Anyone that has ever renovated a home knows that it is a total roller coaster ride! The highs of the concept and kick-off where anything is possible, to the lows where you discover the entire structure is termite ridden and it seems nothing is possible. Then on to the part where you are stuck upside down ready to call in the rescue squad because the home is just torn to bits. I am thrilled to say that we are now at the less terrifying part of the theme-park-ride that is the reno of my own home: the furnishings!

We’ve made incredible strides over the last few weeks at the Boulevard Show House (aka My House) including working through the planning of our cool audio-video system, selecting appliances for the kitchen from Monogram Appliances and getting our Marvin windows on order (woo hoo!). Now, the Laura U Team and I are working on the furnishings selections, paint colors, and wallpaper. So far, the foyer and stairway are nearly finalized (take a look at the prelim design here). I think it’s high time we shift our focus to the super cool pool and cabana! This space is being designed by the incredibly talented Letecia Ellis Haywood, Principle Designer at Laura U, who called dibs on these spaces from the word GO!

A gorgeous & playful exterior

Today, we’re handing it over to Letecia to get the inside scope on her plans for this chic and playful space! Inspired by Cote D’Azur and the French Riviera, I wanted this space to reflect a causal playfulness (I’m mean, it’s a pool cabana after all!) but with an eclectic, eccentric vibe. Punctuated with calming colors and bold palm leaf prints, there’s a bit of whimsy reflected in this fun space. I can’t wait to share a sneak peek at this charming oasis with you!

Pool Cabana Let’s start with the colors. Since the palm print of this Abigail Borg Mathilda Midnight wallpaper is so bold and colorful, I wanted to incorporate a few of the more neutral colors in the print to keep this space chic and sophisticated. This Sea Salt colorway from Sherwin Williams matched with the palm print beautifully and will be painted on the lattice and ceiling. The color is so soothing and definitely reminds me of the beach! Moving on to the countertops…The Artifacts® Gentleman’s® bar sink faucet and the Riverby® undermount single-bowl kitchen sink with sink rack (both by Kohler) are the perfectly paired with the Vetrazzo by Laura U Aqua Current Counters. They don’t compete with the counters and make the colors really pop.

Now for the fun accent pieces…To emphasize the splash of pink in the wallpaper, I chose this really fun and slightly retro feeling print of the eccentric lady from CB2 – She’s my spirit animal…I chose this Rug Mart flat weave rug in Ikat because I loved the subtle pattern that mimicked the small leaves in the wallpaper. I wanted to add just a touch of metallic with this Industrial glass flush mount light from West Elm. And the Dedon Mbrace wing chair and barstools were the perfect way to allow guests to sit back, relax and take in the view.

Pool Cabana Dressing Rooms

This fun striped outdoor runner leads guests to the dressing rooms outside the cabana. The dressing rooms, shower walls, and all the cabinets will be painted in the Sea Salt color. And that gorgeous palm print wallpaper makes for the perfect accent wall in the bathroom! The floors, walls, and wainscot will be done in Bisazza Demetria Opus Romano Mosaic via La Nova Tile. The color pairs fabulously with the shades of green in the wallpaper. I love the playful design of This Toobi® Rite-Temp® shower set. The mix of clean lines and a bit of curve is just what I was looking for. And I love how all the plumbing is hidden in this Veil® wall-hung toilet with Reveal® Quiet-Close™seat For the sink area, this modern shaped Toobi® tall single-handle bathroom sink faucet and Inscribe® Wading Pool® round bathroom sink is such an elegant pair. I love the round shape of the West Elm Staggered Glass Vanity Sconces and how it matches with the CB2 Infinity Wall Mirror. I’m still deciding on the countertops for the bathroom, so I’ll keep you posted as the project progresses! And of course, you need some fabulous vanity chairs for a dressing room! I love these Interlude Vanity Chairs in Blush Vinyl. They’re what every woman needs to sit on when getting ready. Some Target bath accessories and Serena & Lily towels and bath mats will be just the right finishing touches to the bathroom.

Exterior / Pool

 Last, but not least, let’s head out to the pool area! Colorful fringed umbrellas are one of the most recognizable things about the French Riviera so I wanted to make sure to have a fabulous umbrella. This tasseled umbrella from Frontgate is a bit more sophisticated, but certainly just as fun. And no pool area would be complete without seating, especially a cabana! The covering provides some extra protection for that scorching summer heat and gives you lots of space to lay out. The Dedon cocktail tables are functional, while still being very whimsical. I love the unexpected detail work on the frame of these Dedon chaises and the texture of these Dedon side tables. I selected a beautiful gray picket shaped tile from Arto Tile to use outside the pool. It adds that little bit of art deco feel to the space. But this is a work in progress so there are a few things that I still have to decide on, like the specific tile from Oceanside Glass & Tile I’ll be using for around the pool.

Lounging in Luxury

Thanks so much, Letecia! I see us lounging poolside some Saturday soon checking out our good work and patting ourselves on the back (we actually do that!). I’m having so much fun working with the Laura U team on the design for my home. I can’t wait to share more sneak peeks with you and keep you fully updated on The Boulevard Show House! In the meantime, follow along with us on Instagram and check out the show house website. XO|LU