Our Backyard Retreat :: Inspiration

It’s been all pool talk around our house lately. Our pool or not to pool conversations have come along way since 2010. I’m happy to share that it’s official, and pool it is.

We’ve spent countless hours talking about size, steps, liners and landscaping. Here’s a look at our initial sketch…

… since drafting this version, we’ve added more trees but never the less, this is where we started.

It was meetings with a handful of pool companies; Poolside, Pools for Homes, Jameson Pool & Spa, Pioneer Pools and Gib-San Pools and landscaping companies; Heart’s Content Gardens and Wade’s Landscaping Creations that really helped us refine our vision. The folks at the highlighted companies have been spectacular; we are well versed in pool and landscaping options now. We are doing all our homework now for a spring dig date.

As in any design project, it all starts with inspiration and needless to say, lately I’ve been dreaming, and pinning, about what I want our backyard retreat to feel like. As in most design projects, starting with the big pictures always helps guide decisions and helps keep you focused. Clean lines, natural stones with tailored low maintenance greens and sun shades bring both B and I a sense of calm. Here’s a peek at the backyard feel we are favouring {with more grass}…

Here’s a peek at some pool inspiration I’ve been pinning…

… see more inspiration via my outdoor living pin-board.

Photo Sources; Artistic Gardens & Mark Hartley