How to create a resort-like outdoor space
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The pool area at Sea Oats
There’s something about lounging by the pool in a beautiful, serene space that’s just good for the soul. Whether you’re sunbathing solo, or enjoying a favorite cocktail with a crowd of friends and family, it’s always better by a posh pool space.
When we set out to design our poolside oasis at our SeaOats vacation rental, we kept in mind all of the ways our guests might want to enjoy this outdoor space: We chose sleek lounge chairs to serve as a cozy reading spot or a place to relax and catch up with friends. We added a dining table for al-fresco dinners and morning coffee. And, of course, there’s a full-sized bar for mixing up margaritas or pulling up a seat for a card game.
Whether you’re a guest of our luxury Captiva vacation home and you’re looking to recreate permanent vacation vibes at home, or you’re simply in the process of sprucing up your outdoor space, we’ve pulled together a list of must-haves from our pool space, and the design principles that guided our decisions.
How to design a luxury pool space
Our goal was to create a relaxing, modern, and upscale outdoor space, and that ideal drove each our design choices. The clean-lined furniture, for example, including minimalist lounge chairs, and simple dining table, creates a contemporary, upscale atmosphere that also promotes relaxation thanks to its unfussy nature. The simplicity and quality of the furniture also give it a chameleon-like quality that allow it to feel calming during the day, and sophisticated at night.
The color scheme only emphasizes the story. Whites, grays, and shades of blue are both soothing, and pay homage to the sky and sea outside the grounds. At the same time, a neutral-leaning palette maintains the level of sophistication set by the furniture, while oversized planters add a touch of nature to remind our guests of their beautiful surroundings.
Finally, there’s function to consider, since true enjoyment of an outdoor space can only happen if it serves the proper purpose. Mixed seating, like adjustable lounge chairs, are perfect for sunbathing after a dip in the pool, or enjoying an iced coffee with a good book. At the same time, we also included multiple conversation sets for group gatherings, game nights, or casual lunches by the pool. Finally, the bar and dining seating are ideal for dinner parties, cocktail nights or early morning breakfasts before hitting the beach. The white dining chairs are also stackable, which allows them to easily be moved out of the way for larger parties or to open up the pool deck.
Get the look of the Sea Oats Captiva resort pool space:
A conversation set is key for relaxing, enjoying casual meals, or simply taking in the view. To mimic the style of our pool area, look for a streamlined, low profile design in a neutral, powder-coated metal (we love white!). Brightly colored cushions create a Caribbean feel.
We love the white modern set above. Shop it here.
A contemporary dining table and chairs
This simple, weatherproof dining set is streamlined and sleek, similar to the style we chose for the Sea Oats Captiva pool deck area.
These sleek lounge chairs are similar to the ones we have by the pool at Sea Oats. They immediately make you think “vacation.”
Throw pillows are one of the few chances for decor and accessories outdoors, so we say add a pop of color (or choose a print!) in a durable Sunbrella fabric, like the pillows above.
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