2 minute read
Back to black
This chic Victory Heights garden, with its bold, black-tiled swimming pool, has got everyone talking
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A palette predilection for black and white doesn’t necessarily shout relaxed garden vibes, but for Rhian Clarke, taking her edgy monochrome aesthetic from the inside to outdoors was a nonnegotiable at this Victory Heights home.
As someone who likes to buck trends, the decision to go with a black tiled pool as the emblematic focal point was a brave decision. “There’s been a big trend towards white swimming pools, and I’d seen a shot on Pinterest of a black one, which was really dramatic,” she says.
Rhian initially held back on going overboard with the use of black, instead choosing to paint the surrounding walls grey, but later made the bold decision to match them with the pool tiles and introduce geometric tiling accents on the steps and outdoor bar to strengthen the overall visual impact. To add an additional wow factor and respect function, the infinity-edged pool was designed in an irregular shape, thus affording ample space to swim laps and chill at the swim-up bar.
Rather than a single note space, introducing distinctive zones was also key to creating a harmonised, complementary environment, with raised exposed sunbathing and dining spots and a sunken covered eating and lounging area with outdoor barbecue situated close to the kitchen. Rhian elaborates: “I wanted to create an outside room and approach the space as I would indoors, using rugs, cushions and blankets as well as lamps and other traditionally interior accessories.”
An explosion of floral colour was also a no-go with Rhian opting for all-green landscaping, as she explains: “I wanted clean green and all the plants have been carefully grouped together or in rows as I like things to be neat. I also looked for monochrome or geometric pots.” @rhianclarkehome
The lines created by the gazebo area and garden furnishiings add to the overall structured yet warm aesthetic
A hand-picked selection of lamps, trays and accessories lend a lounge dining room feel
Photographs by: Hiral Kapadia
Words by: Lucy Land
