In our March feature on curb appeal, we introduced you to the Pogue family of Radcliffe, whose home graced the cover. During the photoshoot for that issue, we discovered the Pogue’s recently renovated backyard space, which served as the inspiration for this month’s featured topic: creating an outdoor oasis. Heidi Pogue, a designer by trade, is extremely happy with the result of her family’s exterior renovations, but she insisted we meet a fellow Westchase family whom she felt had an even more cover-worthy outdoor space. Their renovated pool area is featured on this month’s cover and while they were happy to share photos of their stunning in-progress renovation to help readers plan their own outdoor spaces, they preferred to remain anonymous. Throughout this article, we’ll refer to their space as the Modern Oasis.
While both the Pogue Home and the Modern Oasis underwent extensive renovations, the design principles applied in both projects can be used to create inviting outdoor spaces no matter the size of your space or budget.
Below we offer some key takeaways from both homes.
Envision Your Ideal Space
With a blank canvas before you, it’s time to ask yourself how you envision using the space. Does your family enjoy dining outdoors? Are you looking for a space to host watch parties for your favorite sporting events? Would you like a tranquil corner to enjoy your morning coffee? Do you need a space where the kids can hang with their friends without mom and dad underfoot?
Close your eyes and imagine an ideal day in your outdoor space.
Divide the Space into Zones
Once you know how you plan to use the space, it will be much easier to create designated zones and select the furniture and accessories that will help bring your dream space to life.
In the case of the Pogue Home, a screened patio addition off the main pool deck serves multiple functions – outdoor kitchen and dining space, lounge space and a space to entertain. Heidi intentionally purchased lightweight, modular teak furnishings that can easily be moved and rearranged to suit the function at hand – whether it’s hosting a watch party for the French Open or clearing out the space for a dance party.
In the Modern Oasis, a floor-to-ceiling, two-sided fireplace creates distinction while equally serving the two key spaces: an elaborate outdoor kitchen/living area and a spa-like pool area.
You don’t have to undergo a major renovation to carve out zones in your outdoor space. It can be as simple as adding an outdoor dining table and setting up a separate seating area or two. Outdoor rugs, potted plants and hardscaping can help to further delineate the space. At the Pogue Home, Heidi turned the dead space between the pool and outdoor living room into an inviting seating zone simply by laying a grid of concrete pavers and adding a few chairs, a string of lights and a propane fire table. The project was a fraction of the cost of a poured concrete patio and the effect is stunning. Her tip for keeping the area maintenance free? She cut strips of artificial turf to place between the pavers to keep weeds at bay.
Create Cohesion
Outdoor living spaces are an extension of a home’s interior, and they should be designed with cohesion in mind. That doesn’t mean indoor and outdoor spaces must match exactly, but using similar materials, colors and design elements throughout both areas will create a flow that is visually appealing. Heidi began the outdoor design process at the Pogue Home by standing in here entryway, which offers a direct line of sight to pool deck and the backyard beyond, and envisioning what she wanted the space to look like from that vantage point. For her, the visual flow began with the flooring – Karastan Pickled luxury vinyl plank flooring on the interior of the home blends seamlessly into the ivory travertine tile on the pool deck. “The two surfaces appear very consistent, which is what I was looking for,” Heidi said.
Heidi also created a consistent color scheme. She chose three colors – black, white and the warm tones of teak wood. Black metal furnishings on the pool deck tie into the home’s black (Urban Bronze) window frames and the white slipcovered cushions used throughout the outdoor seating areas mimic those used in the interior living spaces. Even the pool floats got a slipcovered upgrade! “I chose this color scheme because it is timeless,” Heidi added. “I wanted to modernize the space with the black and white. I chose to add a natural element, Teak, for warmth.”
Heidi also paid close attention to sight lines, tucking the patio’s screen door along a section of the wall frame that isn’t visible from the inside of the home.
In the Modern Oasis, dark trim on the interior doors is repeated in the large sliding pocket doors, which then tie into the dark bronze pool cage, the decorative screens on the focal wall, and the dark stained wood on the ceiling of the outdoor kitchen. At both homes, the wood from the ceilings of the outdoor living space is carried throughout the length of covered lanai leading to the home, creating a breezeway effect.
Add Some Greenery
One of the easiest ways to add impact to an outdoor space is by adding plants. Choose a selection of plants in various sizes and textures. Succulents add instant visual interest and thrive in our humid climate with little help. Palms are a quick way to add a tropical vibe. Orchids and Bromeliads offer a low-maintenance pop of color without worrying about constantly sweeping fallen petals from your outdoor floor. Using pots and planters in a mix of shapes, sizes and colors will add to the overall look and feel of your space. A simple rule of thumb is to work in trios—one tall plant, one fuller plant and one smaller plant.
As mentioned above, a collection of planters can also help define the zones of your outdoor space and a large pot with a big plant is a quick and easy way to fill an awkward space.
And don’t forget your exterior walls. The Modern Oasis features an eye-catching plant wall that adds an organic touch to the contemporary space and helps keep the pool deck clear.
Illuminate Your Space
Lighting has a huge impact on the mood of a space, both indoors and outdoors. In outdoor spaces, natural light does the heavy lifting during the day, but when evening falls, lighting can completely transform the space. In covered spaces, like the outdoor living rooms at both the Pogue Home and the Modern Oasis, it is possible to incorporate recessed lighting for functionality.
At the Pogue Home, Heidi layered her lighting scheme by adding an eye-catching trio of hard-wired, woven pendant lamps, a table lamp and undermount LED lighting that shines a spotlight on her gorgeous glassware. In the firepit area, a simple strand of string lights sets the mood. String lights are an easy and cost-effective way to illuminate your outdoor space and add a touch of elegance. The best part is that string lights can be (fairly) easily strung from a pool cage, pergola, the corners of an overhang or from freestanding poles cemented into decorative planters. Mixing in lanterns and candles will add to the romantic glow.
At the Modern Oasis, programmable pool lights not only provide illumination for nighttime swims; they also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space. The pool, spa, waterfall and bubbler lights are controlled by a phone app, making it easy to customize the lighting to match the occasion.
Incorporate Fire and Water
Ever since cavemen discovered that first spark, people have had an affinity for gathering around a fire for warmth, light and social interaction. At the Modern Oasis, fire plays a major role in the design with the floor-to-ceiling, two-sided fireplace and a built-in gas fire-pit in the pool area. At the Pogue Home, Heidi opted for a front-vented gas fireplace in the living area, which eliminates the need for a chimney. In the outdoor seating area, Heidi used a propane fire table – an economical option that offers the perfect centerpiece to gather around on cooler nights.
Propane or gas-powered fire bowls and fire tables come in a wide array of designs and price points. Fire tables, like the one Heidi purchased, often come with a cover for the fire feature that transforms it into a traditional table for multi-functional use. A smokeless firepit is another cost-effective option that works well in backyard spaces – especially for fans of s’mores.
For a refreshing and relaxing addition to your space, consider adding a water feature. At the Modern Oasis, water is a key element with the elegantly redesigned pool area complete with waterfall walls, bubblers and spa that are all controlled with the touch of a button. While adding or updating a pool is a popular option in Florida, a simple tabletop water fountain can provide that same soothing sound of water that has been shown to enhance relaxation. At the Pogue Home, Heidi noted that the rain chains she installed outside her patio are not only beautiful to look at; they also provide a soothing sound when it rains…and the birds love to splash in them, too.
Above all, your outdoor space should represent your interests and lifestyle. Focus on functionality and incorporate accessories and decorative touches, just as you would in your home’s interior to make it a space that speaks to you. And remember, before starting any exterior improvements, be sure to review the WCA’s residential guidelines, and take the appropriate steps modifications that require pre-approval. The current guidelines and instruction for the modification application process can be found at westchasewca.com.