Date: February 15, 2017 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Chip Jones |
A blank-slate backyard is transformed into a favorite hangout for a Little Rock family
When Julie and Jason Smith were looking to purchase a new home a little over four years ago, they had one key requirement: “It had to have a swimming pool or a yard that could accommodate one,” Julie says. “This yard was very flat—which is hard to find in Little Rock; it was the perfect size for it; and, it was pretty much a blank slate.” Of course, the Smiths also fell for the home’s interior architecture (featured in our October 2014 issue), which has clean lines and a refreshing take on traditional design. It was these contemporary elements that influenced the design of their pool—and ultimately the overall look of their newly updated outdoor living area.
Game Plan
When Julie and Jason Smith were looking to purchase a new home a little over four years ago, they had one key requirement: “It had to have a swimming pool or a yard that could accommodate one,” Julie says. “This yard was very flat—which is hard to find in Little Rock; it was the perfect size for it; and, it was pretty much a blank slate.” Of course, the Smiths also fell for the home’s interior architecture (featured in our October 2014 issue), which has clean lines and a refreshing take on traditional design. It was these contemporary elements that influenced the design of their pool—and ultimately the overall look of their newly updated outdoor living area.
Summer Hangout
The Smiths are parents to a fifth grader and a seventh grader—both of whom love the newly installed pool. “We have these small Sea Doo scooters for the pool—little floats that pull you along—the kids love them, and when their friends are over they run outside to get them immediately,” Julie says. With tons of toys and lots of excitement, Julie noted that storage was also a priority. To keep everything organized, she designed a wall unit that includes concealed cabinets to house pool accessories and towels as well as a charging station for the Sea Doos and an alcove for a television. Other amenities, including a kitchenette and comfortable chaise lounges, make the space equally attractive for adults.
Pool Cool
Looking to create an area that was an extension of the family’s living space, Parker knew it was important for the saltwater pool—the backyard’s largest attraction—to be captivating. To make it enticing for everyone, he designed the pool as a sensory experience by including different textures as well as sound and sight elements. For example, two sheer descent waterfalls produce a light, clean-sounding effect and also give movement to the body of water, while linear fire pits (located above the waterfalls) can be turned on at night for ambience; and the spa area transforms from a waterfall to a leveled-off, heated tub in just eight minutes. The entire pool can be heated, and its lighting scheme is a part of the overall outdoor lighting design, thus adding to the backyard’s inviting atmosphere. Additionally, three containers sit atop the pillars to create a lush focal point when looking from the home’s back entrance toward the pool. These are continuously refreshed with lush seasonal blooms to add color admist the stone, wood, and evergreen backdrop.
Lounge Area
The family and their guests can take in the backyard’s full sensory experience from a shaded tanning deck located at the far end of the pool. The same chaise lounge chairs seen on the patio are alternated with large resort-style umbrellas to block rays when desired.
Paths To Paradise
The backyard’s various areas are connected with square stepping stones that lead from one zone to another. “Most rockwork is organic in shape but I wanted to keep with the straight lines of our interior,” Julie says of the clean style on both the stepping stones and pool surround. Parker added Mexican pebble as a contemporary way to separate the stones. “It offers excellent drainage, is safe for the family’s dogs, and brings a different texture to the areas,” he says.
Hot Spot
“Jason and I love spending time around the fire pit—especially when we have guests,” Julie says. Oversized wicker chairs from West Elm surround the fire pit, which was made by American artist John T. Unger. Dwarf mondo grass provides separation between the stepping stones, while potted, heat-tolerant succulents lend a modern feel.
Shower Power
The Smiths are also parents to two dogs: a Maltese and a miniature Goldendoodle. Julie notes that the shower has proven to be convenient, not only for the family, but also for bathing these beloved pets. Again, the clean lines and minimalist design of the shower area offer the perfect blend of contemporary and classic.
Design Resources
Landscape and pool design Jordan Parker, The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgarden.com
Design Julie Smith, Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 838-7267, ransominteriors.com
Accessories, fire pit, and outdoor furniture Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 838-7267, ransominteriors.com
Cabinetry Jeff Bailey, Little Rock, (501) 952-9780
Countertops Bray Sheet Metal Company, Little Rock, (501) 375-8229, braysheetmetal.com
Painting Rick Elam, Little Rock, (501) 256-6267
Plantings and seasonal color—design and installation The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgarden.com
Pool installation Elite Pools by Aloha, North Little Rock, (501) 758-7665, elitepoolsbyaloha.com
