Thanks to its sleek, streamlined design, this private pool blends seamlessly with the horizon. In turn, the owners can see for miles as they swim a few laps, soak in the spa or lounge while the sun sets in the distance.

Set on a hillside overlooking the San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley, this once mundane site was full of potential when the Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group arrived. After remodeling the pool area and adding rows of flowers, the homeowner and landscape architects then completed the space with an ultra-chic sculpture.

With boulders, native plants and trees all around, this patio feels truly secluded from the rest of the house. By keeping the stone wall and fire pit within a neutral palette, though, the landscape architects were able to establish visual connections between the two spaces.

Who could resist a backdrop as beautiful as this? While the fire pit offers some warmth as the sun goes down, two metal chairs give the owners room to watch the city lights fade and admire the stars.