Backyard & Pool Reveal! (Plus, the Most Noteworthy Memorial Day Deals & Sales)

My goodness, it’s taken a while to get here! To catch you up, our decision to install a pool in the backyard was a slow one. A pool has been in our “someday” plans for a while, but we never planned on actually building one until we were in (what we would plan to be) our “forever home”. We looked for land for a custom build for a few years, never finding exactly what we were searching for, and then when the past few years happened, with prices of land and building materials going crazy, we decided we would continue to stay in the home we’re in now — a home we love — and go ahead and start implementing some of those “someday” dreams now. My biggest dream… a Hamptons style pool. I was drawn to classic pool designs and modern pool designs, and I wanted to come up with something that incorporated both — a sleek but timeless pool design that would incorporate lots of nature and natural features.

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NOTE: I’ve included several notable Memorial Day deals that are worth mentioning at the bottom of the post! Don’t miss those, following the full pool reveal.

To catch up on the pool progress, details, and more, check out these posts…

We chose our pool contractor last summer and worked on the details and final design over the next few months. We chose a post-Christmas (December 27) start date and got started. We started with a sliver of yard (that was in poor condition due to drainage) and a big, sloped pine straw covered bank. Beyond that, we had thick brush and woods that extended to the back of the property. Our decision to install a pool went beyond the pool itself. If we were going to invest the money to install a pool, we wanted to create a backyard and outdoor living space we would enjoy to the fullest. That meant a LOT of landscaping and hardscaping, in addition to the pool and pool-scape. I’ll chat about some of those details as we go through. As I always tend to say in reveal posts, I’d like to keep the text short and stick to letting the pictures speak for themselves, but, per usual (and as a caveat), I’m sure I’ll get carried away 😉

*As a reminder, as you see the photos and I explain our decisions, we live in Georgia, north of Atlanta, where we get all four seasons and a lot of humidity. We can have some HOT summers and some harsh elements.

Backyard Before & After

Are you ready? Ok… here’s a peek at where we started…

Before and After Pool Design for Backyard

And y’all… this is what our backyard looks like today!

Hamptons Style Garden Pool Design in Georgia

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (different color)

We can’t get over it. Like, at all. Even though spring and late spring have been mild, we’ve already turned the heater on and have enjoyed several pool days. (The below photo was snapped before our new deck dining set, but I grabbed a quick iPhone shot of it after it was delivered and set up yesterday and included it toward the end of the post).

Backyard Rectangle Pool Design with Lots of Nature

In summers past, we’d set up an inflatable pool or splash pad for Eliza in the small usable area of our yard. You can see how the pine straw hill took up a big chunk of the yard and the trees and brush enveloped the top of it.

Backyard Makeover Before and After

The pool company said they could install a pool without really touching the bank… but I had a vision. Incorporating a statement retaining wall(s) as the side of the pool, with water features, and ultimately growing boxwood hedges together between the levels was the most important part of my plan and I wanted it to be the focal point of the backyard. Lucky for us, at the top of the hill, the upper portion of the wooded lot was pretty level. So, they moved a ton of dirt, which gave us a lot more space on the front side of the yard, and made my dream come to life. For reference, the bottom of the retaining wall step down on the far left is where the base of our bank used to begin…

French Gray Pebble Hamptons Style Pool Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

We planted a few evergreen Arborvitaes to each side of the yard when we moved in, back in 2015, and we had the contractors add a few more for privacy.

Here’s a look at how thick the trees and brush was, in the winter, on the day the pool contractor started construction…

Backyard Pool - Before and After

We’re already fortunate with lots of green where we live and even though we wanted to convert our upper wooded area to usable yard space, keeping and featuring lots of green around the periphery of the pool was important to me and the Hamptons style pool design I was hoping to create.

French Gray Back Yard Pool Design, Highlighting Nature

Upper Yard Overhaul

On the far side of the yard, we had stone stairs installed, and kept the grassy slope to the other side for easy access for lawn maintenance.

Back Yard Living Design with Pool and Upper Back Yard

Dave tagged trees he wanted us to keep and they took down the rest, grading out the upper back portion of our already-fenced-in lot. We went from a tiny sliver of yard next to the house to a BIG yard, outdoor living space, AND a pool. Dave said this piece alone may be his favorite part of our makeover. We also have a raised vegetable garden to the far right, out of sight from this photo, which I’ll have to share soon. It blows my mind that as long as we’ve lived here, this space was covered in trees and brush and my feet had never touched any of it.

Upper Back Yard Above Pool

Boxwoods & The Double Retaining Walls for the Side of the Pool

We had 50 3-gallon boxwoods planted that will ultimately grow together to form a hedge to frame each retaining wall…

Two Retaining Walls Design with Two Rows of Boxwood

And for that classic garden vibe, I also planted boxwoods in the big concrete style planters around the lounge area. I can’t rave enough about how much I love our two matching planters (in the XL) — they’re currently on sale for the weekend too, HERE. As hefty as they are, they’re significantly less expensive than natural stone planters.

Hamptons Style Pool Design with Lounge Area

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

Hamptons Style Pool Design in Georgia

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

I’m absolutely obsessed with our retaining walls. More than obsessed. We used silver travertine split face for the facade — I almost spent more $$$ to upgrade this material to something with marble and I’m SO glad we didn’t. These retaining walls were some of the most costly aspects of the project — I love how the feature looks, how it functions, and I’m glad we saved a little money that would have ultimately been an insignificant detail.

Two Retaining Wall Pool Design with Scuppers / Waterfalls

And the scuppers… oh, the scuppers! I wanted a cool water feature that was more reminiscent of a garden than an island… something that would age and wouldn’t look too contemporary. I opted for five 4″ copper scuppers (larger than a thin spout but way more narrow than a typical waterfall) to go across the pool. I had actually planned to clean them well after the pool’s completion (and I may still at some point), but I adore the patina they already have. It was the reason I went with copper. THESE antique spouts are also GORGEOUS!

Pool Design with Double Retaining Wall as Pool Side

Also, even though one side of the pool is the retaining wall, we ensured enough of a ledge to grab onto. It’s also big enough for drinks.

Scupper Waterfalls on Pool Retaining Wall Design

Retaining Wall Pool Landscape Lighting

Did you spy the down lighting along the retaining walls? Along with the cool in-pool lights in all the colors we can turn on at night, we wanted to invest in landscape lighting. It’s so beautiful at night and in the early morning…

Double Retaining Wall Design with Landscape Lighting and Boxwoods

Pool Design with Landscape Lighting

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) | Umbrella Stand & Weight | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL and currently on sale!) 

Pool Specs, Details, & Dimensions

For the pool construction, we went with…

  • Heated
  • Salt Water
  • A dimension of 18’x38′ and a 7′ deep end
  • NPT mini pebble finish in French Gray with Abalone shell addition
  • Black glass waterline tile
  • 6′ sun shelf (aka tanning ledge, Baja shelf, etc.) with two steps going across the width of the pool.

We have in-pool chairs we’re adding this weekend but I love that Eliza has a play area while we’re on the sidelines and a large “home base” to swim back to.

French Gray Pool Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2)Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (different color)

Classic Rectangle Pool Design

I also requested a bench be added to the entire length of the deep end of the pool (another detail I’m really happy with).

French Gray Pebble Concrete Pool Design

If there was one thing I wish I had known to ask/request, it would be that I would have been strategic with the bubblers on the sun shelf. They are centered with an umbrella hole between them, but I don’t think there’s room for loungers/our chairs to go between them, without covering the bubblers, so we’ll have to see once we actually get the furniture in the pool. I wish we had requested they be set closer to the sides of the pool.

New Pool Backdrop — Our Painted Charcoal Gray Siding

One of the reasons it took a little white to share the pool reveal was that we were planning to paint our house and I was initially planning to share the pool before it was painted. But, we ended up getting some significant damage to our roof and with pending replacement/repair, the “which comes first” caused us to stall and I decided to just proceed with the house painting and get the photos upon completion of that project. It was a gray day when I did grab all the pool reveal shots but I am such a fan of our new house color — Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore. I’ll be doing a more comprehensive post on that soon.

Pool Design with Timeless Elements

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (different color)

The Pool Lounger Area

The lounge area around the pool, the pool decking, storage and pump concealment, and the lower yard in general had some tough moments when I was trying to determine solutions, measurements, and the exactness of it all. Here were a few goals I wanted to come to life…

  • To get that Hamptons style pool vibe and green/nature garden aesthetic, I wanted less decking to bring green down around the pool and around the house.
  • Even so, I wanted to have a “bump out” in the decking, allocated specifically for our lounge area.
  • For low maintenance, year-round green around the pool, and clean lines around the pavers, I wanted artificial turf incorporated.
  • I wanted to dress up the back of the house by taking the splitface travertine in the retaining walls and create a raised garden for hydrangeas.
  • I wanted a stall to encompass and surround the pump area, that could double as storage.

Garden Style Pool Design with Charcoal Gray Home

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (different color)

Coming up with the precise measurements for the decking bump out landing was tricky. I decided on the width, length, where it would fall in relation to the pool, while simultaneously working with the measurements of the loungers I planned to purchase (HERE). I wanted enough space but it couldn’t go much further than we did without affecting the other elements and how it lined up with our wooden deck. Fortunately, while operating in real time, on a whim with the contractor who was marking off where tile should be laid, it worked out perfectly. TBH, I had my breath held from install until we recently set up the loungers. Phew!

French Gray Pool Design, Featuring A Hamptons Style Garden Vibe

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

I opted for the metal and mesh style loungers in lieu of teak or loungers with cushions because where I live, the outdoor elements can be harsh. I wanted longevity and to easily preserve our pieces but yellow pine pollen in the spring, heat, humidity, wind, etc. are not friends to outdoor furniture. THESE are classic but sleek with a modern edge — they also contrast wonderfully against the surroundings. They come in a set of two and are also stackable HERE!

Timeless Pool Design in French Gray Pebble Finish

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

To me though, the real star of the show in the lounge area are THESE umbrellas. I had a time deciding (originally thinking I was going for THESE black and white striped pagoda style umbrellas.) I ultimately went with THESE natural toned umbrellas with pretty black scalloping and it was 100% the right choice. They’re gorgeous in person, fantastic construction and quality, unique, and since they aren’t stark, they’ll wear well. They’re auto-tilt and also a thick Sunbrella fabric which will help when it comes to cleaning. Also, they’re on sale right now for the weekend – 20% off, plus free shipping. I actually spent almost $250 in shipping charges when I purchased mine so that’s a great deal right now. (There’s a reason they have a perfect 5* rating).

I opted for THIS 50 lb. umbrella stand (in black to match my black pole), and also chose the extra 30 lb. add-on weights for extra security. They’re also on sale this weekend!

Pool and Lounger Area Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

Pool Lounge Area Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2)

The cute little powderstone side tables are currently unavailable — I hope they bring them back because they are the PERFECT little accent tables.

Pool Lounge Area Details and Furniture

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2)

Instead of outdoor pillows, I wanted something plush (no polyfill) and also on the affordable side. I’ve had luck in the past on my covered porches, using thicker pillow covers (not intended for outdoor use) from Amazon and decided to attempt the same here. I didn’t know what to expect from THESE pillow covers since they were so affordable ($19.99 for a set of 2 in the 24″x24″ dimensions!) but just as I was last time, I was pleasantly shocked by how thick and substantial they were! Can’t beat $10 for a 24″ pillow cover so if they do weather throughout the season, I won’t have a problem retiring them. But, keeping them stored away, I have a feeling they’ll be lasting for a while. You can find them in a few color ways HERE (per the usual, they ship free and offer free returns).

I used THESE plush inserts in the 26″ option — 2″ larger than the cover dimensions — and they fit perfectly. Plump and malleable. Again, not intended for outdoor use but I don’t plan to leave them in the rain and I’ve had zero issues with these in the other outdoor places I’ve used them. As a matter of fact, if you need a good pillow insert, I talk about THESE regularly.

Pool Lounge Area Design Details

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) |  Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

Pool Decking & Pavers

While the artificial turf can get hot, amazingly, the light gray porcelain pavers that make up the decking stay cool! It’s pretty awesome.

Umbrella Lounge Area Design for the Pool Area

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2)

In the sun and outside in natural light, the porcelain pool decking is WAY lighter than how it appears inside. Just a caveat if you’re going with lighter stone. I’m really glad now that it doesn’t match the gray on the retaining walls and rough stone accents.

Back Yard Rectangle Pool and Lounge Area Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

Hamptons Style Garden Pool Area in Georgia

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!)Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) 

For the pavers, I wanted them to act as stepping stones from the wooden deck, all the way to the far side to access the pump area. Along with being practical, I love the design detail. They were supposed to be the same material as the pool decking (just in square form instead of plank form), but they’re a little different. Regardless, we really like them.

Pool Area Design with Artificial Turf

Back Yard Design with Pool and Artificial Turf

Raised Planter Feature

I wanted to capitalize on the green and white vibe so I went with limelights (which many of you know I have an affinity for and they thrive at our house). We installed four in the newly constructed planter against the back of the house. I can’t wait to see them in bloom later in the summer, and to see how they end up growing over the next few years! You can see our other limelights in THIS post.

Raised Planter in the Back Yard Pool Area

Artificial Turf Around the Pool Area

I am so so happy with our artificial turf. I did purchase a machine to “vacuum” and brush it on rare occasion, but we haven’t done a single thing to it yet (and it was installed months ago). We tried to go with a natural-looking turf and it’s crazy how realistic the options are now. The life of this is supposed to be 20+ years.

Raised Poolside Planter

It gets hot but I’m stoked it will look nice year round. It also meets our grass on the far side almost seamlessly and is blending together really well. It feels clean, there’s not debris everywhere… I’m so glad we went this direction.

English Garden Style Pool Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2)

An awesome detail I was thrilled the pool contractors incorporated was custom skimmer covers they crafted out of our pool decking so it would blend in and be flush.

Simple Pool Lounge Area Design

Sources: Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) (currently on sale!) | Umbrella Stand & Weight (currently on sale!) | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL) (currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (different color)

Back Deck Adjoining the Pool Area

And then, the day after I took photos of the pool area and yard, the sun came out and our outdoor dining set arrived! So, obviously I had to grab a quick phone snap ;). I’ll share more on that soon, too. We found ours locally and got the cushions and two extra chairs, but you can find the set (with six chairs, sans cushions) HERE.

Back Deck Design Overlooking Pool

Sources: 78″ Edge Dining Set (7-Piece Version) | Fluted Planters (similar)

A lot of you who are local-ish asked who our pool contractor was and after working with them for a few months, I do feel comfortable sharing who we used. We went with Crystal Water Pools out of Cumming/Alpharetta, GA. A few huge selling points for us were that —

  1. They don’t subcontract. Everyone who shows up actually works for their company. Not having to communicate to all the involved parties and be the go-between was new to me and it was a breath of fresh air. They all work together and work for the same company, so their order and system is down, they aren’t blaming other contractors, and they all know exactly what they’re supposed to do when. The company even owns all their own equipment.
  2. They were willing to take on the entire project — not just the pool. They did our hardscaping, landscaping, land clearing, sod installation, electrical install, extra plumbing, fence alterations, pump privacy stall construction, drainage issues… all of it.

It was an expensive project but we feel like their pricing was incredibly fair. The back and forth with the design could have been a little quicker/smoother and as a major type A person, I had to learn to be ok with limited contact and not constantly reviewing everything with the owner. Any time we made a request though, they got it done. There were a few minor details in the end we ended up considering “good enough” so we could move on, but for the scope of the project, we think they did a beautiful job. They also showed up every day, worked hard every day, and we never had to wonder. Seriously — probably the hardest group that’s ever worked on a project at our house.

That said, as always, do your own research! Overall, we were really pleased — especially with the amount of different types of projects they had to tackle.

I know this reveal was a lot and through my rambling, I’m sure I missed some details. If there are questions, I can follow up with an additional post(s) so you can leave any curiosities you have in the comment section.

We are still marveling every day at what our backyard looks like now and can’t believe we’re fortunate enough to have something we had only dreamed of. Lots of fun summer days and nights ahead, for sure 😉

Pool Area Sources

Chaise Lounges (set of 2) | Umbrella (black pole/canvas sand w/black trim) | Umbrella Stand & Weight | Outdoor Side Table | Stone Planter (XL and currently on sale!) | Striped Pillow Covers (24 x 24, set of 2) | Pillow Inserts (26 x 26, set of 2) | Deck Box (similar)


Memorial Day Sales & Deals

Check out some of the noteworthy deals and sales happening this weekend!

Tap on the retailer below…

Anthropologie — Up to 40% off furniture, outdoor, candles, bedding & more; extra 40% off sale items; free shipping on $50+


Pottery Barn — Up to 50% off; free shipping on 1000s of items


Pottery Barn Kids — Up to 60% off; free shipping on 1000s of items


Pottery Barn Teen — Up to 60% off furniture, bedding and more; free shipping on $99+ with code: HAPPY


West Elm — Up to 60% off; free shipping on 1000s of items

  • These marble trays that we have on our vanities are 20 – 30% off, depending on the size. It’s also perfect to corral items by your kitchen sink!
  • LOTS of their planters are discounted right now, like THESE pretty ones. One of my favorite spots for lots of gorgeous planters…

Aerie — Discounts & Sale Prices Marked Across the Site

  • My favorite summer uniform (cover-up/top) HERE is finally on sale for the first time!

Williams Sonoma — Up to 50% off cookware, cutlery, electrics & more


Mark & Graham — Up to 60% off; plus extra 20% off clearance and free shipping on $100+ with code: WEEKEND

  • My luggage is on sale this weekend HERE! We have this in several pieces and a few colors.

Rejuvenation — Up to 70% off; free shipping sitewide with code: FREESHIP


Serena & Lily — 20% off everything, including sale with code: SPLASH


McGee & Company — up to 25% off sitewide; extra 25% off sale


Ballard Designs — 20% off and free shipping sitewide; up to 70% off clearance


Madewell — 30% off purchase with code: WARMUP (extra 40% off select sale items, too)


H&M — Up to 60% off sitewide


Lulu and Georgia — 20% off everything, including markdowns


J Crew — 40% off purchase; extra 60% off sale; use code: WEEKEND


J Crew Factory — 50% to 70% off sitewide


Visual Comfort — 20% off sitewide and free shipping


Old Navy — 50% off everything!


Capitol Lighting — Up to 25% off sitewide; free shipping over $49


The Company Store — Up to 50% off sitewide


Rifle Paper Co. — 25% off everything with code: BLOOM25


Bedrosians Tile and Stone — 25% off tile, vinyl and select slabs with code: MEMORIAL25


Corksicle — 20% off sitewide with code: MDAY20; free shipping on $49+

  • My cute pink ChillPod I got as a Christmas gift is now 20% off! This thing is so nifty and I’ll be using it poolside all summer!

The Container Store — 30% off sitewide


Wayfair — Memorial Day Clearance, Up to 70% Off, plus free shipping


Arhaus — Memorial Day Sale

  • The glass front cabinet that is similar to mine is 44% off. My mom has it in the Earl Grey color.

etuHome — 20% off sitewide with code: MD20

  • My favorite maker of wooden grazing boards, one good one is all you need! Find them HERE.

Janie & Jack — extra 20% off sale, plus free shipping


Kendra Scott — 20% off one style; 25% off 2+ styles (fine jewelry included – super rare!)


Frontgate — Up to 70% off sitewide; extra 20% off of clearance


Grandin Road — Up to 50% off sitewide

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34 Comments

  1. 5.26.23
    Susan Carr said:

    Kelley, the pictures are beautiful, but they still don’t do it justice! Love the lighting and your outdoor dining furniture which I didn’t get to see when I was visiting. I still can’t get over how gorgeous it all looked! Now enjoy! Love ya!

    • 5.29.23

      You are the sweetest, Aunt Suze! I loved our visit so much and was so happy you could see this latest project in person. xoxo

  2. 5.26.23
    Cassie said:

    Your pool and area are beautiful. My favorite picture is with the lights on in the retaining wall. So pretty!

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Cassie. I really appreciate your kind note! I love the pool at night too. We will be spending all hours of the day and night out there!

  3. 5.26.23
    Mary said:

    Oh it is just absolutely gorgeous! Stunning! Enjoy every moment and thanks for sharing.

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you so much for your sweet note, Mary! We are already loving our new backyard and pool.

  4. 5.26.23
    Charmaine said:

    This is absolutely gorgeous!!!

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you for visiting, Charmaine. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a note!

  5. 5.26.23
    Debbie said:

    We used to have a pool when the children were young but built another home and hubby says, no pool. Your pool is perfection in every way. You and your family will love it for years to come.
    Be prepared for a lot of company.

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you for your kind note, Debbie. The pool will be a great way to get together with friends during the warm weather months!

  6. 5.26.23
    Tracy said:

    This is stunning. Love absolutely everything about it!!! We have artificial turf. What vacuum did you get for yours?

    • 5.30.23

      Thank you for taking the time to visit, Tracy, and for your kind note. We got the Turfomatic, but we haven’t had to use it yet.

  7. 5.26.23
    Lisa said:

    As a daily indoor, 25meter lane pool swimmer, I say Bravo, congratulations and 👏👏👏👏🤩😍😍!! Fabulous results, you’re going to have a fantastic pool season(s)!

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you, Lisa, for your sweet note. And hooray to your for your daily swims!

    • 8.26.23
      Erica said:

      I found this post when looking for inspiration for our potential project (which also includes a need for a retaining wall). Everything is gorgeous! One question — did you consider a spa in the pool? Just curious to hear your thoughts on that!

      • 8.27.23

        Hi Erica, and thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! We definitely considered adding a spa, but opted not to, due to the cost. Instead, we added the heating option to our pool, which has proven to be one of our best adds ever, since it extends the months we are able to use it. So far, a spa has not been missed a bit!

  8. 5.26.23
    ChicagoMom said:

    Wow!! That is an amazing reveal. Absolutely beautiful! Your backyard is pure resort-style, luxury oasis. Worth it!

    • 5.29.23

      I so appreciate you taking the time to visit and thank you for your sweet note! We are home bodies already, so we are so happy to actually have a back yard to enjoy.

  9. 5.26.23
    Heather Taylor said:

    What an amazing transformation! Absolutely love everything you have done. Queen!

    • 5.29.23

      Hi Heather, Thank you for visiting and your note really made me smile. We are already enjoying the pool and imagine we will be spending hours out there this summer.

  10. 5.26.23
    Jennibell said:

    This is BEAUTIFUL! You are so lucky to have this to enjoy this summer and for years to come. I know it was a LOT of hard work and planning and saving but it looks like it was all worth it 🙂

    • 5.29.23

      Thank you for always being the sweetest supporter, Jennibell! We were so blessed that our contractor was able to make our vision and plan come to life. Needless to say, we are already having such fun now that this project is complete!

  11. 5.27.23
    Nancy B said:

    The transformation is fabulous. I’m loving the clean look.

    • 5.29.23

      Hi Nancy and thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind note. We are very happy with the result!

  12. 5.28.23
    Vanessa said:

    OMG! You’re new pool and lounge areas are beautiful! You’re going to have many years enjoying your new space.
    I also love the new house color! 🩶
    Congrats on another amazing transformation! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    • 5.29.23

      You are always so kind, Vanessa. Thank you! And yes, the pool “called” for the new color 😉 and we are so pleased with the results.

  13. 5.28.23
    Josselyn said:

    Kelley, the pool project is another amazing accomplishment! Everything turned out beautifully. Love the retaining wall. Who is the manufacturer of the silver travertine split face? It looks like it has warm taupe tones in the product. We are renovating our pool area and I am looking for neutral taupe tones. Do you think it would work? Also, who makes your porcelain pavers and are they skid resistant? I am so excited for you! I wish you many happy pool days ahead! Enjoy. Joss

    • 5.30.23

      Josselyn, thank you so much! We are absolutely loving it. Unfortunately, I don’t have the manufacturer details — I picked them out of options at a design center. But, you’re right — they are multi-tone (which we love) as it compliments the gray, rock, brick, etc. etc. I’m not sure on the pavers either and I don’t know if they’re “skid resistant” but they definitely aren’t slippery and they stay SO cool (which is amazing).

  14. 5.30.23
    Valerie Stallcup said:

    Gorgeous! Did you have the exact design in mind or did you work with a designer?

    • 5.30.23

      Valerie, thank you! I had the design in mind prior to meeting with any pool contractors. With the company we used, I explained my vision to the owner who came out — he took measurements and sent the general info to their designers who sent me a mock-up. From that, I was able to go back and forth, further explaining what I did/didn’t want, corrections, omissions, additions, tweaks, etc. The few companies who did come out had totally different ideas that I wasn’t interested in — my mind had already been set ahead of time, haha.

  15. 10.8.23
    Mariola said:

    We just moved to a new home, I
    am installing the landscaping- hydrangeas and box wood combination. Looking for the inspiration I came across your site- great house, beautiful pool!

    • 10.9.23

      Congratulations on your new home, Mariola! I imagine you are so excited and having lots of fun in getting settled and doing all the things. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and for your kind note. Wishing you the best in the months ahead as you continue to get settled in your new home.

  16. 2.13.24
    Melissa Clark said:

    This is so beautiful! We’re in Atlanta and working on our backyard pool. Would you mind sharing the details on the turf you used? Are you still happy with it?

    • 2.13.24

      Congratulations to you on your pool, Melissa! The pool contractor provided the turf, so I’m not sure of the brand, but he worked to match it up with the Bermuda grass we have in the area. We are definitely happy with the turf and its low maintenance factor.