Los Angeles Backyard Lagoon: Tropical Pool, Tin-Roofed Shack, and Balinese Pavilions

Los Angeles Backyard Lagoon: Tropical Pool, Tin-Roofed Shack, and Balinese Pavilions

Ruth Hunter wanted to recreate a Hawaiian lagoon in her LA backyard. Designer Mary Effron and artist/mason Javier Valdivia delivered:

• Pool with pond feel: 11–12 ft deep, dark gray plaster for depth, chunky individual stones in dark reddish tones (lava rock look) instead of smooth flagstone.
• Tin-roofed surf shack by Erik White (movie-set carpenter): redwood floor, galvanized steel poles wrapped in split bamboo, reed matting back wall. Hides pool equipment; platform for jumping.
• Palms, ornamental bananas, cannas, tropicals at pool edge and in pots deepen the illusion.
• Tropical-print fabric, tiki torches, shells, surfboard complete the mood.

"Reinventing yourself is practically an L.A. tradition. Why not extend it to your garden?" says Hunter.

DESIGN: Mary Effron Landscape Design, Santa Monica (310/452-7152); Erik White Designs, Los Angeles (323/662-4167)

Bring Your Vacation Home:

• Install a retreat (pavilion/daybed) away from house so reaching it feels like a journey.
• Use exotic woods (teak, rattan) and synthetic grass-look rugs; Javanese batik or Hawaiian tapa for pillows.
• Fill containers with bromeliads, Caladium bicolor, cannas, elephant ears, small palms.
• Display stone statues from Asia tucked in foliage for surprise discoveries.