Great Escapes: Club Med

The heat of the American West, like the sunnier climes in Europe, requires access to shade from the languor-inducing sun.
    
The firm of Harold Leidner Landscape Architects conceptualized an “oasis” for this poolside cabana in the Dallas area, with the addition of a fireplace and “conversation area” on the other side for brisk nights during the winter. 

“Our goal was to create an inviting, comfortable area for the owners to use year-round in entertaining,” says Lance Dickinson, one of the firm’s designers. “The colors of the materials and garden were designed to evoke the warmth and richness of the Tuscan and Mediterranean style of the architecture.”

1. The intricately hand-painted tiles on the vent hood and bar accent the warm colors of the travertine mix in the flooring and add eye-catching detail. The countertops are granite, and the arched ceiling is a tongue-and-groove wood with cedar beams and framing. 
2. A rustic, quasi-medieval chandelier also adds an old world touch, in contrast with modern conveniences such as stainless steel appliances and an outdoor television. 
3. The walls are covered in painted clay tiles and a mix of Lueder’s and Granbury Limestone, with archways that emulate the curving forms in the custom-cut stone fountain bowls around the elliptical pool shape. A Doric column lends a classical, Greek touch. (The pool, seen in the background, is finished in a mosaic of ½-inch glass tiles.)
4. The home’s owners wanted plenty of blooms in the landscaping, so the grounds are sewn with azaleas, Knock Out roses, Wandering Jew, crape myrtle, hostas, hydrangeas, spireas, oleanders and camellias, along with the more exotic-looking palms.