LET’S Dive In
Ok, take a little mental journey with me for a sec. Picture it’s the early 70s in the Hollywood Hills on a hot summer day, the sun is shining, and you’ve got your favorite cocktail in hand. Someone is manning the record player and rotating sexy hits from the Rolling Stones, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin (just to name a few), contributing to the ultimate carefree and super groovy vibe of the afternoon. Around you are luscious green palms, lounge chairs for sunbathing, and your best friends laughing and blissfully playing games in the glorious crystal blue water swimming pool. This feels like the way weekend BBQ pool parties should be and this is exactly what I envisioned when we first saw our pool. I’d like to invoke the same sense of fun in our pool/lanai area with the added hint of sophistication and modern glam.
As for the details, the pool itself is 12x34 making it a great size. One could even get in some laps! The whole lanai area is quite roomy. There is ample space for outdoor living, dining area, and sunning on the far side of the pool. As you can see in the photo, there are some odd planters in the corners. Those are being removed and filled in to create more lounging space. In the second photo, you’ll see a brown door on the right which used to lead to the pool guest bath. That door will no longer exist and will be turned into a wall (the small window stays). The new half bath will be put in on the far left and the small window on that side turned into the doorway. This way we can still have a pool bath and utilize the old one for better things…Like a Queen’s closet! The outside wall area will be nicely finished with stylish board and batten and match the new paint color of the exterior (paint color to be revealed at a later date). We will add some gorgeous potted plants to warm the space up so the greenery is not missed. The smaller wall below the screen around the pool itself will have beautiful blue and white tile added for extra flare and polish. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already dreaming of an ice filled Arnold Palmer in one hand, a deliciously captivating book in the other, while floating leisurely in the pool. Oh wait, I’ve already done that…Shhh don’t tell the Boss!
I may just be the most excited about this outdoor space and all it has to offer! There’s something so special about having a place that brings people together in recreation, food, drinks and fellowship. Thinking of when group gatherings will once again be the norm gives me hope and will help us appreciate the times we’ve all come out of. The people in our lives are what truly make a house a welcoming home. In the meantime, let’s turn up the tunes as I’ll be relaxing on my new float... and of course what I mean is WE will be working hard to get this splash zone ready!