Great design makes life better, but never is that more true than in the midst of a carefree pool day. Anyone who’s slipped and shivered their way through the house to use the facilities or grab a refreshment knows that poolside amenities are a must when prioritizing convenience. Get inspired by five pool baths and one precious pool bar—all thoughtfully designed to keep your guests happy (and your wood floors dry).
Fiddle Me Fancy
This leaf-accented pool bath by builder Carolyn Isler and designer Lizzie Bailey successfully toes the line between youthful playfulness and adult sophistication. The fiddle-leaf-fig wallpaper by Ferrick Mason was “one of the first things designer Lizzie Bailey proposed,” says Isler. The pattern is distinctive without being overly serious. Wanting to provide privacy for the lavatory area while still allowing natural light from the shower window to flood the space, Isler says, “The satin glass element was a creative solution.” Isler loved how the “watery blue” glass tile, sourced at Daltile, paired with the leafy wallcovering. The finished effect nods to nature while still being polished and pretty.
Interior Designer: Forward Interiors
Builder: Isler Homes
Architect: William S. Briggs Architect
The Clean Machine
This kid-proof pool bath was carefully crafted for the ever-growing family of grandkids it serves. To wit: Designer Alexis Pearl tiled the space from floor to ceiling and selected a floating sink with cleanup in mind. “Keeping the floor free from a traditional cabinet makes mopping up water much easier,” she says. “With lots of young children using the space, we could see shower water being sprayed everywhere.” She also chose a curbless shower to prevent tripping. The pool bath is an aesthetic departure from the rest of the house, which features a serene palette of blues and natural wood. “We wanted this space to feel intentionally different from the rest of the home, as it is more of a kid’s space,” Pearl says.
Interior Designer: Alexis Pearl Design
Builder: Don Hoerr and Sons
Architect: James Kemper
Fish Out of Water
This pool bath combines low-maintenance features with tongue-in-cheek touches. Bathrooms, in general, provide a chance to have fun with decor—but epecially so with a pool-adjacent space. Designer Javier Burkle chose a fish-patterned wallpaper—‘Acquario’ by Cole & Sons—for its “eclectic, whimsical” feel. He finished off the look with a porthole mirror, which ties into the nautical details of the outdoor living space. Burkle also emphasizes the importance of being intentional with color choices in heavily-used rooms. “Black is durable and works perfectly in a high-traffic space,” he says.
Interior Designer: Burkle Creative
Putting the Fun in Functional
A smart design choice means swimmers needn’t waste precious pool time waiting for their turn at the sink. “The industrial sink with three faucets is the ultimate in function for the countless little hands to be washed in this pool bath,” says designer Erin Sander. Towels are conspicuously stored on open shelves, removing any guesswork for guests. Completed as part of a whole-house project, this pool bath is a punchier, more playful riff on the rest of the home’s design, from the farmhouse sconces to the alternating tiles. Even the choice of hand-towel hooks in place of a bar “contributes to the casual vibe,” Sander says.
Interior Designer: Erin Sander Design
Builder: Tatum Brown Custom Homes
Architect: SHM Architects
Out of the Blue
This spa-like pool bath is as functional as it is beautiful. Codesigners Abby Smith and Abbey Ragsdale say the aqua-toned tiles—which are repeated in a nearby outdoor kitchen—do more than just replicate the color of water. “The blue tiles are stacked in a vertical pattern to emphasize the height of the room and echo the ribbed details on the blue concrete sink and walnut cabinetry,” they explain. A dedicated washer and dryer provide the ultimate in efficiency. “We love that wet swimsuits and towels go directly in the laundry without ever entering the main house,” says the homeowner. “Guests also love that they can pop their swimsuits in the dryer to avoid having to carry a bag of wet swimsuits home.” With no room for an indoor shower, builder Michael Turner suggested an outdoor alternative wrapped in wood. “It’s a great use of space and perfect for quick post-swim rinses,” says the homeowner.
Interior Designer: Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design
Builder: Classic Urban Homes
Architect: Marek Architecture
Alfresco Affair
Empty space underneath an exterior stairway was ingeniously transformed into a outdoor bar. The swing-out windows allow hosts to pass refreshments easily to awaiting guests. “The bar is truly indoor-outdoor in every way,” says designer Lisa Henderson. Additional drink storage is designed to be discreet but provide space for more beverage choices. “We included a drink drawer below the wine fridge,” explains Henderson. “Having both is really essential to the functionality of the space.” Choosing hardware in a living finish—like the unlacquered brass drawer and cabinet pulls—frees owners up from being too precious about polishing, while still lending a lovely touch. “It brings a very understated, pretty, and sophisticated element to the look and feel of the bar,” says Henderson.
Interior Designer: Lisa Henderson Interiors
Builder: Greenwell Homes
Architect: Fuqua Architects
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