Williamson completes garden renovation project

Elaine Williamson of Elaine Williamson Designs recently executed a residential pool and cabana project for a 7,200ft (700m2) home belonging to a couple and their five children.

Williamson created all exterior layouts and finishes and fully designed and appointed the cabana.

The foundation of this resort-esque garden begins with a three-tone stamped 'flagstone' concrete with an Oklahoma flagstone coping.

The back of the pool area consists of boulders, while the oversized hot tub focuses front and centre on a 52in (132cm) flat-screen television.

Two fire pits flank each side of a grotto waterfall feature and a full-size fireplace with a seating area sits opposite the pool and a winding, covered walkway with flagstone wainscoting and brick that matches the main house and cabana.

As the owners often entertain, an 'outdoor kitchen' was added close to the main house with granite countertops, a flagstone base, a built-in refrigerator and a grill with a custom vent hood.

The new 2,500ft2 cabana opens fully to its own covered porch via a Nana glass wall system.

The cabana features 20 x 20 tile floors with 'wood' tile insets.

The primary focal point of the cabana living room is a dry stacked stone fireplace with a stacked and laid hearth, which serves as extra seating and a sort of podium.

A home theatre system wall also enhances the cabana's main living room.

The cabana even features a fully functional kitchen with a copper splashback and an Advantium oven, dishwasher, double sink and refrigerator.

The lunch bar features Saturnia granite with a dry stacked based to continue the rustic flow.

Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are utilised throughout, while colourful yet simple draperies are intended to add a touch of softness.

There is also a steam room located in the back of the cabana.

This steam shower has slate walls, ceiling and floors and features a metal focal-point design along the back wall.

The cabana also includes a walk-in shower and a vanity area with walls covered in Venetian plaster and split-face tiling on the wall below the chair rail.

A crystal chandelier is intended to add glamour to the space.

This garden renovation also features a special dog room fully tiled from floor to ceiling in slate.

In this space, the dogs now benefit from their own water tap as well as central air conditioning and heating.

Williamson advises homeowners to furnish their back gardens with sofas and fire elements, for example, in order to create their own Vegas-style resort.

'Luxurious backyard "stay-catations" with all of the design and decor trappings are all the rage,' she said.

She recommends a tufted white leather sofa and/or glass boxes with eco-friendly fire that burns through the night.

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