When television presenter Ryan Seacrest asked designer Jeff Andrews to transform his Los Angeles backyard, the brief was straightforward: create a space that serves equally well as a private retreat and a setting for entertaining. The result is a pool and garden that feels calm, modern, and enduring.
As the April air begins to warm in 2026, the long, narrow pool is meticulously designed to draw the eye toward the distant hills. Its dark, reflective surface introduces a contemporary edge while amplifying the vibrant spring greenery that surrounds it.
Rarely found in a backyard, the symmetry, more often reserved for interiors, feels perfectly at home in this remarkable space. In this breathtaking setting, outdoor lighting has been used with clear intent.
Lighting your garden is surprisingly similar to lighting your home: you must achieve the perfect balance of practical designs, which provide illumination and ensure safety, and decorative elements, which highlight architectural features. This creates a truly welcoming atmosphere for evenings spent alfresco as the days grow longer.
Shop the Ryan Seacrest-Inspired Edit
If you want to recreate Ryan Seacrest’s paradisiacal pool garden, I’ve curated my favorite outdoor lighting to help transform your outdoor space into a serene haven – perfect for when the sun sets on a warm 2026 evening. Whether you are prepping for a midsummer garden party or simply looking to enhance the 'atmospheric glow' of your terrace, these pieces provide the ideal balance of function and style.
These antique-style lanterns bring a warm, rustic charm to any space. Ideal for enhancing farmhouse or cottage-inspired porch décor, they add a timeless, cozy touch to your home exterior.
A clean, geometric pillow design like this makes an easy, eye-catching accent to refresh your sofa for summer. It works beautifully as a statement piece alongside solid-coloured cushions or layered with richly textured pillows for added depth and style.
Available in medium and large sizes, these lanterns are a perfect way to elevate your spring poolside. They provide a warm source of light while also adding depth and dimension as a stylish layering accent.
Wiring mains-powered lighting can be expensive, but solar-powered alternatives offer impressive illumination at a fraction of the cost. With a wide range of styles available, these elegant floating solar pool lights create a beautiful, atmospheric glow – perfect for transforming your outdoor space after dark.
This best-selling solar lantern transforms dark borders and pathways with a warm, enchanting glow. Its intricate cut-out design takes center stage, casting captivating patterns that are sure to draw attention and spark conversation.
Blending contemporary design with subtle metallic elegance, this features a compact drum shade and a clean, minimalist frame that suits any décor. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it provides a soft, welcoming glow ideal for dining tables, patios, and pool areas.
Here, lanterns positioned evenly along the pool’s edge lend rhythm and structure during the day. Their true effect, however, comes at night when they transform the space with a gentle glow, turning the garden into an atmospheric backdrop for quiet evenings or lively gatherings.
At one end of the pool, a seating area anchors the design. Wrought-iron benches and cushioned sofas are arranged around low tables, creating a zone that is both practical and inviting. The use of simple textiles – such as light pillows and throws in subdued tones – adds comfort and texture without overwhelming the restrained palette.
The surrounding pool landscaping completes the picture. Tall trees frame the space and shield it from view, while carefully maintained grass and fresh seasonal planting provide softness to the formal layout.
Ryan Seacrest’s pool demonstrates that luxury does not need to be loud. Through proportion, restraint, and thoughtful detailing, Jeff Andrews has created a backyard that feels sophisticated yet approachable – a private oasis with 'quiet confidence', designed as much for everyday living as for moments of celebration.
