The black-bottom pool with an infinity edge is the centerpiece of this outdoor entertaining area. To the left is a view of the fire pit with a custom sculpture fashioned of steel logs. Teak patio furniture by Kingsley Bate. A considerable amount of remodeling took place on all interior and exterior areas, so please visit our website to view the before and after images. Jeff Zaruba Photography

Natural water feature, water fall, pond, planting around water feature, planing around pond, sound of moving water, soothing landscape ideas, landscape color, outdoor lighting.

chadbourne + doss architects has created this modern outdoor room under an upper story deck. The deck's aluminum bar grating guard rail extends down to enclose a space for Taiko drumming and relaxation. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Steve Bronstein

This “Home away from Home” desert retreat is designed for relaxing. The master bath and bedroom features a soaking tub and see through fireplace. The patio space includes an outdoor fireplace and negative edge pool.

This 22-year-old gunite pool needed a facelift. A nonfunctioning waterfall, uncomfortable spa and grass as its patio were the reasons the client called Bill Renter from the Deck & Patio Company of Huntington Station New York. The first step was to demolish the existing spa, waterfall, wood retaining wall and rock coping. Next, the new acrylic spa was installed. A seven foot high moss rock waterfall and boulder coping were installed beautify and retain the sloping woodland behind the pool. Because of the natural setting of the pool, careful consideration was given to the patio material. The designers suggested a tumbled pavingstone and wall system called techno-bloc. The colors of the patio were a blend of a tan color and a natural grey color to tie in with colors of the boulders used. The patio has the look of natural stone, but it is cool even on hot summer days and has the durability of a paver patio. This new technology in the paving and matching wall systems insures a lifetime of easy car for these surfaces. The final touch was the colorful landscape which is beautiful despite the challenge of a mostly shady woodland setting. http://www.deckandpatio.com/DP_Blog/?p=1182 Deck and Patio Company www.deckandpatio.com

Architectural Design: Austin Design Group Builder: Pillar Custom Homes Interior Design: Chelsea+Remy Interior Design Landscape Design: Pillar Custom Homes Photography: Twist Tours

Zinc door pivots to welcome guests

Patrice Jerome

Architect: Fergus Scott Architects Builder: M & J Green Builders Acacia Joinery manufactured and supplied Australian hardwood timber windows and doors for this home on the South Coast, NSW.

Frameless Glass Pool Fencing - Aqua Vista Glass

Claire Jones