Pool houses are meant for modern-day luxury and relaxation. When you aren’t sunbathing poolside on a warm summer day, the pool house is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a gorgeous summer afternoon. After the sun goes down, you can transition from the pool to a delicious dinner served in the full dining area of your personal outdoor retreat.
As you begin to think of the amenities and features that you would like in your custom pool house, consider the structure’s purpose first. For families who want to enjoy a summertime meal together every weekend, a pool house kitchen and room for a dining table may be a perfect choice. If you desire a sunny studio for morning yoga before your swim workout, an airy design with floor-to-ceiling windows may be an excellent option to connect with nature. A bar top may be a nice addition if you plan to serve adult beverages poolside or hand out children’s ice cream sandwiches at family outdoor gatherings.
Once you have an idea of how you plan to maximize the use of your pool house, and how frequently, start gathering ideas. Consult your builder early on to allow enough time to order materials and incorporate your plans into the pool house design. To get the creative design juices flowing, here are several ideas from TikTok creators that are sure to spruce up your custom pool house.
Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan is a great way to make your pool house feel larger than life. Combined with extra high ceilings, an open layout will create a modern, airy appearance that is sure to impress. Creator @thislittlelifewebuilt models the combination to show how this design gives the illusion of having more space than originally believed when simply looking from the outside of the home.
White Boho Boards
Creator @genevievedenisexx showcases a boho-style pool house that is brought together by painted white boho boards. By using a single tone for the floor planks, walls, and ceiling, the designer creates an intimate outdoor space that embodies a certain warmth and comfort for residents and guests.
French Doors
In fashionable new builds, one thing is certain: French doors will never go out of style. Creator @amandagere390 shows off a sleek black French door model set against an elegant all-white exterior. French doors can filter incoming light and open up the entryway to welcome guests.
Convertible Bar Window
Creator @amandagere390 also shows off the benefits of a convertible pop-out bar window. Serve any adult poolside beverages easily over the bar top counter or set up a snack counter with your favorite poolside munchies. When you’re finished, simply unlock the brace holding the window up to gently close and lock the window in place.
Heated Rain Shower
In any luxury pool house, a rain shower is a must. The gently running water is perfect for calming any nerves and melting the stress of everyday life away. Creator @.preppy.asf shows off an automated heated rain shower with soothing lights to energize and comfort.
Laundry Area
To maximize indoor space for functional purposes, consider setting up a laundry area inside the pool house. This way, you can easily put your dirty linens directly into the washing machine without having to track mud or pool water into the house. Creator @stephaniemthai shows a snippet of what this may look like.
Sliding Door Storage
A common problem amongst new homebuyers with a pool is optimizing the storage area for pool floats, water games, and other inflatable accessories. Creator @kristinanevans shows off the benefits of sliding door storage and makes it both stylish and functional!
Open Air Breezeway
Homeowners in cooler climates with gentle breezes might wish to create an open-air breezeway to take advantage of the frequently gorgeous weather conditions. Creator @krissyabram models a unique approach to the breezeway model. When not in use, simply roll the side walls back to the shut position to close.
Built-in Towel Storage
Of course, every pool is going to need plenty of fresh towels. Creator @spifforganizing put together this nifty built-in towel storage to match the decor inside the pool house. The drawers underneath are perfect for storing other pool supplies such as sunscreen, goggles, and sun hats.
Poolside Kitchen
A mini poolside kitchen, like the one modeled by creator @foxterradesign, is a perfect addition to the design of any pool house. Homeowners can transition from the pool to the pool house for a dinner party or indoor games after a fun-filled day.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
A great way to incorporate natural light into your pool house design is to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling windows as much as possible. However, you might want to install heavy-duty sunshades to block out excessive heat while running the air conditioning, especially if your pool house faces east or west. Creator @krazykennylandscape showcases how a mirror surface window reflects the pool in the sunlight for an elegant and soothing look.
Bring in Natural Landscape Elements
If your home is in a natural area characterized by gorgeous landscaping or unique geographic features, consider blending some of these natural elements with the pool house design. For inspiration, check out creator @lindydenny’s incorporation of the surrounding red rocks landscape into their backyard landscaping and pool house.
Customize the Pool House of Your Dreams
When designing a custom pool house to fit your own interests and lifestyle, you can’t go wrong in choosing features that appeal to you. Be sure to discuss these ideas with your contractor as early as possible to ensure ample room in the budget. You’ll be enjoying a relaxing sunny afternoon from your brand-new pool house before you know it!
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
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