Black, White & Yellow: A Retro 50’s Pool Area

What’s cool about this? We took a blank slate of a concrete pool, patio and gave it an instant Retro – 50’s vibe with this somehow sporty yet sexy black, white and yellow color palette. 

These canary yellow metal outdoor chairs (below) were our client’s vintage pieces and are the starting point for the “black, white & yellow” theme for the pool deck. When you bring these colors together, something really special and elegant happens. And so in the spirit of summer, I thought today I’d share this gorgeous outdoor living space…

Complimentary colors…

Black, white and yellow is elegant in a traditional sense regardless of your Soul Style. The color combination, especially in the lush outdoors, offers both vibrancy and relaxation at the same time. It brings our warmer weather the feeling of a soft breeze while offering a ‘summer feel’ in the off-season. And with the right patio furnishings, it brings a classic Old Hollywood look to it.

Yellow beginnings…

What makes the story of yellow truly lovely, in this particular project, is that the entire palette comes from the canary yellow console the owner found in her 20s when decorating one of her first homes. It’s become a timeless classic piece that is echoed in color outdoors, creating seamlessly expansion of living space.  

Functionality and Aesthetics…

The small bathroom was replaced with a wetroom. Not only does this black and white concrete tile work magic on this simple bathroom, it is also totally barrior free — for older guests or rambuctious kids. 

Pillows make a perfect segue into colors, textures, and patterns. You can play with shades of yellow (or any color) and complimentary tones. They make up the personal aesthetic, or “what makes you feel alive.”  There is no right or wrong way to go with pillows and they’re relatively inexpensive. They tend to invite you in and ask you to stay a while.

The black & white striped umbrellas (below) were our first move, along with the simple, sleek black & teak furnishings. The umbrellas created a romantic retro 50’s vibe.

Outdoor Entertaining…

Everything is better done outside and a classic black and white setting with the addition of bright yellow accents, such as flowers or plaemats, it can easily come alive for entertaining. My client’s outdoor living space is an ideal summertime destination. 

The Pool House…

Who doesn’t dream of owning a pool house? What an extroarodinary space to have, not just to entertain family and friends, but, is it not the most awesome sunset house in the whole world? Who doesn’t love the decadance and luxury of being able to sit out poolside for a morning cup of coffee? 

Before Comparison…

Anne Reeves of Styleblueprint wrote a feature of this Belle Mead re-design project. The before and afters of the interior say it all. Be sure to check it out here! 

– Marcelle Guilbeau,