In my mind, the perfect relaxed summer day is one spent lounging by a pool with a good book or magazine, a refreshing drink and a friend or two to share the fun with.
With this Memorial Day weekend now upon us, I’d like to pause, first, to remember the service of our veterans. Thank you to all of you who have served in our military, or are currently serving in our military, or who have loved ones who have served our country. We at Hadley Court are so deeply grateful and honor your/their sacrifice.
And alongside the remembrance of our veterans on Memorial Day, the summer of 2014 officially opens…
which has me fantasizing about pools this weekend. In this pictorial tour, we’re bringing you a glimpse of designer’s favorite pools -either owned by them or photographed by them during a poolside visit. We’ll start with Charlotte Moss’s luscious pool at her East Hampton home:
Surrounded by Japanese maples, Casablanca lilies and potted lemon trees, what a serene and inviting poolside this is!
From this elegant East Hampton setting, let’s move to a pool with a tropical island vibe, this one photographed by interior designer Alexandra Branca and shared via Instagram:
Aww, can’t you feel the brilliance and warmth of the sunshine?
For a balmy, exotic and secluded summer pool setting, we’ll turn to this one photographed by Ralph Lauren himself and shared on his Instagram:
And for a magical fantasy look, how do you like this pool photographed in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta by interior designer Brian McCarthy?
That one reminds me of a setting on the island of Atlantis, Bahamas….and more fantasies….
this poolside pavillion by Los Angeles designer Mark Sikes. So elegant and inviting.
We’ll end our pool tour with the classic, timeless and pristine pool of Los Angeles designer Barbara Barry, shown in an article by Apartment Therapy. Surrounded by lush boxwoods and greenery, her pool setting comes alive.
If you are lucky enough to be poolside this Memorial Day, remember to stay hydrated. Here’s a beautiful and festive soft drink idea that is as lovely and delightful as it is refreshing:
To make your outdoor bliss complete, be sure to add a red, white and beautiful patriotic dessert. We found one for you that is stunning, yet healthy! And only 129 calories per serving! Delight your family and guests with a Red, White and Blue Parfait; the recipe is below:
Red, White & Blue Parfaits:
-
8 ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 8 ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
- 3 cups fresh raspberries and/or cut up fresh strawberries
- 3 cups fresh blueberries.
Directions: In a large bowl, stir together yogurt and almond extract or vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. To serve, in six 12-ounce glasses or dessert dishes, alternate layers of the berries with layers of the yogurt mixture. Makes 6 servings.
~~~~~~
Kim Darden Shaver
for
Leslie Hendrix Wood
Decorator
Founder, Editor In Chief of Hadley Court
Gracious Living. Timeless Design. Family Traditions.
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Photo 1 from Architectural Digest, Photo 2 from Veranda and photo 6 from Apartment Therapy . All other pool photos from Veranda’s look at amazing designer pools, here.