What makes the perfect outdoor space? It has to include a cozy conversation spot (or two!), easy access to snacks and drinks, different types of entertainment, and an escape from the scorching summer weather to make lots of memories with family and friends all year round. For the House Beautiful Whole Home, located in Fredericksburg, Texas, the pool is definitely the central backyard feature. Los Angeles designer Linda Hayslett with L.H. Designs believes that “every room needs a purpose” and wanted to transform the pool and patio area into a full-on Party Plaza by integrating purposeful elements for conversation, entertainment, cooking, and of course - soaking up the sun!

The Designer: Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs.

The Task: Design a multi-purpose backyard space that incorporates all elements of a “year round outdoor lifestyle” and goes beyond the standard pool and patio area.

The Inspiration: The outdoors can often be overlooked as an after-thought to the design process, so Linda’s goal was to think about outdoor spaces through the same lens as indoor spaces - create a second “heart of the home” in the backyard. Linda designed the outdoor kitchen with an oversized dining table, undercounter beverage and wine fridge, grilling area featuring a large sink, and lots of built-in storage with lower and upper cabinets to avoid trips back and forth to the inside kitchen. Linda completed her backyard oasis with a seating area surrounding a stone fire pit, lounge area with swing chairs, billiards table and large TV to watch the big game on Sundays, a game lawn featuring low maintenance astro turf, and an outdoor shower. This space is the ultimate summer party spot!

Don’t miss the…

• Swing chairs
• Billiards table under the covered patio
• Wood burning fire pit
• Outdoor-rated quartz countertop island with built-in ice bucket and beer tap
• Low maintenance AstroTurf for bocce ball or cornhole
  
  

 

Spot Architectural Grille in the...

• Floating shelving unit to store cups and “knicknacks” - custom design made from 94% post-consumer recycled aluminum with matte black powdercoat finish (check out the “hidden” L.H. Designs logo we incorporated into one of the shelves!)
  
  
  
  

• Cabinet Infill Panels - custom design (if you look closely you can see the L.H. Designs logo!) made from 94% post-consumer recycled aluminum with a matte black powdercoat finish
  
  
  
  
• Shelving solutions in the outdoor shower - custom design made from 94% post-consumer recycled aluminum with a matte black powdercoat finish

Can’t get enough of the Whole Home? Grab the October/November 2021 print issue of the House Beautiful magazine, subscribe to get a digital issue for immediate access and check out the YouTube series Blank Slate, which shows the thought process behind each designer’s space.