For me, nothing says luxury more than a home with a magnificent outdoor space overlooking the water. Add a beautiful pool to the mix? I'm ready to move in.
Here are eight outdoor spaces from all over the globe with the ideal combination of dreamy views and a wonderful waterfront (or poolside) backyard. I'd love host an end-of-Summer gathering at one of these exquisite estates. A girl can dream . . .
Splish splash! Summer means beach, pool, and tons of sun for mamas and their tots, so before heading into the holiday weekend, take stock of your water toys to make sure they're up to par – meaning they're free of holes and mildew from last Summer. If you're in the market for some new playthings, check out these five toys that will make the most out of your time in the water!
I can't help but chuckle over this 1954 Christmas Swim Photograph ($275) by Slim Aarons of his wife, Rita, swimming in a pool with a decorated Christmas tree and ornaments floating about. For one, it's absolutely unheard of to put a Christmas tree actually in your pool. Second, the tree is so extravagantly trimmed with lights, tree-toppers, tinsel, garland, and ornaments! I've certainly seen plenty of outdoor trees, but this one takes the tradition to a whole new level.
Do you decorate an outdoor Christmas tree? Take the poll below!
Talk about an urban oasis. New Yorkers cool off in portable "dumpster pools" parked on Park Avenue this Summer. "Dumpster pool" may not sound refreshing at first, but these are no ordinary dumpsters; clearly, they've been cleaned and transformed beyond recognition. The city is recycling old dumpsters to turn them into public pools on Saturdays, when Park Avenue closes to car traffic. So it's eco-friendly and invigorating at the same time. Check out more photos below and tell me: would you swim in a dumpster pool?
With temperatures rising all across the country, I'm sure those of you who have pools will be mighty glad you do this August. For those of you in chillier climates, a hot tub could be a key feature of your home. Perhaps since you built a new deck in your home, it's become your favorite place to entertain. One of my favorite places to escape outdoors is to my rooftop hammock. A friend of mine barbecues and grills literally every single night of the week on her new Weber. So tell me, what's your favorite outdoor feature of your home? A pool? A lounge chair? An outdoor kitchen? Tell me by commenting below!
In the darkly funny and sweet indie drama Shrink, Kevin Spacey's Hollywood psychiatrist protagonist is going through an inner turmoil so profound even his movie star-status digs can't cheer him up. I, however, couldn't get enough of the snazzy sets. I was especially drawn to the sleek, curvaceous poolside chaise lounge Spacey passes out on in the film, but I hadn't given it a second thought until I saw it in my latest DWR catalog! Keep reading to see the drool-worthy lounger.
Acclaimed midcentury photographer Slim Aarons shot this photograph of a feline-shaped pool inspired by the Art Deco novelty Kit-Cat Clock at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami in 1955. The retro swimming pool seems pretty evocative of the era and fitting for a place frequented by celebrities and socialites. And it's only natural that Aarons would photograph it . . . after all, he often referred to his career as "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." What I'm wondering is: do you still think this kooky kitty pool is "an attractive place"? Or do you think it would be kitschy or dated were it still around today?
I was looking at the photos from Life During Wartime, Todd Solondz's semisequel to Happiness and fell for this poolside patio. While I'm not so smitten with the tiling on this patio, I love how the ball-shaped topiary shrubs look against the modern white walls of this home. And, those outdoor armchairs are rad! What do you think? Is this space too modern for you? Or do you love it?
