Design in Depth: Give Me Pool Time

By Stacy Kunstel

All I really want for summer is for it to last long enough that I get some pool time. When I say pool time, what I really mean is a gorgeous outdoor entertaining space with a pool, kitchen area and lots of lounge chairs. If it comes with a view of the ocean, too, I’ll take it. Here are some favorite worthy-of-envy pools to “wet†your summer appetite.

It doesn’t get more spectacular than this Cape home that we featured on the cover of our first Cape & Islands issue (look for the new one to hit newsstands next week). Morehouse MacDonald architects perfectly balance the indoor-outdoor space, giving you a seamless transition between the two.

Photo courtesy of Sam Gray; click to see more of this house

As the sun goes down, my guests and I could retreat to this outdoor dining area and fire up the giant grill.

Photo courtesy of Sam Gray

If I’m going to lounge by the pool I want it to be a big one. This Florida home by Clemens Schaub looks like it could be swallowed by its swimming pool.

Photo courtesy of Michael Partenio

In this Connecticut home, interior designer Cindy Rinfret made the most comfortable outdoor seating area under a striped awning so homeowners can control just how much sun they wish to have.

Photo courtesy of Michael Partenio

In the ultimate Nantucket getaway, interior designer Wendy Valliere of Seldom Scene Interiors took her interior talents outside to create this poolside getaway.

Photo by Michael Partenio for New England Home; click to see more of this house

It has the requisite dining/entertaining area.

Photo courtesy of Michael Partenio

She also selected the perfectly padded and upholstered lounge chairs–a lovely place to watch summer pass ever so slowly.

Photos courtesy of Michael Partenio

Did I mention I have no pool of my own? Looking to share?