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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Sophie Edwards

Dreaming of a Backyard Pool Next Year? Julianne Moore’s Lap Pool Looks Sleek and Contemporary – But the Secret to Her Success Is the Wild, Lush Planting That Is Easy to Recreate

Julianne moore on a plain background.

Though at-home pools are a wonderful amenity, design-wise, they are usually not my favorite. Their concrete surroundings, decal interiors, and tendency to kill the surrounding grass can quickly become a backyard eyesore. However, this is distinctly not the case with Julianne Moore's pool.

The actress's Montauk pool idea is one of the best I've ever seen. This oasis amidst the wild setting was the brainchild of Moore's brother-in-law, architectural designer Oliver Freundlich, who collaborated with Julianne Moore and her husband Bart Freundlich to create this pool of dreams.

Like the rest of the home, this pool is designed as a sanctuary away from the city, creating the perfect environment for ultimate relaxation. It makes me want to wrap up in my Cozy Earth waffle towel and succumb to total tranquility.

The modernist architecture has the aura of a Scandi wellness area, with almost every visible surface coated in light wood. From the platform to the structures in the background, it's practically an extension of the forest.

Furthermore, rather than positioning the pool across a manicured lawn, she replaced the backyard with native grasses and wildflowers for a natural environment. The pool itself has a long, narrow shape, perfect for swimming laps in the summertime.

Recreate Julianne's Look at Home

So, what works for me about Julianne's pool area, where so many have failed? For one, although the pool is obviously man-made, the combination of wild grasses and wood surroundings renders this fact invisible. This excess of natural materials makes the pool feel almost as if it sprang up in the middle of nature of its own accord. To replicate her look, focus on using natural materials like stone and wood in place of concrete for a stunningly natural feel.

I also adore Julianne's selection of white outdoor furniture. These pieces provide a stylish contrast that help to emphasize the textured beauty of the wood while bringing light into the space. Furthermore, it helps the patio to be a comfortable area where one can imagine lounging and reading a book for hours.

Good design allows us to think outside of the box and make even the most unattractive areas of the home into something fantastic. When you lean into ideas of nature and wellness in your design, you can't go wrong.

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