Outdoor Living Get ready to relax on beautiful outdoor furniture on your deck, patio or around your new swimming pool. We’ll show you how to make the most of your outdoor living areas Share Tweet Help Facebook Tweet Help New Home 6 benefits of portable spa pools Forget in-ground and inflatable spas with their hidden, costly negatives – here, Hot Spring Spas shares six key benefits of quality portable spa pools Outdoor Living Like it never went away Yup, crazy paving is back, albeit in a more sophisticated look – as this modern Bullen Sandstone Crazy Paving, from Eco Outdoor, attests Colourful connections For this project, colourful planting was used to soften hardscaping and to tie in with the vibrancy of the surrounding countryside Meandering magic Here, a new ipe deck with planter-bench seating steps down to a flagstone patio from where a pathway meanders through mature trees to a play area Natural divide Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best – here, a flowerbed within an expansive landscape is delineated, naturally, by river stones Centre of attention Various areas were covered in this landscaping project – not least the lush central courtyard which is on show to most areas of the home Unlocking good taste This recessed pool house entry lock has got it going on – a great example of why whoever said 'it's all in the detailing' got it exactly right Way of life The decking, pool and changing space in this landscape project takes the home to the next level – the owners wanted an LA vibe and this design delivered Wish summer could go on forever? Well, at the very least, your views of your pool could go on forever – spied from the accompanying pavilion, this pool's infinity edge merges with the ocean Backyard beach It's not just the water's soft tone (white pebbles in a clear glass pool interior) that evokes a beachscape, there's the naturalistic 'shoreline' too Formal yet fun With dense scrub cleared and fountain, firepit and small lawn added – plus pool revamped – this landscaping project aligns with the home it connects to Floating in an expanse of blue Only a small passing cloud breaks up the inviting blue of this pool and spa – the result of a vibrant blue tile-lined pool interior Watery welcome Pools are usually reserved for the backyard but here the watering hole is pushed up front, separated from the entry by a fence Existing pool costly? A new cover is a game changer Just because your older, much-loved pool isn't cutting edge doesn't mean it can't deliver up-to-the minute functionality – Covers 4 Pools offers two styles ideal for retrofitting Making a splash – 8 home pools to set you thinking Family fun, architectural extension, exercise resource, thing of beauty – there are many reasons to get a pool; here are some great watering holes to inspire Paving the way It's not just plantings that bring landscape harmony – here, off-form concrete elements provide continuity and connection through the garden 6 ways a green wall will benefit your home Sure, green walls look amazing but there's more to recommend them, too – as Mark Paul, founder of nature-based solutions company Greenwall, outlines here Al fresco in the city This townhouse landscape design creates outdoor spaces that extend the home's interior and are useable for most of the year In keeping with the coping A poured concrete surround forms this pool terrace – the tone of the concrete selected to tie in with the pool's granite coping tiles Cottagy entwines contemporary Layers of greenery and a natural material palette feature in this landscape design that melds homage to the home's origins with a more contemporary air There's a splash pool out back Au contraire – this outdoor setting benefits from a nearly 13m-long pool with infinity edge – just 1692 laps and you're across Cook Strait Choosing the right pool cover is a must – slatted covers make a great option Your backyard pool is an oasis of fun – Covers 4 Pools NZ has several options to keep it warm and safe – here we focus on two favourites Reaching out For this pool house, paired wings stretch out into a covered courtyard while paired baton roofs further extend their reach River-view reverie Maintained sight corridors, architectural empathy with the house, natural accents and the inclusion of cooking, dining and lounge spaces all helped shape this river-view pavilion Magical outlook On full display from the home, this garden with grass mounds and pergola inspires intrigue and adventure – lawn bowls might be out though Lounging outdoors Poolside lounging is no longer limited to a towel or a lilo – this splash-proof setting would be equally at home indoors in the living room Contrast and complement Nothing makes a thing stand out more than something different next to it – these brilliant blue pool mosaics make the garden look all the more verdant Artwork aquatica A drone's eye view shows just how symmetrical and appealing this entertainment pit is – part of a grand pool in keeping with its lodge setting White, red and blue White outdoor kitchen, glowing red al fresco fire coals and sparkling blue swimming pool – this outdoor space waves a flag to relaxation A rose does not a garden make There's more to landscaping than grass and flowers – here, an appealing statue adds to the craft imbued vibe of the accompanying home Supporting the arts Simple and low maintenance, this garden underpins and celebrates all the sculptures on this property, including the architectural house itself Where pandas really live Here, sliders pull back to put you right among the bamboo leaves – even with the doors closed, the panda's favourite meal item makes for a verdant display Clear advantage While the cladding on this home catches the eye, the transparent pool balustrading does not – keeping views from the living areas to the pool and garden unobstructed Three low maintenance garden plants that deserve a come-back High-performing and easy-care – here are three ‘out of fashion’ garden plants that deserve a comeback based on good looks alone Compass swing An intelligent response to a tricky site creates an L-shaped, glass-walled pavilion home with a sheltered courtyard at its heart Long-sighted inclusion Part of a Modernist landscaping project, this uncovered deck seems to disappear into the verdant surroundings courtesy of glass balustrading Garden of dreams This Hawke's Bay garden is inspired by the Spanish style 1950s home it accompanies and offers a restful retreat for the busy homeowners Dining under the stars Delineated by deck and framing, this al fresco space creates a relaxed under the skies dining venue without interfering with the lines of the home Sounds of Bali If you can't get to Bali, bring Bali back home to you – for this garden, a Balinese water sculpture appeals to more than one of the senses Dive into summer – a professional overview on pool planning Just like summer bodies are made in the cooler months, so are summer gardens – now is the time to start planning your backyard pool, says Landart director Matt Leacy Soft top Plantings bring a sense of nature and softness wherever they go – including mitigating the strong architectural lines on this home Watch out for tan lines This sculptural, clean-lined pergola mitigates the impact of the midday sun for in-pool lounging – and looks pretty spectacular doing it Privacy dovetails natural beauty This design utilises outdoor spaces for degrees of separation while formal plantings close to the home give way to more natural forms further away Up and away A private bedroom deck with loungers looks out on the rear yard complete with infinity pool, generous timber decking and ravine views beyond Grecian getaway This serene white cabana continues the home's Grecian bleached white aesthetic – the tricky part was the precarious clifftop location Seaside serenity A sculptural al fresco kitchen and matching moveable dining table complement this spectacular Princes Wharf penthouse setting In keeping This all weather al fresco setting tones in with the hard landscaping and the verdant flora that softens the lines of the new swimming pool Outdoors in all weathers No, not a parent admonishing a child, rather an al fresco kitchen with operable louvres designed to shrug off whatever mother nature throws at it Large on life This grand, contemporary outdoor design brings the scale and sweep to balance the renovated, now barn-like family home on the stately rural property Al fresco at its cosiest A new home by Fowler Homes offers outdoor living heaven in part due to this covered al fresco space with modern in wall fire and skylights To infinity and beyond This pool's tilework ties with black accents on the home while the infinity edge seems to go on forever, requiring skilled craftsmanship to achieve Winter menu now served Fitted with a fireplace, kitchen and woodfire pizza oven, this outdoor living space is in use all year round, rather than just during summer Sitting on the deck For this landscape design, the underfoot patio decking is sandstone while the bar leaner and other seating is in a timber decking material See you on deck – 8 examples to inspire Decks come in all shapes, materials and aesthetics – a deck is not an afterthought, it's the cheapest way to add floorspace while facilitating that all-important indoor-outdoor flow Heart of the jungle? No, heart of the home. This landscaped space bites into the floor plan of this family residence and as such brings a verdant vibe indoors Swimming? No, just lounging This contemporary plunge-pool-meets-spa-pool is built for relaxation in more ways than one – large tiled steps make for ideal in-pool seating Swimmer’s delight The brief was for a design that accentuated the family’s love of swimming and spending time together in their garden – scale and balance were key No straight lines in nature Landscaping for this home was designed to nestle into the surroundings – even the furniture in this al fresco setting celebrates curvaceous lines Safe meets scenic With an underwater ledge for both safety and sitting, an infinity edge, and glass fencing, this pool area is both safe and scenic Seamless sanctuary Continuity in finishes contributes to the cohesion of this pleasing landscape renovation which also complements the home, new pool included Made in the shade One foot in sunlight, the other in the shade – part of a wider landscaping project, this poolside outdoor dining space is ideally situated Perfect for summer – and winter, too Part of a Miami-look pool/landscape design, this cabana's versatility is greatly expanded with an Escea outdoor gas fire set into one of its substantial columns Sea breeze A crisp landscape design and adroit species selection provides colourful contrast and interest while softening the strong lines of the contemporary seaside home Laid back by the lido Simple yet dramatic would be one way to describe this dynamic new family home and the poolside seating is more than in keeping Rock pool with a difference This family swimming pool achieves a relaxed, organic feel with substantial rocks helping delineate the diving area from the main pool area Paradise and lunch This outdoor space merges pool, pool safety, vibrant full sun plantings and year-round al fresco living in a design that flows into its rural surround Spiritual guidance This spiritual garden fits within ancient Indian principles of architecture – traditional statuary standing side-by-side with a contemporary cabana and outdoor kitchen Stepping into nature This outdoor living space with pool is organised in tiers – the varying landscaping layers creating interest and deftly negotiating the terrain Embracing nature – a world of wellness This outdoor design covers 2ha and includes everything from a large lawn and pool to gardens, al fresco entertaining and a track for kid racers As the seasons turn Between copper ceiling, louvres and shade sail, this outdoor setting complete with al fresco kitchen has its all-weather options covered Night crossing Just in case you are outside in dark of night, this home's deck edge lighting lets you know when you're straying onto the damp lawn How to landscape like a boss Landscaping is so much more than just ‘doing the garden’ – in your new home, it’s a fundamental aspect of the architecture; here a prominent house designer/builder points the way No excuse for using the wrong knife ConeHome pendants, by Laal, provide dining task lighting for this al fresco setting while natural light leaks on from all sides, skylight included Making a splash This pool has competition in terms of drawing the eye – the backyard watering hole is surrounded by sculptures in tune with the natural setting Grecian grandeur The calmness, the colours, the elegant lines – we're not sure how the pool designers connected with the home's Grecian feel, but connect they did Pool house is an understatement This pool-side retreat takes facilities next level – guest bedroom, office, yoga room, wet bar, bathroom and sheltered outdoor living all feature Ta-ta termites For this landscaping project, the rotting timber deck was replaced with Biowood composite decking for its durability, water & termite resistance 8 courtyards that offer a breath of fresh air Bringer of natural light, privacy, outdoor living, optimal views and even an outdoor kingdom for your pet – here are some home courtyards to brighten up your life Straight lines need not apply This sumptuous garden celebrates the natural world at every turn of its curvaceous flower bed – taking its cue from the saying 'there are no straight lines in nature' Smooth and hassle-free Reinvented by Poolco, this now smooth-surfaced pool – with an Aqua Bright Eco Finish – requires almost no upkeep and will last for decades Look Ma, no sides Infinity edges add drama and avoid blocking views for this expansive and highly contemporary backyard oasis in step with its adjacent home No straight lines in nature This well-known saying is reflected in this organic-look garden design – the soft curves of the garden bed are also soft on the eye All that glitters This pool would give its house a run for its money in the luxury stakes – check out these gold-winning pools as judged by the NZ Swimming Pool Industry Association Dive, swim, soak, repeat With as much to do as there is to look at, this multi-faceted backyard pool project includes a swim lane, child's pool beach, a diving board and two spas Warmth of the sun This understated pool, on sunny Waiheke island, responds to its idyllic setting – making the most of solar power and with glass fencing that doesn't impede the spectacular outlooks Fresh outlook on life The setting is perfect, the existing in-ground pool nestles into its sandy location – but the pool itself is tired – enter Pool Co for an award-winning make over Feature on the landscape This Gold award-winning pool by Acacia Pools dovetails with other needs on the property while making the most of its rural outlooks Maximum fun – thorough safety With the joy of having a family pool comes the all important responsibility to keep it safe – another area where NZ Pool Industry Association makes life easy Professional, switched on & approachable The New Zealand Pool Industry Association is a one stop shop when sourcing reliable contacts to address all aspects of your pool – from install to upkeep – but there's warmth as well as professionalism Reflecting on sustainability This brand new home looks out on an existing, if upgraded, pool – the greenest building is one already built, and that goes for backyard oases, too An affordable luxury Pools take forever to build and cost the earth – wrong and wrong! A budget Cascade is built in a few short weeks at an achievable cost Cool, clear water (you can even drink it) So you’re introducing a backyard pool for fun and a healthy family lifestyle – with Cascade Pools, that means the water you swim and play in is healthy too Keeping your pool costs down depends on your choice of pool Not all pools are created equally. The makeup of a pool by Cascade Pools addresses heating costs head on – trapping the sun's rays and utilising this free heat source to warm your pool. Part of the landscape Why create seperate hard landscaping when your house can come to the party? Here a blade wall connects architecture and courtyard Low upkeep roof garden is high value This deck features a pebbled rooftop area complete with sculpture. The ‘garden’ evokes the natural world without needing watering or weeding 5 reasons your lawn doesn't look the way you want it to We all want a great looking garden for the family to enjoy over summer – but often pay no attention to the lawn until it's too late. Here are the five most common lawn problems you can face and and how to remedy them before they get out of hand Renovation Strong and sustainable – bamboo decking welcomes the future Specialist bamboo importer and distributor Plantation Bamboo offers high quality, sustainable bamboo products – including game-changing Bamboo X-treme Decking We know the Specialists Latest Book More Books > Trends 40-10 A selection of this month's top homes, kitchens, bathrooms and more Read More Recommended Business Partners Latest Award More > Verdant retreat Similar Stories