water line tile.
The pool is plain old white plaster! We debated going with Pebble Tec which is very trendy (everyone we know has it). It’s longer lasting, but also slightly more expensive. But as much as we loved the idea of the finish lasting longer, we just kept going back to that word ~ timeless.
That made choosing the old-fashioned plaster an easy decision. And I must admit, I love the way it looks! (and of course, cheaper is never a bad thing for my husband! 😉 )
The chaise lounges were already here and in good shape so those we kept.
Patio Cover
One of my favorite things we did in this backyard and pool renovation was to extend the patio cover! Previously, it only went over the French doors and the kitchen window (left of the doors).
As a result, the far left area, which is the lounge area, was always in the blazing sun. And that window on the far left is the dining room and it was always sunny and hot in there, too.
Before
After
It’s amazing what a difference it’s made! The shade is lovely – we can actually sit there in the afternoon or early evening reading, enjoying a glass of wine or sitting with friends. But it also made the patio feel so much bigger!
Before
After
As far as furniture goes, I used almost everything that we had before. The wicker chairs and table, as well as the lounge chairs and chaises stayed.
Fountain
We also added a fountain which is something I had always wanted to do! It’s the Estancia fountain by Campania. I first saw it at a local retailer and fell in love! Many of the other fountains I found were so busy. Just full of scrolls, and lion’s heads, and floral relief details.
I really just wanted simplicity, which turned out to be something that Campania does very well. In fact, they are the only company I found that does such simple designs.
Flagstone Pathway
The stone pathway leading from the back doors to the spa was a last minute add. And can I say?! It’s probably my absolute favorite thing we did!! The path adds so much charm, and of course, a lot more stone, which I love! But it also breaks up that very long patio, keeping it from being that ‘sea’ of cement I was worried about!
Fire Pit
If you’ve been reading lately, then you know that I already revealed the fire pit in this post. We love it! It’s something we debated quite a bit. When you’re spending a lot on such a big project, it’s always a balance between splurging and saving.
At one point we removed it from the bid, but we ended up adding it back in, and I’m so glad we did! We’ve used it many times already, and even better, is my teens have been using it, too!
We are so thrilled with the result of our backyard and pool renovation, and I want to thank you all for following along! Not only here but also on Instagram. I started sharing videos in stories over there last year and got so much support and lots of questions – it was really fun to take you all along for the ride!
And also a huge thank you to my sponsors who so generously donated their products to this project:
If you want to see more, you can read about where we started, all the plans, plus the mood board for the project in this post. And if you want to see the landscaping, you can find those details here.
Backyard & Pool Renovation Sources
And if you’re new here, I hope you’ll sign up for my emails so you can follow along with the next decorating project!
Sheila
xo
Detailed Source List
Hardscape: Concrete surrounded with flagstone trim, color is Bouquet Canyon.
Pool coping and tile: Coping is flagstone. The highest row of tile is a stacked stone, color is Canyon Creek. The second row of tile (the waterline tile) is a simple faux stone tile.
Furniture: Chaise lounges are from Ballard Designs | Dining table was made by my husband, similar here, here, and here | Wicker chairs are from World Market and are discontinued, similar options here and here | Lounge chairs are from Ballard Designs | Adirondack chairs | Coffee table, old, similar here
Fountain: Estancia fountain by Campania
Lanterns: Pottery Barn and Home Goods
Outdoor Sconces: old, similar ones here, here, and here
Planters and Pots: Terrain, Pottery Barn and various vintage urns
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out some of my other summer decorating and outdoor inspiration posts below:
Outdoor Patio Decor: Simple & Pretty Summer Refresh
Outdoor Entertaining Essentials: 7 Must-Have Items!
How to Create an Outdoor Oasis
How to Host a Summer Wine & Cheese Party
Hello! Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures – they’re quite inspiring! I noticed your pool and was wondering if it’s a traditional chlorine pool. I’m asking because I also have a pool and have been considering converting it into a saltwater system due to the perceived benefits, such as easier maintenance and automatic chlorine addition. What’s your take on this?
Thanks Olivia! and yes, ours is a salt-water pool now and we love it!
Where are the pillows from? I love them! I used regular pillows outside and they mildewed so now I need to find outdoor pillows. Love your project! We just finished our pool, and back yard but working on final touches!
Hi there Holly and thank you! Those outdoor pillows were from RH – they don’t have the exact same ones anymore but I believe they carry similar ones every year.
Hope that helps~
Sheila
Your backyard renovation is beautiful! Love the stonework you selected! Everything is stunning! Happy Summer to you and your family relaxing outdoors!
That is so kind – thank you Jeanne! Happy Summer to you as well! 🙂
Sheila
It all turned out so beautiful! What a wonderful addition to your lovely home!
Thanks so much Mary Anne!
love everything you did. I am inspired! beautiful pool color.. very pretty with the flagstone!
Thank you Michele! 🙂
so very clean and refreshing .so happy for you and your family
Aww thank you Marlene – so appreciate that!
I love the way it turned out. Did they have to remove the old cracked concrete? I have same issue happening on my back yard so I’m curious.
Hi Andrea and thanks for your kind comment! They did remove all the old concrete in order to pour the new and set all the stone. Good luck to you!
It is so beautiful! I know you will enjoy it and good times with friends and family!
Thanks so much Belinda!!
Everything looks amazing, Sheila! Well done! I LOVE the stone!
Aww thank you my friend! It was a LONG time coming, haha! Happy Summer to you Holly!
Looks great! The flagstone was the perfect addition to add texture and some design element without it being too much. You can always re-line the pools interior if you change your mind. Timeless for sure:0)
Did you remove that palm tree that I saw in the upper left corner of the before? The planters make it a more peaceful serene space to sit. Great job!
Hi Lori~ yes we did remove the palm tree when we removed all the other old plantings. We actually gained about 10 feet of patio by doing that!
Thanks for your lovely comment and for stopping by – so appreciate it!
Sheila
I absolutely love your pool! Excellent color combinations and a good mix of timeless beauty with a more updated flair. Could you please tell me the color of your concrete? It compliments the flagstone so well.
The concrete was only very slightly colored – hardly at all. In fact, in person most people don’t even realize it was stained at all!
You are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m starting my backyard remodel and loved everything you did! Thanks for the links to find items.
Wow you’re so welcome Yisell! Thank you for your kind compliment! 🙂
Sheila
I love your pool remodel! Could you tell me what color you used on the concrete?
Hi, your pool looks great! We’re doing a similar look. How thick is the coping? 2”
Thanks! The coping is about 15″ wide and the thickness is whatever the thickness is of the flagstone.
Thank you. My builder is recommending 1 1/4” thick coping and I’m concerned it’s not thick enough. Yours appears to be closer to 2” thick but I was hoping to get some clarification. Your pool looks awesome!
Mine varies because of the natural stone, anywhere between 1″ and 2″. Hope that helps!
Your pool renovation is gorgeous!! We’re thinking of doing ours this upcoming summer so this could not have been better timing! Thank you for this helpful post and for inspiring me – can’t wait to do something similar!
I love, love, love everything you did here – especially that gorgeous stone! Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow – SO lovely! I love following along with your projects. I always learn so much, and the results are always gorgeous! 💗 Happy Summer in this yard!
Aww thank you Barbara, that’s so kind!!
Happy Summer to you as well 🙂
Sheila
xo
This is such an amazing transformation. I just love these lovely pictures – what an inspiring job you’ve done!!
Thanks very much!!
Beautiful Sheila, you did a lovely job and it looks like you found the right balance between style, function and budgets. Love it! We started an outdoor project too just redid our patio with travertine and hope to build a pool and pool house as well….sooner rather than later! But you know how that goes.
Hi Denise! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment!!
Travertine is a favorite of mine – I bet your patio looks amazing!
Sheila
xo
Sheila – I love what you’ve done. The pool coping stone along with the curving stone pathway and fire pit are perfect choices to breakup the concrete – without breaking the bank. Your patio overhang extension must be a wonderful place to hang out with family and friends out of the suns glare. And, I really love your fountain. It’s given me a great idea for the water feature at our new house. Your backyard is made for a special summer!
Aww thank you for your kind words Juliet, I so appreciate it! And I really appreciate you coming over to the blog and taking the time to read and to comment – it means so much!
And good luck with your new house – that’s so exciting!
Sheila
xo
Looks great. Love it all!
Thank you so much Cindy!
So beautiful!
Where did you get your chaise lounges? I love that they’re black.
Hi they were from Ballard Designs. I also linked some similar options in the “Shop the Post” at the bottom.
Thanks for stopping by!
It’s all gorgeous Sheila! I so love that you used flagstone as the pathway from the house and as the coping around the pool, that is such a beautiful, natural detail that brings so much to this space. Also it’s all so beautifully decorated which is no surprise – I love your timeless French style so much! Enjoy it all with your beautiful family!
Aww thank you my friend – that means so much! We just love the stone, and I’m so glad you love it too! And thank you for stopping by and for sharing your support!
And happy summer!
Sheila
xo
Your project turned out just gorgeous! The stone made all the difference!!! I love everything you do!!!
Aww that’s so nice! Thank you so very much!!
Sheila
I love the way you integrated flagstone and cement. Great idea. Not sure, though, why you don’t think stamped concrete can be timeless?
Hi Barbara! Thanks so much, I so appreciate your kind words! And as for stamped concrete, maybe I’m wrong about the timeless aspect of it, but my husband just really didn’t want it. And since I make so many design decisions, I thought I should let him have at least a few! 😉
Thank you for stopping by!
Sheila
I like the mix of material. It adds interest and takes away the coldness of all that cement. In any big project, I opt for classic & timeless.
I have serious backyard envy, here! What a wonderful place to while away your summer days.
Thank you so much Joanna – that’s what I was hoping! I love the stone, only wish I could have afforded to have the entire hardscape be stone but oh well!
I thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot. This project was such a labor of love!
Sheila