Just stumbled across this amazing backyard on Design*Sponge. It’s the home of Meredith Kleinman, an interior designer and painter, and she has truly made me covet her home.

The interior is beautiful, but it’s the exterior that really got my attention.

The wood deck is complete with shaded sitting area. The three sided bench is a great use of custom carpentry, and takes the outdoor patio to a whole new level, perfect for family use or social gathering. Of course there needs to be a convered dining area too. And don’t miss the concrete work making the floor. 

Then there is the small sunroom with amazing tiny tile work just behind the sitting area. I love the return of tiny tile installation like this.

Then there’s the Japanese style bathhouse complete with outdoor shower. The sunny California weather is perfect for outdoor showers. And this one, complete with wooden Japanese inspired hot tub creates the perfect space.

If this doesn’t inspire you to start creating your own backyard oasis, I don’t know what will!

(Photo Credits: Design*Sponge, Meredith Kleinman)

Looking for a way to spice up your backyard landscape this summer? One of our favorite ideas is to install a brand new hot tub. You can enjoy a hot tub all year long, but during the nicer summer months you may appreciate it the most.

A hot tub can provide a new social center for you and your friends, or even for your kids and theirs. And, it’s not just a great social addition to your backyard, a hot tub also has a number of health benefits that come along with regular use. 

Here are some great reasons for installing a hot tub that you might not have thought about:

1. A hot tub offers the ability to unwind and relax, reducing stress that can cause health problems. Soaking in a hot tub is the perfect solution for counteracting stress. 
2.  Adding a hot tub can add value to your home, and grab the attention of potential home buyers.
3. A hot tub could help you sleep better. Some studies have shown that by immersing yourself in hot water for 15 minutes before bedtime, your body temperature rises and enhances your ability to fall asleep faster.
4. A hot tub is a versatile landscape design option. It’s a great feature for entertaining friends or having a party. Yet it can also be perfect for simply having a quiet night at home with the family.
5. Relaxing in a hot tub can help relieve aching muscles and overall stiffness in the body.
6. You can customize your hot tub for your special needs: try adding a refrigerator, or a TV with surround sound. Whatever you think you might want, it’s probably possible to include it in your hot tub design.