PALMSIDE ESCAPE
Pensacola, Florida · Outdoor Living + Pool Design
Scope: Outdoor Design
A once-open backyard was reimagined as a private resort designed for long afternoons, sunset gatherings, and effortless indoor-outdoor living.
For Palmside Escape, the goal was to transform an expansive but largely unused outdoor space into a layered destination—one that felt elevated enough for entertaining while remaining relaxed, warm, and distinctly Floridian. The resulting design brings together water, fire, shade, natural materials, and ambient lighting to create an experience that feels more like a boutique retreat than a traditional residential backyard.
THE DESIGN STORY
The original landscape offered generous square footage and mature palms, but very little in the way of function, architectural interest, or defined gathering spaces. Rather than filling the yard with disconnected features, the design was approached as a complete outdoor environment.
A custom pool establishes the center of the space, incorporating an expansive sun shelf with sculptural in-water loungers for a relaxed, resort-inspired feel. Around it, a series of intentional destinations creates movement throughout the backyard.
A covered outdoor bar introduces a dedicated entertaining zone with integrated lighting, counter seating, and warm wood detailing. Across the pool, a softly draped cabana provides a quieter place to lounge in the shade, adding an element of softness against the clean architectural lines.
The circular fire feature creates another layer of experience, extending the usability of the backyard into the evening and giving the poolscape a natural gathering point after sunset.
Materials were intentionally warm and understated—natural wood tones, creamy textiles, softly textured stone, and lush tropical landscaping—allowing the environment to feel sophisticated without becoming overly formal.
As daylight fades, integrated lighting completely transforms the space. Illuminated landscaping, subtle architectural lighting, and the glow of the pool and fire feature create an intimate atmosphere designed to feel just as considered at night as it does during the day.
Custom resort-inspired swimming pool
Oversized sun shelf with in-water loungers
Sculptural fire feature
Covered outdoor bar and entertaining pavilion
Integrated bar seating
Custom tiled backsplash
Warm wood architectural detailing
Draped poolside cabana
Layered lounge and gathering zones
Tropical landscape design
Architectural and landscape lighting
Neutral outdoor upholstery
Natural stone and organic material palette
Designed for daytime relaxation and evening entertaining
DESIGN DETAILS
What began as a spacious but largely undefined lawn became a fully realized outdoor destination.
By introducing architecture, water, lighting, landscaping, and multiple gathering zones, the backyard now functions as an extension of the home rather than simply the space behind it. Every element was designed to contribute to the experience—from mornings spent on the sun shelf to evenings gathered beside the fire.
BEFORE + AFTER
DO YOU WANT RESORT LEVEL AMENITIES?
Palmside Escape reflects our approach to outdoor living: thoughtful spaces should do more than look beautiful—they should change the way a home is experienced.
Through layered gathering areas, resort-inspired amenities, warm natural materials, and atmospheric lighting, an ordinary backyard was transformed into a private destination designed to be enjoyed from day into night.