Designed by Boxhill's founder and landscape architect, Elizabeth Przygoda, these tiered custom poolside planters not only add to the visual appeal but also serve as playful jumping platforms for the children.

As landscape designers, one of the first things we consider when planning a pool area is the selection of plants. It's not just about beauty; it's about ensuring that the plants you choose enhance the space without causing future problems. For instance, root-invasive trees can damage the pool’s structure over time. Similarly, deciduous plants, while attractive, can increase your maintenance efforts due to shedding leaves. We always recommend evergreens and a mix of tropical and native plants to create a resilient, low-maintenance landscape.

• Root Management: Avoid root-invasive trees that could damage the pool’s structure over time. Opt for plants with non-invasive root systems.

• Evergreens Over Deciduous: Evergreen trees and shrubs are ideal as they provide year-round greenery and reduce maintenance compared to deciduous plants that shed leaves.

• Tropical and Native Plants: Incorporate a mix of tropical plants and native species to add variety and resilience to your landscape. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less water and care.

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In this modern backyard pool design by Elizabeth Przygoda, pool deck chaise loungers and in-pool tanning ledge loungers create a luxurious oasis. To combat the harsh desert climate, she chose a gravel hardscape that reduces heat retention compared to other materials.

Hardscaping is about more than just laying down stone or concrete. It's about creating functional zones that make your pool area safe and enjoyable. When selecting hardscape materials, you need to consider slip resistance, heat retention, and how well the materials blend with your home’s existing architecture. We’ve seen many projects where the wrong materials led to discomfort and safety issues. By carefully choosing the right materials, you can create a beautiful and practical poolside environment.

• Non-Slip Surfaces: Choose materials that are slip-resistant and comfortable underfoot, such as textured pavers or natural stone.

• Heat Considerations: Select hardscape materials that do not retain excessive heat to prevent discomfort on hot days.

• Complementary Colors: Ensure that the hardscape materials complement the existing architecture and color scheme of your home and pool.

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In this Santa Fe-style backyard design by Elizabeth Przygoda, eco-friendly gravel hardscape and native plants blend seamlessly with the desert surroundings, creating a beautiful, water-wise landscape.

In regions where water conservation is crucial, incorporating water-wise landscaping principles into your pool design is not just smart, it’s necessary. Xeriscaping is an excellent way to create a beautiful, sustainable landscape. By using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems, you can reduce water usage without sacrificing aesthetics. Mulching is another key practice that helps retain moisture and improve soil health, making your garden both eco-friendly and low-maintenance.

• Drought-Tolerant Plants: Use plants that require minimal watering, such as succulents and ornamental grasses.

• Efficient Irrigation Systems: Install drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and promoting healthy plant growth.

• Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance soil health.

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When furnishing an outdoor space, we always recommend considering the memories you want to create within that space to help align your priorities. Boxhill furnished this outdoor pool space with two goals in mind: entertainment and relaxation. In-pool bar stools and a side table with a built-in ice bucket keep refreshing beverages close at hand, while in-pool chaise loungers on the tanning ledge offer a direct view of the water feature for optimum relaxation.

Outdoor furniture can make or break the functionality and aesthetics of your pool area. We’ve encountered many designs where the placement and type of furniture were afterthoughts, leading to impractical and uncomfortable spaces. Plan your furniture layout first, ensuring there’s ample room for movement and activities. Choose durable, weather-resistant materials and consider comfort and style to create inviting areas for lounging, dining, and socializing.

• Functional Layouts: Plan the layout of furniture to ensure ample space for movement and activities. Consider areas for lounging, dining, and socializing.

• Durable Materials: Choose outdoor furniture made from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, or high-quality resin to withstand the elements. Note: durable materials might differ based on the region you’re located in. For example, those in coastal regions will want to avoid materials like untreated wood that can warp with humidity and salt exposure, while those in regions with four seasons may want to consider materials like powder-coated steel that can withstand varying temperatures and weather conditions.

• Comfort and Style: Incorporate cushions and textiles that are both comfortable and stylish, ensuring they are UV-resistant and quick-drying.

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This stunning backyard design won Elizabeth Przygoda the HGTV Ultimate Outdoors Overall Winner award in 2018. Pool lighting plays a significant role in creating ambiance, and waterproof glow balls are an easy and cost-effective addition. They instantly add a luxurious and magical touch.

Well-placed lighting can dramatically enhance the beauty and functionality of your pool landscape. Proper lighting is crucial for safety, as it illuminates pathways and steps to prevent accidents. In our experience, strategic lighting not only ensures safety but also highlights the key features of your garden, creating a visually stunning environment. Underwater lights in the pool add a magical ambiance, making your pool area inviting and functional long after the sun sets.

• Safety Lighting: Use pathway and step lights to illuminate walkways and reduce the risk of accidents.

• Accent Lighting: Highlight key landscape features such as trees, sculptures, or water features with accent lights.

• Underwater Lighting: Add underwater and floating lights to the pool for a magical evening ambiance.

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No conversation about pool shade would be complete without mentioning these custom bubblegum pink fringed pool deck umbrellas that we collaborated on for the Palm Springs Trixie Motel renovation. They may have been a custom order, but we loved them so much we kept them in stock so you can snag one for yourself!

Shade is essential for comfort and protection from the sun’s harsh rays. We’ve designed many pool landscapes where the inclusion of permanent structures like pergolas and gazebos or movable options like umbrellas and retractable awnings made a significant difference. Shade not only provides relief from the sun but also enhances the usability of the pool area throughout the day. Plant-based shade solutions, such as large trees and trellises with climbing plants, can add a natural touch.

• Permanent Structures: Consider installing pergolas, gazebos, or shade sails to provide permanent shaded areas.

• Movable Options: Use umbrellas or retractable awnings for flexible shade solutions that can be adjusted as needed.

• Plant-Based Shade: Plant large trees or install trellises with climbing plants to create natural shade.

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Custom pool water features are a common request from our design clients. We love how this one designed by Elizabeth Przygoda turned out.

Adding natural elements to your pool landscape enhances its aesthetic appeal and ecological value. We often incorporate rock features and water elements to create natural-looking borders and focal points. Additionally, creating habitats for local wildlife with bird feeders, butterfly gardens, or small ponds not only supports the local ecosystem but also adds dynamic beauty to the space.

• Rock Features: Use rocks and boulders to create natural-looking borders and focal points. Another option is to incorporate pebble tables and seats into your outdoor space, providing a natural feel with added functionality.

• Water Features: Small waterfalls, fountains, or streams can add a soothing element to your pool area. Need help choosing the right water feature for your outdoor space? Check out our article Essential Guide to Choosing Garden Fountains and Water Features.

• Wildlife Habitats: Create habitats for local wildlife by incorporating bird feeders, butterfly gardens, or small ponds.

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This design features the Affnity Square In-Pool Sunbed with Backrest from Boxhill along with several custom outdoor pillows.

Art and decor are essential for personalizing your pool landscape and reflecting your unique style. By taking cues from your indoor space, you can create a harmonious environment that seamlessly extends outdoors. Thoughtfully placed sculptures, garden art, and decorative tiles add interest and personality, while outdoor rugs and textiles define spaces and introduce color and texture. Incorporating decorative planters and containers showcases your favorite plants and flowers, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

• Sculptures and Art Pieces: Place sculptures, garden art, or decorative tiles strategically to add interest and personality.

• Outdoor Rugs and Textiles: Use outdoor rugs and textiles to define spaces and add color and texture.

• Planters and Containers: Incorporate decorative planters and containers to showcase your favorite plants and flowers.

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Stackable in-pool chaise loungers like the Shayz Chaise (Set of 2) from Boxhill are an excellent option for regions with significant seasonal changes, allowing for easy moving or storing of pool furniture.

Planning for seasonal changes is crucial to ensure your pool landscape looks great year-round. By choosing a mix of plants that bloom at different times, you can enjoy continuous color and interest throughout the year. Preparing for winter is equally important; plan for winterizing your pool and protecting delicate plants during colder months. Flexible decor allows you to update the look of your pool area with the changing seasons, keeping it fresh and inviting.

• Seasonal Plants: Choose a mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year for continuous color and interest.

• Winter Protection: Plan to winterize your pool and protect delicate plants during colder months. Our heirloom-quality Impruneta Terracotta pots are perfect for this. We love them for planting fruiting trees that need to be moved indoors in winter climates. Plus, they are the only truly frost-proof terracotta on the market, meaning you can leave them outdoors filled with soil all winter without risking breakage.

• Flexible Decor: Use seasonal decor and accessories to update the look of your pool area throughout the year. Outdoor pillows are an excellent (and easy) way to change the feel of your outdoor space seasonally. Our outdoor pillows are made with high-quality, weather-resistant materials that stand up to the elements and provide a fresh look year-round.

• Portable Furniture and Covers: Invest in portable pool furniture that can be easily moved and stored, along with outdoor furniture covers to protect your pieces during off-seasons. This helps maintain the quality and longevity of your outdoor furnishings.

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This pooside fire table seating area, designed by Elizabeth Przygoda and furnished by Boxhill, features the Tavola 5 Outdoor Concrete Rectangle Fire Table, Juntos Loveseat, the Pastel Acapulco Chair, and the On-The-Move Outdoor Side Table.

Incorporating extra features can elevate your pool landscape and create a complete outdoor experience. Adding a fire pit extends the use of your pool area into cooler months, while accessories like floating pool pillows, games, and other fun items enhance relaxation and entertainment. A pool bar with stools, bar carts, and a designated area for refreshments can create a resort-like atmosphere, making your pool area a true retreat.

• Fire Pits: Add a fire pit to extend the use of your pool area into the cooler months. They provide warmth and a cozy ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings.

• Accessories: Enhance the fun and relaxation in your pool area with floating pool pillows and pool deck games. These items add a playful element and encourage interaction among guests.

• Pool Bar: Include in-pool bar stools, bar carts, and a designated area for poolside refreshments to create a resort-like atmosphere. A well-stocked pool bar can be the centerpiece of social gatherings, making your pool area a favorite spot for entertaining.

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Landscape designed by Elizabeth Przygoda and features the Range Chaise Loungers from Boxhill.

Designing a pool landscape requires a thoughtful balance of aesthetics, functionality, and safety. By incorporating these essential components into your pool design plans, you can create an inviting outdoor space that will be a joy for years to come. If you're a trade professional, our comprehensive trade program offers boutique procurement services to help you furnish your outdoor projects with ease. Join our trade program today and let us support you in crafting exceptional outdoor environments that exceed your clients' expectations.

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