Luxury Backyard Pool Oasis in Portola Valley
Landscape designer Olga Stritar transformed this Portola Valley backyard into a refined outdoor retreat featuring a modern swimming pool, porcelain pavers, drought-tolerant planting, and elegant California outdoor living spaces.
LOCATION
Portola Valley, CA
DESIGN STYLE + PARAMETERS
Drought Tolerant Mediterranean
DESIGNED AREA
20,000 sq. ft.
Inspiration + Goal
This landscape design project aimed to address several problems that needed to be solved. The old pool had become an eyesore, with falling apart concrete and a dated look. The planting areas had become sparse and unkempt due to many years of poor maintenance. Additionally, there were large barren spaces in the garden that needed to be filled in. Lastly, the property featured large redwood trees that were overwhelming the space, casting too much shade, and overwhelming the garden.
The main goals of this project were to:
Revitalize the old pool and give it a modern and updated look
Repair and replace the damaged concrete
Address the issues with the planting areas and fill in the barren spaces with new plants and flowers
Use a plant palette that is suitable for the area and is able to thrive under the shade of the redwood trees
Create a garden design that is visually pleasing and functional for the property owners to enjoy.
Create an area for outdoor living and entertainment
Wide, grand steppingstones lead from the parking area to the main door, creating an elegant, welcoming pathway to your serene retreat.
An inviting white bench offers a quiet retreat amidst pollinator-friendly plants and natural stone accents, reconnecting you with nature at every step.
Modern Mediterranean-inspired drought tolerant front yard in Portola Valley, CA
Sleek stepping stones guide you from the driveway to the entrance, surrounded by low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants.
Modern Mediterranean-inspired poolside dining area featuring rattan outdoor furniture, and MSI porcelain pavers.
Modern poolside patio featuring premium MSI porcelain pavers, paired with stylish lounge seating and surrounded by a lush, drought-tolerant garden.
Timber and gravel garden steps lead to a sustainable ADU on the hillside.
Concrete Steppingstone
A detailed 3D rendering of a garden design featuring calming stone pathways, vibrant lavender plants, and a wooden chair for relaxation. A perfect vision of a dream garden before installation.
An inspiring 3D garden design rendering highlighting a modern gray house and a variety of lush plants, including lavender blooms. Visualizing the perfect garden before installation.
The Outcome
This backyard design refresh aimed to breathe new life into a 15-year-old swimming pool. The centerpiece of the renovation was the replacement of the old pavers with sleek and modern porcelain pavers, giving the pool area a fresh and updated look. To add a touch of elegance and tranquility, a wall fountain was added to the design.
The outdoor living space was also enhanced by the addition of an outdoor pizza oven and cooking area, perfect for entertaining and enjoying meals al fresco. A pergola was added to provide shade and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
To maintain the existing garden's character, most of the existing plants were kept and complemented by the addition of plants that thrive in the Portola Valley area. The chosen plant palette included shades of purple, lime, and blue, adding a pop of color and creating a harmonious and visually pleasing garden.
Create Your Own Backyard Pool Oasis
Inspired by this Portola Valley transformation?
Landscape designer Olga Stritar creates refined outdoor living environments that elevate the beauty, functionality, and long-term value of your property.
From luxury swimming pool landscapes to drought-tolerant Mediterranean gardens, each design is tailored to the architecture, climate, and lifestyle of your home.
If you are planning a custom landscape design project in Portola Valley, Silicon Valley, or the San Francisco Bay Area, begin the conversation today.