Tag Archives: swimming pools

How to Make Better Use of the Space Around Your Pool

swimming pool
Image Credit: Unsplash

A pool takes up plenty of visual space, but the surrounding area often determines how much you actually enjoy it. Thoughtful seating, shade, and storage can turn an underused deck into a comfortable place for swimming, reading, or sharing a meal. Start by looking at how people move through the space and where they naturally gather. From there, a few targeted updates can make the entire backyard feel more inviting without requiring a major renovation.

Divide the Area Into Useful Zones

Give each part of the pool area a clear purpose. You might place lounge seating along the sunniest edge, create a shaded conversation area near the house, and reserve another section for dining. These zones can share the same colors and materials while serving different needs.

A good outdoor living space also needs comfortable walking routes. Leave about three feet of open space along common paths so guests aren’t squeezing between chairs. Keep furniture away from steps, gates, and pool equipment. Large planters or an outdoor rug can define separate areas without adding permanent walls
Continue reading How to Make Better Use of the Space Around Your Pool →

Remembering David Hockney (1937–2026)

david hockney self portraits 2 photos by gail worley
David Hockney Self Portraits (All Photos By Gail)

The art world lost one of its brightest voices this week with the passing of British artist David Hockney, who died peacefully at home on June 11, 2026  at the age of 88.

Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Hockney transformed the everyday into something extraordinary. From his iconic California swimming pools and intimate portraits to his vibrant Yorkshire landscapes and groundbreaking iPad drawings, his work celebrated the joy of looking closely at the world around us.

david hockney artist and model photo by gail worley
Artist and Model
Continue reading Remembering David Hockney (1937–2026) →

Take Good Care of Your Pool This Summer

happy woman sitting on pool float
Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.com

Summer and swimming pools go hand in hand. If you are lucky enough to have your own pool, then it very quickly becomes the center of the yard, the place where the family and friends gather to have fun and relax whenever the opportunity arises, right? But the thing is, the more the pool is used, the more funky it can get, especially if you aren’t taking good care of it.

It’s really important that you give your pool the attention and maintenance it deserves this summer if you want it to remain at the heart of your family’s fun. Here are a few things that will help with that. Continue reading Take Good Care of Your Pool This Summer →

The Art of Slow Living at Home

unrecognizable trendy woman relaxing at poolside in sunlight
Photo by Armin Rimoldi on Pexels.com

Tampa is known for its laid-back lifestyle, but many people living here don’t actually feel relaxed at home. The weather is great, the outdoor spaces have potential, and yet the day still feels rushed from morning to night. You move from one task to another, check your phone constantly, and rarely sit still long enough to enjoy your own space. That disconnect is more common than people admit.
Continue reading The Art of Slow Living at Home →

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Using Public Pools

public swimming pool with slide
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Public pools have been a summertime institution for many generations, serving as a gathering spot for families, friends, and people that are looking for relief and recreation in the scorching heat. While public pools provide us with this much-needed function, they also present certain challenges too. When you understand all the aspects related to public pools (their benefits, drawbacks, and less than ideal realities) you can make informed choices before you dip in.
Continue reading The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Using Public Pools →