To create this backyard beauty unfolding behind a palatial Barton Creek home sitting adjacent to the golf course, the homeowners called on the expertise of Bates Design Associates, LLC. A believer that each project should be executed in collaboration with her clients, principal Kim Bates worked to bring their vision to life. “The couple travels extensively, and enjoys entertaining in their home when they are in town,” says Bates. “These two have a slightly more contemporary bent which is expressed in their updated
outdoor living space.” Below Bates shares how she worked to incorporate the couple’s sense of style and character into the new design, creating a space they love to enjoy by themselves and share with friends and family. “These clients are well-traveled and have been exposed to great architecture and design,” says Bates. “This makes my work easier, as I can really focus on curating their taste. In addition, their focus on family and friends really cemented the need for a welcoming feeling in the space.”
What were some of the flaws of the original design?
KB: The old stone surfacing was rustic and uneven and the original pool tiles were somewhat dated. The original waterfall features were supposed to have a natural look, but they were out of place with other updates to the home and gave the pool a definite 80’s look.
What did your clients envision for their new outdoor space and how did you help them achieve it?
KB: My clients wanted to update the outdoor space from a rustic French feel to a more transitional look with cleaner lines. They needed a space where they could entertain but wanted an elegant and relaxing feeling. We went with a large scale Lueders limestone paver in a random rectangular pattern to give the space a more calming, sophisticated feeling. Pool tiles were changed out to provide a richer, more glamorous look. We removed the waterfalls and added elegant stone walls with finished stone coping in its place.
From before to after, tell us a few of your favorite changes that really stand out.
KB: I love that we really cleaned up the lines of this area as well as the softer colorations we developed. From darker colors to a more natural palette in fabrics and furnishings; from artificial-looking waterfalls and water features to classic stone coping and rich glass tile –– the space was refined to give it a classical, transitional look that reflects the clients’ style as well as the interior of their residence.
This outdoor area appears as if it was part of the home’s original construction. How did you integrate new updates while ensuring a flawless fit with the existing home?
KB: The patio Lueders pavers are a beautiful complement to the interior use of Lueders pavers. The interior pieces have
a high honed and rectangular finish while the exterior pavers are rougher cut, random rectangles. The pool lining was a
clear choice once we found the fabulous Lunada Bay glass tile for the spa area. These tiles added a touch of glamour to the
spa-like retreat. Smooth stone coping adds a classic finish to the elevated areas.
In terms of furnishings and seating, what did this space need?
KB: Furnishings were selected for comfort and quality with design and color that added to the calm, spa-like feeling of the
space. Warm grays, natural canvas and muted greens reinforce the theme of tranquility. Accessories and drapery panels were
details added to give the space a more finished and polished look. The client already possessed some wrought aluminum
and teak Smith & Hawken® pieces so we worked with existing pieces, adding the wicker Smith & Hawken sofa to soften the
look. We changed out all upholstery to unify the look and added throw pillows for a more finished appearance.
Lounging in the outdoor oasis now, what is the dominant vibe?
KB: This backyard space has a very spa-like, elegant and sophisticated look. It is a place of comfort and tranquility. It is a
place to rest or to comfortably entertain.
From the lush landscaping surrounding the outdoor area to the furniture orientation, how do these details work to enhance the overall aesthetic?
KB: The beauty of the golf course which is enhanced by the client’s own landscaping gives the space ample privacy without
making it feel closed off. The furniture placement assures this privacy while maintaining a view. The combination is a relaxing
retreat.
Why does this space work for your clients?
KB: My clients tend to gravitate toward clean lines and elegant finishes in a calming setting. This space is a fabulous reflection of their characters and personalities. It allows them to entertain in small numbers or large groups. Whether they are hosting good friends for dinner, or getting their grown kids and their families together for holidays, they now have the functionality in this beautiful and relaxing backyard oasis.
BATES DESIGN ASSOCIATES, LLC
512.464.1166
Batesdesignassociates.com