Welcome to the first (and long awaited) project of our Spanish Sanctuary renovation! We’re underway on our backyard transformation, and today I’m sharing all the design details + plans we have over the coming months. Let’s dive right in!
Jump to:
Before
As you may recall from the Before Tour, this backyard is starting off quite similar to the Hacienda Hideaway.
In typical Florida fashion, we have a covered patio off the kitchen/dining room, and a modestly sized rectangular grassy area.
This yard is a bit narrower than the Hacienda, measuring around 26′ x 44′ in total.
We’ve got a lot of boxes to check off in this space, so here’s what I came up with!
The Plan
After weeks of deliberation, here’s the current plan:
The primary features include: a 10×10′ heated plunge pool, checkerboard travertine pavers, outdoor covered kitchen, large wood pergola, pool lounge and dining area, podocarpus hedge perimeter.
Let’s take a closer look at each one…
Pool
The main feature of this yard is the 10×10′ concrete plunge spool (spa/pool). We decided to go this route for several reasons:
- Heated pools and spas are highly requested by guests, even in Florida. A spool is the best of both worlds and can be used year round.
- We wanted a specific size and configuration to fit our yard, and couldn’t find the right fiberglass model.
- Our last fiberglass pool took two years to complete—concrete takes less than a month.
We still haven’t mentally recovered from the 2.5 year long Hacienda backyard renovation, so we were anxious to knock it out first at this house. The thought of a finished concrete pool in just 4 weeks was too enticing to pass up. We started this process several weeks ago and permitting took longer than expected, but things are moving right along now!
Our installer recommended PebbleTec, and I decided on their PebbleSheen finish in Desert Gold. It has a pretty sandy beach look that will go well with the travertine pavers:
I’ve spent more hours researching waterline tile than anything else for this project. I had a bunch of online samples ready to order, until I found out the tile install was scheduled to happen this week, so I had to find something locally in stock. I landed on this porcelain mosaic (will cut it in half) that’s a pretty close match to the coping.
Even at only 10×10′, the spool will cost around $53k all in. That’s nearly $16k more than our larger fiberglass pool, but I think the heated feature will be a huge selling point.
Patio
This is the very first design decision that was made many months ago. How could I not have these gorgeous checkerboard floors?!
I needed a material that could be used both on dirt and a concrete patio, and after many hours of research, landed on travertine pavers. I liked the idea of a more subtle tone on tone effect, and found these contrasting 12×12″ tumbled travertine pavers:
They seemed like a pretty great deal at $3.99/sf, though after overseas freight, taxes and forklift rental, the total came to $6,200. They also took 10 weeks to arrive, which was fine since I ordered way ahead of time.
I knew there would be some color variation based on the photos, but to be honest I’m nervous because these look more similar than anticipated. Here’s the ivory:
And here’s the noche. The top layer is wet under the plastic so they’ll dry closer to that lighter patch in the middle:
Update: There wasn’t as much contrast as I wanted, so we ended up staining all of the noche travertine with Minwax Aged Barrel, grouting and sealing it. Here’s how it turned out!
Pergola
On the other side of the patio, the plan is to add a large wood pergola for a covered dining area. I’m picturing something elegant and romantic with vines growing atop:
The vine species is still up for debate—if you have any suggestions for something fast growing and low maintenance that will thrive in Florida, please share! I’d love wisteria but that doesn’t grow in our climate. The current contenders are star jasmine, bougainvillea and passionfruit (we’ve successfully grown all of these here).
As for the pergola itself, we’re debating between two options: a custom build-it-yourself kit from Pergola Depot, or a budget DIY kit from Amazon (also currently on sale at Lowe’s).
The size would be about the same, however the Amazon kit is 4′ too short, so we’d have to figure out a good way to raise it up. It’s also not quite as sturdy so we’d need to reinforce the beams, because we’d love to add two rope swings across the front:
The price difference between the pergola kits is around $7k ($2,300 vs $9,300). We’d rather not go full DIY because Lucas’s time is better spent on other projects, and the materials alone aren’t cheap. Thoughts, anyone?
Outdoor kitchen
This idea came to me after struggling to find a seating configuration that made sense on a narrow porch with two doorways and limited space. What if we put the grill here and built a cool little outdoor kitchenette?
I love this plan because the patio is right off the main kitchen/dining area. It will be much more convenient to carry food/supplies just a few short steps away, vs to the other side of the yard. It’s also a covered space, and who wants to stand outside flipping burgers during a rainstorm or under the blazing summer sun?
I couldn’t find a close example of what I had in mind, but it will probably be something simple like a built-in grill surround with a storage cabinet or maybe a beverage cooler:
I would extend the counter into an L shape, with a couple stools below for bar seating that can be accessed on the pool side (not the greatest example, but you get the idea):
A privacy wall of some sort above the grill will also be added to block the view into the neighbor’s yard. The travertine pavers will continue on the patio, and finally, outdoor lanterns plus dark wood ceiling beams will take the design to the next level.
Furniture
With all of the big projects covered, let’s talk furnishings! We don’t have a ton of space to work with so I had to prioritize the seating arrangements. For me, this backyard just isn’t complete without cabana stripe chaise lounges and a pagoda umbrella.
I had to find my own version that a) would hold up to brutal FL weather, and b) wouldn’t cost a fortune. After testing out every possible type of outdoor furniture over the years, I’m convinced that everything will have to be replaced sooner or later, so here’s the current leading combo:
These metal chaise lounge chairs, these sage green cabana stripe cushions, and this pagoda fringe umbrella.
Or, option B: striped reclining pillow loungers. They’re pricier at $399/ea (on sale) but they won’t rust or break like metal, wood and plastic.
They can also be moved around the yard for versatile seating options—which is a double edged sword because they probably won’t be put back in the right spot for the next guests. WWYD?
The other non-negotiable is a large capacity dining space. The house will sleep 14 guests, so I wanted a place for everyone to share a meal outdoors. The clear choice is underneath the pergola which will provide much needed shade.
But where do we find a table that will survive our weather, large enough at a reasonable price? The easiest option is to use two tables side by side, but I’m struggling to find one in the right size/shape. We may end up DIYing our own (perhaps concrete? or a remnant stone slab?)
I’ll probably end up using these bistro chairs I always use, because they’re just so durable, affordable and easy to clean!
Landscaping
Just like we did at the Hacienda, we’re keeping the landscaping very basic for minimal maintenance. We plan to install podocarpus trees around the entire fence perimeter, and letting them grow into a privacy hedge. These are extremely common here in Tampa and grow very well.
Podocarpus grow slowly though, so we’ll start with 5-6′ trees. By the time our renovation is complete, hopefully they’ll have filled in nicely. The only other plant decision to make is the pergola vines, which I’m still researching.
Whew, I think that covers everything! The only decisions that have been finalized/purchased are the pool and paver patio—everything else will come together over the next several weeks. We don’t have a specific target completion date, but it would be great to have it finished this fall.
If you’re into this style and want to see all of our inspiration for each room, check our my Pinterest board! And feel free to weigh in on our backyard plans before we finalize them. Exciting things to come!
Jolene Kroeger says
How is the backyard coming along? Do you have any updated photos? We finally got everything approved to do our pool (live in Central Fl) and I am so taking many of your ideas. Love everything you do!!
Jenna Sue says
It’s dragging along! We’re stuck in the permitting stage (our city inspectors are notoriously difficult). Hopefully we’ll get everything cleared in the next week or so! I’ll post updates in my IG stories once I have news to share.
Barbara H. says
Count your blessings that wisteria does not grow there. Though beautiful, it can quickly become a monster that requires constant pruning to keep the long shoots in check. I had it in Oregon – cut it down and it came back, including running underneath the deck. And in Alabama it has escaped from yards into the woods, quickly covering trees. I thought my woods were clear of it and then one day they weren’t. The pods are full of seeds so the “joy” easily gets spread around.
Love what you do. Your designs are always top notch. And Lucas is amazing.
Patricia says
I adore star jasmine – and the fabulous aroma when in bloom will permeate your whole backyard! Thank you so much for sharing the whole process you are going through…so very helpful since I am in the thinking stage of my patio remodel!
Cindy says
So fun to see your comprehensive plan! Excited to see the progress, and that we don’t have to wait too long. I almost picked those tiles as the kitchen backsplash on our DIY 60s lakefront house makeover. 😉
Brynn says
Hiiiii, would you share the other waterline tiles you were looking at? Love what you ended up with – so sleek – Would love to see the other options too!
Kiley Smith says
For the pergola I think you should reach out to western timber frame here in Utah. I know the owners and they do too of the line job. My mom has a pergola from a kit and you can tell the difference. Maybe they would be willing to cover shipping with your level of exposure that it would give them. I’ve wanted to see you both collab for so long
Susan says
Mandevilla vines or jasmines for the pergola. The lounge cushions look adorable but not very practical…especially for older guests or those with physical limitations. It’s going to be gorgeous!
Brittany says
For your vining plants, you should check out Queen’s Wreath (petrea volubilis).
It looks relatively similar to wisteria, but it’s not invasive, and it grows well in Florida.
Jenna Sue says
Awesome, thank you! I’ll add it to my list 🙂
Jen says
I love bougainvillea, such bright beautiful color. reminds me of when i lived in Hawaii. What about grapes/leaves? maybe too messy. We had to diy our own 10ft outdoor table. We used cedar and then sealed it with Total Boat, matte top coat. It’s meant for boat decks, so good for water, sun, etc. As far as the as the pergola kit goes, is there any way you can replace the 4×4 with something longer than the standard size to raise it up and then stain it to match? I love everything you have picked out! Can’t wait to see the final results!
Margie says
I would recommend either the Star Jasmine or the Bougainvillea (But the Wisteria would be my first pick too). Both are commonly used for landscaping in the Mediterranean, with Bougainvillea being seen climbing the walls of small towns in southern France into Italy. Both come in white varieties if you’re concerned about color.
Mudrick says
Mandevilla vines could also be a good choice for your pergola. We live in Saint Pete and have some in full sun and they do really well.
Alexis Self says
We have all weather wicker chaise lounges from Costco by our pool. They are incredibly comfortable and completely low maintenance. And they didn’t break the bank either. For a table, have you considered Polywood? They are supposed to be top notch in terms of durability to the elements.
Teri says
I notice the lounge pads you recommended are from TEMU. Have you been happy with this company and are the pads of good quality? I would like to order some but I’m a bit concerned about this company.
Can’t wait to see the finished backyard!
Sandi Staples says
You always end up with a gorgeous result.
I would do jasmine or a trumpet vine. The shedding of bougainvillea? But you have them so you know!
The cushions on the ground , I feel will get abused and be ruined quickly.
Your stone looks porous and in natural state so you could diy stain the too light pieces. Can’t wait to see everything and I know it will be amazing as usual!