Entertaining Backyard Pool and Patio – Before and After

Amid a quiet Chicago suburb, the owners of this contemporary home looked out at their backyard with the feeling that something was missing.

While they appreciated the intimacy of their modest wood deck for simple gatherings and outdoor dining, the rest of their backyard lacked the warm and inviting atmosphere they craved. Their desire for a more appealing space sparked a complete transformation, enlisting Rene Zavala at ZGreen Landscape to help reimagine their patio into a welcoming outdoor retreat.

At the top of their wishlist, the homeowners envisioned a backyard pool, fire pit, and basketball court—features that would create the perfect space for large family gatherings and special events. To bring this vision to life, they needed a durable product that would tie everything together while maximizing the space. Unilock Arcana™ in Modena proved to be the perfect fit. 

Arcana’s large-format design not only enhanced the feeling of openness but also provided a non-slip texture for added safety around the pool’s edge. As a bonus, these pavers were manufactured with EnduraColor™ technology, delivering a refined surface that resists the appearance of fading over time. The deck’s lighter gray tone was chosen to minimize heat retention, keeping the patio cool and comfortable on warm summer days. Plus, with EasyClean™ technology, any spills or stains can be easily wiped away, providing a low-maintenance solution for poolside entertaining.

Adjacent to the pool deck, a striking fire pit takes center stage, resting on an Umbriano® Hex™ paver rug in Midnight Charcoal that creates the illusion of a honeycomb pattern radiating outward. Surrounding the fire pit, an L-shaped couch offers a comfortable spot for guests to unwind, bask in the warmth of the flames, and enjoy poolside views. As night falls, the ambiance of this space is elevated with integrated paver lighting along the outer edges of the Umbriano Hex pattern, casting a soft glow that sets the scene for evening conversations.

Moving across the patio, a combination of Arcana and Umbriano Hex pavers was used to create the outdoor basketball court. The hexagonal paver pattern defined the court’s three-point line, enclosed by a double-wide border of Town Hall® in Basalt. This border complemented the darker Umbriano tones while adding a touch of authenticity to the design. To further establish a perimeter around the basketball court, a rising garden wall was built with U-Cara® Smooth panels in Charcoal. Topped with Architectural Coping, this design provided additional seating for those looking to relax and watch the game.

Colorful biophilic-inspired touches, including a vibrant garden bed and a stepping stone walkway, breathed life into the space. These natural elements infused a sense of serenity amidst the excitement of the pool and basketball court.

Now that the project is complete, the homeowners are excited to spend countless hours making memories in their new backyard oasis. If you’re looking for inspiration to transform your backyard patio or create a fun poolside retreat, our Design Advice pages have everything you need to create a space you’ll love.