Date:  July 1, 2026  |   Story: Rebekah Hall Scott  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Julia Glover  |  

Interior designer Lisa Stagg creates a preppy outdoor retreat in her backyard

When designer Lisa Stagg and her husband, Paul, began designing the pool area of their home in 2022, they wanted the outdoor space to feel like an extension of their interior. “We wanted it to have a relaxing, resort feel,” Lisa says. “We love entertaining and wanted this area to feel beautiful and welcoming for our family and friends.”

Upon entering the home, one can see from the front door through the dining room to a wall of French doors leading to the covered porch and saltwater pool. Lisa purposely selected a color palette for the outdoor area that blends with the hues inside their home. “I love how white pops in the sun, and I added accents of royal blue,” she says. “I feel like those are great colors for summer, and I can add reds, pinks, or yellows when I want to. It’s really bright and fun,” she says.

Lisa called on Kristi Wright of Eminent Terrain to design the pool area’s landscape, opting for an aesthetic that Kristi says is “elegant, simple, and consistent.” For example, emerald green arborvitae line the two side walls for a classic look that also adds privacy.

“Because Lisa is a designer herself, she has a really good eye and great taste,” Kristi says. “Our team loves working with her. It has not been difficult to create something Lisa is happy with, because she’s concise with what she wants.”

For Lisa and Paul, the space is now filled with memories of family gatherings, pool parties with their grandchildren, and plenty of relaxation. “I can honestly say we feel as if we are on vacation when we walk through our back doors,” she says.

To extend the home’s interior color palette to the outdoor space, Lisa selected a mix of white and blue fabrics and accessories. The furniture features pieces from Summer Classics’ “Havana” cane collection.

Designed for Relaxation
The saltwater pool features a fountain, which Lisa notes she enjoys listening to, and a tanning ledge for easy lounging. Porcelain pavers surround the pool and back porch, creating a streamlined look.

Blue-and-white umbrellas throughout the area offer plenty of shade for swimmers and sunbathers, while loungers provide convenient and comfortable in-pool seating on the tanning ledge.

“I can honestly say we feel as if we are on vacation when we walk through our back doors.”
—Lisa Stagg, designer and homeowner

An outdoor dining table and chairs by Summer Classics provide a perfect perch to enjoy waterside meals. Pink and green accents bring bursts of fun to the clean blue-and-white palette. Refreshing drinks and potted plants fill a nearby bar cart shown below. 

Design Resources
Builder Randy James, Randy James Construction Interior design Lisa Stagg, LJ Interiors Landscape design Kristi Wright, Eminent Terrain Fireplace Royal Overhead Door Lighting Ferguson Home Outdoor furniture Ninth and Co. Pool R&R Pools Tile Design1