Creating an escape from the demands of city life has become increasingly important for many homeowners. One SouthPark couple decided to build a beach-chic cabana in their backyard as a relaxing poolside getaway for them and their four children. They engaged Jones & Hedges Custom Builders, architect Christopher Phelps, and interior designer Stephanie Poore for the project, and they knew exactly the look they wanted.

“We vacation in the Charleston area a lot, and The Obstinate Daughter is our favorite restaurant there,” the homeowner says. “We love the vibe, and the decor was our inspiration for the interior of our pool house.” Designer Stephanie Poore’s first priority was to find reclaimed wood to use for the shiplap walls, which were  essential in creating the weathered, rustic aesthetic that her clients wanted to achieve. She sourced it from Southend Reclaimed in Davidson and wrapped the entire interior of the pool house with it. “The wood was already the perfect color,” Poore explains. “Some pieces had layers of old whitewash, which gave it instant character.” The dark walls, soaring ceilings, and tall windows and doors create the ideal juxtaposition of light and dark, which influenced Poore as she worked with the homeowners to design the space. The fabric and furniture colors are neutral throughout, creating a cool, coastal vibe. To maintain a natural, soothing setting, she selected organic pieces such as a teak root, found in Indonesia, that fits flawlessly as a console in the main room. The husband’s focus was the bar and outdoor cooking area, while the wife’s priorities were the laundry room and bathroom. He wanted ample shelf space for cocktail supplies, an accordion passthrough window for easy entertaining, plus a suitable area for his grills. She requested pretty tile, plenty of hooks, and a Dutch door. 

“My client always wanted a Dutch door, so we incorporated that into the laundry room,” Poore explains. “The kids can throw suits and towels through the top of the door into the laundry room or hang them—the whole wall is lined with hooks.” The black-and-white cement tiles in the bathroom are from Cement Tile Shop and have an almost tribal design, contributing to the bohemian feel. The wall-hanging sink has two faucets, a must when their four children plus friends are running in to wash hands. “I think about how to improve my clients’ lives not just aesthetically but functionally,” Poore notes. “The whole point is to create a space that is visually pleasing and makes your life easier.” The luxurious yet understated backyard retreat is as beautiful as it is practical. The hardwood floors have a strong protective coating, the rugs and furniture are made of durable indoor-outdoor materials, and the pillow and upholstery fabrics are outdoor quality, so they don’t have to worry about kids running in with wet swimsuits. Even the leather chairs have outdoor cushions on the seats. And they use the space all the time. “We love it,” the homeowner affirms. “We can leave the clutter and responsibilities of our house and escape to our getaway in our backyard. It’s a little piece of heaven.”