Dayton March/April 2024
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Branching outside<br />
To match the uniqueness of the pool<br />
house, the rest of the back yard was<br />
curated with the same amount of<br />
intention.<br />
The homeowner was quick to install<br />
an in-ground pool, complete with a<br />
water feature and sun shelf for his<br />
wife to enjoy. Swearingen validates<br />
the rise in popularity of sun shelves,<br />
explaining their perfect balance for<br />
loungers and swimmers alike. “Sun<br />
shelves make it easy to relax and<br />
acclimate to the water. People can dip<br />
their ankles in, or slowly submerge<br />
themselves in the water.” And the<br />
attached spa means the relaxation<br />
can extend year-round.<br />
The travertine flooring featured<br />
around the pool extends across the<br />
patio and throughout the pool house<br />
for a durable, cohesive feel. “I had<br />
travertine in mind even before we<br />
got started,” says the homeowner.<br />
“I knew it was important to use a<br />
porous material so it wouldn’t be so<br />
slick around the pool, and we loved<br />
the idea of our entire back yard feeling<br />
like one big space.”<br />
The outside of the patio is framed<br />
by beautiful landscaping, all designed<br />
and planted by the homeowner and a<br />
close friend. They specifically chose<br />
native plants that would thrive in<br />
their southwestern Ohio alkaline soil<br />
and adorn the pathways leading to<br />
the back yard and up to the pool<br />
house. A fire feature adds an elegant,<br />
visual element to the space, especially<br />
for fireside conversations along the<br />
stone border. ➻<br />
A live edge adds to the beauty of the<br />
black walnut countertop.<br />
housetrends magazine <strong>2024</strong> 57
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