Bridge to Everywhere

Before and after

The family wanted to keep the large square footage of the pool, so Hartman advocated breaking up the length and adding more elevation. He kept the kidney, but gave it dimension by raising the spa and adding full-width entry steps, a sun shelf and the bridge.

“I thought the bridge would break it up and give it a little more interest,” he says.

The choice of materials also helped update the look. The old white coping and concrete deck were removed and replaced with Arizona flagstone, which was used throughout the yard.

“We wanted something that was much more modern, but still very informal,” Hartman says.

In addition, the dated, salmon-painted brick wall surrounding the yard was raised 2 1/2 feet and coated in a neutral taupe.