As we approach the summers of 2023 and 2024, the concept of outdoor living is being reimagined and redefined. Homeowners are no longer viewing their backyards as mere extensions of their homes, but rather as potential spaces for luxury, relaxation, and entertainment. The trend of integrating swimming pools with outdoor living spaces is gaining momentum, with more and more homeowners seeking to transform their backyards into personal retreats that offer the comfort of the indoors and the refreshing ambiance of the outdoors.
One such trend that is capturing the imagination of homeowners is the creation of multi-functional outdoor spaces that blend the refreshing appeal of a swimming pool with the functionality of an outdoor kitchen and the elegance of a custom pergola. These elements, when combined, create a space that is not just visually appealing but also highly functional, offering a perfect setting for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings.
This article explores how one family in Tenafly, New Jersey, transformed their backyard into a multi-season recreational area, setting a new standard for outdoor living. Their journey from having a simple composite deck to a luxurious backyard haven provides inspiration for those looking to revamp their outdoor spaces and offers insights into the emerging trends in pool design for the summers of 2023 and 2024.
Creating a Multi-Functional Space
The concept of outdoor living has evolved significantly over the years. Homeowners are no longer content with having a simple, one-dimensional backyard. Instead, they are seeking to create multi-functional spaces that serve a variety of purposes and cater to a range of activities. This trend is all about maximizing the potential of outdoor spaces and transforming them into versatile extensions of the home.
In the case of the Tenafly homeowners, they envisioned their backyard as more than just a space for a swimming pool. They wanted to create an entire recreation area that could serve as a hub for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. To bring this vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Mufson Pools.
The design team at Mufson Pools took a holistic approach to the project, considering not just the pool, but the entire backyard as a cohesive unit. They planned for an outdoor kitchen, a custom pergola, and a swimming pool, each element designed to complement the others and contribute to the overall functionality of the space.
The outdoor kitchen allows for alfresco dining and entertaining, the pergola provides a shaded area for relaxation, and the pool offers a refreshing retreat during the hot summer months. Together, these elements create a multi-functional space that caters to a variety of needs and preferences, offering the homeowners the flexibility to use their backyard in numerous ways.
This trend of creating multi-functional backyards with pools is gaining popularity as homeowners recognize the potential of their outdoor spaces. In addition to pools, homeowners can utilize their multi-functional backyard by integrating different elements such as outdoor kitchens and pergolas, thus creating versatile spaces that serve multiple purposes and enhance the overall enjoyment of their homes. As we look forward to the summers of 2023 and 2024, this trend is set to continue, offering homeowners new and exciting ways to experience outdoor living.
Incorporating Safety and Aesthetics
When designing a pool, striking a balance between safety and aesthetics is crucial. A well-designed pool not only enhances the beauty of the outdoor space but also ensures the safety of those using it. This dual focus on aesthetics and safety is becoming a key trend in pool design, with homeowners and designers alike recognizing the importance of creating spaces that are both visually appealing and safe.
In the case of the Tenafly homeowners, safety was a paramount concern. They opted for an automatic safety cover for their pool and built-in hot tub. This type of cover serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it enhances the overall look of the pool by concealing the track, creating a seamless and visually pleasing aesthetic. On the other hand, it provides a crucial safety feature, keeping the pool and spa securely closed when not in use and preventing debris from entering the water.
This focus on safety does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the pool. In fact, the automatic cover enhances the overall design by providing a clean, uncluttered look. The cover is in place of a mesh fence, which, while functional, can detract from the visual appeal of the pool area.
The incorporation of safety features into the aesthetic design of the pool is a trend that is set to continue into 2023 and 2024. As homeowners look to create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and safe, designers are finding innovative ways to integrate safety features into their designs. This approach ensures that safety does not come at the expense of style, allowing homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces with peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Materials
The choice of materials in pool design is a critical aspect that significantly influences both the functionality and aesthetics of the outdoor space. The right materials can enhance the comfort, durability, and visual appeal of the pool area, making it a more enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment. As we approach the summers of 2023 and 2024, homeowners and designers are becoming more discerning in their choice of materials, seeking options that offer a blend of practicality and style.
In the Tenafly project, the design team at Mufson Pools made thoughtful choices regarding the materials used for the pool deck and coping. They opted for light-gray porcelain in a three-piece modular pattern for the pool deck. This material was chosen for its practical benefits – it retains less heat than natural stone, making it a comfortable choice for lounging in the sun. The light-gray color also absorbs less heat than darker shades, further enhancing the comfort of the pool deck.
The coping around the pool and the accents on the patios and pergola were made of natural bluestone. This material was chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its durability and versatility. Bluestone is a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its natural beauty, durability, and ability to complement a variety of architectural styles.
These thoughtful choices of materials demonstrate a trend in pool design towards using materials that offer both functional and aesthetic benefits. Homeowners are seeking materials that not only look good but also enhance the usability and comfort of their outdoor spaces. As we look forward to the summers of 2023 and 2024, this trend is set to continue, with homeowners and designers alike recognizing the importance of choosing the right materials in pool design.
The Pergola: A Game-Changer
Pergolas have long been a popular feature in outdoor design, providing shade, visual interest, and a defined space for outdoor living. However, as we approach the summers of 2023 and 2024, the role of the pergola is being reimagined. No longer just an add-on or afterthought, pergolas are becoming central to the design and functionality of outdoor spaces. With advancements in technology and design, pergolas are evolving into sophisticated structures that enhance comfort, convenience, and year-round usability of outdoor spaces.
In the Tenafly project, the pergola was a major component of the design process. The Mufson team collaborated with Breslow Home Design to create a custom-built, motorized pergola that elevated the functionality and aesthetics of the outdoor space. This pergola was not just a structure for shade; it was designed to be a game-changer in the way the homeowners experienced their outdoor space.
The pergola was fully automated, equipped with a system that closes the structure when it detects rain. This feature ensures that the outdoor space remains usable even in unpredictable weather, without the homeowners having to rush outside to protect their outdoor furniture. This level of automation brings a new dimension of convenience and usability to the outdoor space.
For three-season comfort, the pergola was equipped with infrared heaters and ceiling fans. These features allow the homeowners to control the temperature under the pergola, making it a comfortable space to relax in, regardless of the weather. The addition of curtains also provides the option of increasing privacy and protecting against inclement weather.
This focus on creating a highly functional, comfortable, and automated pergola is indicative of a broader trend in outdoor design. As we look towards the summers of 2023 and 2024, we can expect to see more homeowners embracing this trend, using pergolas to transform their outdoor spaces into versatile, year-round retreats. The pergola, in this context, is indeed a game-changer, redefining the possibilities for outdoor living.
Outdoor Entertainment
The concept of outdoor entertainment has evolved significantly over the years. Backyards are no longer just spaces for barbecues and pool parties; they are becoming fully equipped entertainment zones that cater to a variety of activities and events. As we approach the summers of 2023 and 2024, this trend is set to continue, with homeowners seeking to create outdoor spaces that offer a range of entertainment options.
In the Tenafly project, the outdoor space was designed with entertainment in mind. The seating area under the pergola was equipped with a TV and a ventless gas fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting space for family gatherings, sports viewing, or simply relaxing on a cool evening. Each stone for the fireplace was laid individually by hand, demonstrating a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail that contributes to the overall luxurious feel of the space.
The outdoor kitchen was another key feature of the entertainment space. It was designed as an entertainer’s dream, equipped with a grill, a trash drawer, a refrigerator, and a gas line for a pizza oven. This fully equipped kitchen allows for a range of outdoor dining experiences, from casual barbecues to gourmet meals. The inclusion of a gas line for the pizza oven demonstrates a thoughtful approach to design, providing flexibility and convenience for the homeowners.
The design of this outdoor entertainment space reflects a broader trend towards creating outdoor spaces that offer a range of entertainment options. Homeowners are recognizing the potential of their backyards as spaces for entertainment and are investing in features that enhance this aspect of outdoor living. As we look forward to the summers of 2023 and 2024, we can expect to see more homeowners embracing this trend, creating outdoor spaces that offer a range of options for entertainment and relaxation.
Landscaping for Privacy
In the realm of outdoor living and design, privacy is a crucial aspect that homeowners prioritize. The ability to enjoy one’s outdoor space without the prying eyes of neighbors or passersby enhances the comfort and enjoyment of these areas. As we approach the summers of 2023 and 2024, the trend of using landscaping to enhance privacy is gaining momentum. Homeowners are increasingly turning to strategic planting of trees and shrubs to create natural barriers and secluded spaces.
In the Tenafly project, the design team at Mufson Pools incorporated landscaping elements to enhance privacy. They meticulously selected plants and trees that would not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space but also provide a natural screen. The green giant arborvitae surrounding the property were a key choice for this purpose. These trees are popular in New Jersey due to their ability to thrive in the local climate and their resistance to deer, making them a practical and durable choice for privacy landscaping.
In addition to the arborvitae, the design team also planted spruces, hydrangeas, cherry trees, boxwoods, and six hills giant catmint. These plants and trees not only contribute to the visual appeal of the outdoor space but also enhance privacy. The catmint, in particular, serves a dual purpose as a deterrent for bunnies and deer, further protecting the landscaped area.
This thoughtful approach to landscaping for privacy reflects a broader trend in outdoor design. Homeowners are recognizing the value of privacy in their outdoor spaces and are using landscaping to create natural, aesthetically pleasing barriers. As we look forward to the summers of 2023 and 2024, this trend is set to continue, with homeowners and designers alike recognizing the importance of landscaping for privacy in outdoor design.
Embracing the Future of Outdoor Living with Multi-Functional Spaces
The transformation of the Tenafly homeowners’ backyard into a luxurious, multi-functional space is a testament to the evolving trends in outdoor living. It took three to four months to complete, but the result is a three-season spot that seamlessly blends comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. This outdoor haven is not just a space for swimming or dining; it’s a comprehensive retreat where the homeowners can relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways.
As we look forward to the summers of 2023 and 2024, this trend of creating multi-functional outdoor spaces is set to continue, offering homeowners new and exciting ways to experience outdoor living. The Tenafly project serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how thoughtful design, innovative features, and the right choice of materials can transform an ordinary backyard into an extraordinary outdoor retreat. The future of outdoor living is here, and it promises to redefine our experiences of home and leisure in exciting new ways.
