Look (and keep) cool this summer with poolside style
Make your backyard feel like a poolside resort
In only a few weeks, summer will officially arrive. That means a whole new way of living that includes keeping cool in the heat and spending more time outside.
Last year saw an increase in demand for backyard pools. Everyone had the same thought at the same moment: if we’re going to be spending more time at home, let’s build our own poolside resort.
Whether you have a pool or not, it’s easy to create the vibe and stay cool. Here are a few resort-style items that will turn your backyard into a fun, summery getaway for kids and adults alike.
CLASSIC POOL COLOUR
I’ve always loved the colour of pool blue. It instantly reminds me of every resort and public pool I visited when I was a kid. Many new pools are taking on a sophisticated look with natural stone and black coloured bottoms — not as cheery, but it helps them blend into the landscape effectively. Injecting a little pool blue into the backyard is a great way to relive that retro feel and bring a bit of colour to a neutral patio.
COOL WATER FEATURES
Water is one of the easiest ways to cool off in the backyard, whether you opt for a plunge pool, sprinkler or waterslides for the young and young at heart. Want to stay cool while you relax with a fancy poolside cocktail? An outdoor misting fan will allow a soft breeze of fine mist to swirl around the patio, creating the effect of cool ocean air. Are you looking for a way to keep your four-legged friends cool? Look for pet pools (yes, they’re a thing!) to keep them happy with quick dips and plenty of splashing around on hot afternoons.
RESORT-STYLE WRAPS
Pool towels are your backyard summer fashion accessory. Their styles often reflect haute couture or designer collections, and they feature the latest colours and patterns seen at fancy resorts (after all, your pool towel should always match your swimsuit, no?).
A timeless classic, cabana towels — which have wide alternating stripes of white and a bright colour — are the look seen at the finest European hotel resorts. Generously sized, pool towels are large enough to lie on and help protect lounge chairs from suntan lotion. They also make great cosy throws that keep the chill off your sun-kissed shoulders when the sun goes down. I’ve been known to have a few sewn into pillow covers to add a beachy feel to the guest room for summertime visitors.
APARTMENT LIFE
No backyard, only a balcony? Here’s how to give any outdoor space a chic, poolside look.
• Add inexpensive terry cotton slipcovers to your outdoor chairs for a cool but cosy feel.
• Choose accessories that are crisp white and various shades of blue.
• Use bamboo tiki lights to create ambience after dark. Look for safe LED lanterns.