A well-designed pool area adds value to any backyard. It turns an unused space into a place for relaxing, entertaining, or spending time with family. Good design combines style and function. You need to think about comfort, privacy, and safety.
- Use a Palm Springs Look
This design uses bold colours, simple patterns, and desert plants. It feels retro and modern at the same time. Checkerboard tiles work well. You can choose colours like white, blue, butter, or terracotta. Use these tiles around the pool. You can also place them on walls behind plants to add interest.
- Choose the Right Plants
Plants near pools face extra heat, splashes, and chemicals. You need plants that can handle these things. Hibiscus, agapanthus, and gardenias are good choices. They grow well in hot areas. Avoid plants like azaleas and acacias. These drop too many leaves and flowers. They can block the filter. Go to a local nursery to ask what grows best in your area.
- Create a Mediterranean Feel
The Mediterranean style uses natural materials and soft greenery. Plants like olive trees and lavender look the part. But they do not always survive next to a pool. Viburnums are a good option. They look similar and grow well near water. Let them grow a bit wild. Avoid a formal garden. Travertine-look pavers give a natural cobblestone effect. They suit this style well.
- Make the Pool Area Private
No one wants to swim while feeling watched. Tall trees help block views from neighbours. Conifers work well because they stay green all year. Layer them with smaller trees like lilly pillys or water gums. These also add texture without shedding too much.
- Use Stone-Look Tiles
Stone-look tiles bring warmth and texture. They mimic natural stone but last longer. These tiles work on paths, edges, and feature walls. The uneven shapes create movement in the space. The texture helps prevent slipping. It also hides dirt between cleans.
- Add Lighting for Night Use
Lighting improves safety and adds mood. Place lights along steps and paths. Highlight trees or walls with spotlights. Use soft lights under benches or around garden beds. This makes the area look deeper and more inviting. Lighting also helps your pool area become a night-time feature from inside your home.
- Keep It Simple and Modern
Modern styles use straight lines and fewer colours. White or grey terrazzo-look tiles suit this look. They have soft patterns that do not stand out too much. Choose a few strong plants. A single palm or dragon tree works well. Use low shrubs in neat rows. Avoid mixing too many types. Built-in seating looks cleaner than loose furniture. Visit our website for french pattern tiles.
- Blend Indoors with Outdoors
Many homes have pools close to living areas. Try to match materials between the two zones. This helps the pool feel like part of the home. Use the same tile both inside and outside. Encaustic-look tiles in grey work well for this. They make the two spaces feel connected.
- Use Natives for Easy Care
Native plants survive better in Australian conditions. They need less water and attention. Banksias are tall and add interest. Flax lilies soften hard lines near paths or tiles. Westringias and Lomandras are useful for simple hedging. These choices stay neat and do not shed much.
- Make the Area Work All Year
The pool area should look good even when not in use. Pay attention to sunlight. You want shade in summer and warmth in winter. Glass fences block wind but let in light. Drainage is also key. It stops puddles from forming after rain. Choose plants that change with the seasons. This gives the area a fresh look year-round.
Best Tiles for Pool Areas
Tiles affect both safety and style. Some tiles are better for wet areas. Others are ideal for feature walls. The right tile helps keep the surface cool and safe. Choose tiles made for strong sunlight. Visit a showroom to see them in person. Or look online to get ideas. You can also book a design session to get help choosing the best options for your space.
