When it comes to our bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, we put so much thought and consideration into the layout and design to ensure our comfort and that of our guests. We consider functional needs and aesthetic design while layering in our own unique style – but when was the last time you put that much thought into your backyard?

It’s easy to let walls define your decor, but your exterior should be as carefully considered as your home’s interior. Successful outdoor spaces need definition, purpose and style – and your Pool Room is no exception. What’s a Pool Room you ask? It’s your new outdoor destination of choice!

Pools are often the heart of any home during the summer, but by adding complementary pieces and creating designated zones to lounge, entertain and dine, you can elevate your pool to a multi-season destination that checks all the boxes. Just like any other successful room design, there are key elements that you need to incorporate into your Pool Room to make it both visually pleasing and functional.

Defining your Pool Room is as easy as 1-2-3, and with our simple tips you can make a splash with your new outdoor oasis.

Zone 1: Lounge

With a focus on comfort, create space for relaxation – from chaise lounges to daybeds – but don’t forget to provide opportunities for shade and easy access to storage for necessities like towels, sunscreen and pool floats.

• Offer a variety of seating to support as many uses as possible. Consider multi-purpose seating like floats than be used both in and out of the water, water-safe chaises or even modular daybeds that can support a group of people.
• Don’t underestimate the power of pillows – they are a great way to add a pop of color or transition your style throughout the seasons.
• When creating your Lounge Zone, make sure to consider colder months by adding storage space for cushions or covers for seating.

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Zone 2: Entertain

A designated gaming zone can elevate a pool to a true destination. Offer space for outdoor games like cornhole, table tennis or foosball. Add a beverage tub, bar cart or accent table close by so refreshments are close at hand.

• Make sure to consider opportunities for shade, whether an overhang or a strategically placed umbrella. Gamers won’t last long if they are up against the summer sun.
• Don’t overlook functional details in this zone – outdoor lighting, game covers for bad weather, a place to keep score and even storage for balls or replacement parts can make this space a win.
• If you don’t have space for a large outdoor game set, consider setting up a smaller bistro table to support board games or cards.

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Zone 3: Dine

No Pool Room is complete without a defined space to enjoy meals alfresco. Consider easy kitchen access as well as accompanying outdoor furniture that can provide an additional surface for serving food or acting as a beverage station.

• Whether you need extra warmth or added ambience, providing a fire table or patio heater nearby can be a great way to keep the party going in comfort.
• Adding an outdoor rug can be a great way to define your Dining Zone. Follow the same measurement rules as you would with your indoor dining table.
• If you have the space, the perfect upgrade to this zone is the addition of an outdoor kitchen, which provides convenient storage and prep space all year long.

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Check out more ideas to build out your Pool Room on Frontgate.com/outdoor.

Chef Michael Symon knows a thing or two about barbecuing. Besides penning multiple grilling cookbooks and owning several restaurants dedicated to that perfect char, he’s also a co-host of ABC’s The Chew and Food Network’s Throwdown with Michael Symon, and a winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chefs in America.

This year, we’ve teamed up with Chef Symon to provide insight and inspiration for your next outdoor event. So, what goes into pulling off a backyard bash without a hitch? Chef shares his 5 favorite tips below.

“Make sure to prepare a large bucket of ice for beverages or use a built-in station with easy guest access.”

Keeping guests happy and hydrated with an assortment of chilled beverages is essential for any outdoor gathering. A variety of options and styles, from portable ice buckets to bar carts with built-in tubs, means there’s a solution for every space. And with beverage stations often becoming organic gathering spots, it’s a good idea to offer more than one destination for ice to avoid any party bottlenecks. Be sure to offer a variety of grab-and-go beverages, both alcoholic and non, to make sure everyone’s thirst is quenched!

Barbecue Bonus: Upgrade your ice station with beverage accoutrements like festive cocktail napkins, straws, koozies and more.

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“Have a table in front of your cooking station large enough to prep and serve food (about 5–7 feet).”

Always consider adjacencies when setting up your outdoor kitchen. Modular designs can help you customize your arrangement – and positioning a table or island near your cooking station will make entertaining a breeze. Providing an easy transition from prep to presentation simplifies the task and puts your focus back on the meal. Not only will this table provide more space to prep, but it will also minimize any transfer time, making sure your guests enjoy the meal while it’s still hot.

Barbecue Bonus: Consider serving trays that are not only functional, but also stylish, so you’re utilizing less dishware in the process – and cutting down on the dreaded post-party cleanup.

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“Do all your cutting and sauce work ahead of time.”

Completing any food prep in advance not only saves time when the party is about to begin, but also ensures you have all the ingredients needed to finalize the meal, so you can cook with confidence.

Barbecue Bonus: Having your chopped ingredients at the ready doesn’t need to stay behind the scenes. Consider stylish trays and bowls to show off colorful fixings and give your guests a sneak peek at the fresh meal to come!

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“Have a batch cocktail pre-made so guests can grab a drink as soon as they arrive.”

Pre-made cocktails can set the tone (or theme) for any successful party. Whether you are serving up a batch of margaritas or a signature sip, make sure to keep your cocktails cool throughout the event using an insulated beverage dispenser.

Barbecue Bonus: A great way to elevate your batch cocktail is to provide a garnish bar. Guests can personalize their drinks in style with everything from citrus to salts.

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“Make sure you are not doing a lot of cooking when guests arrive. Instead, focus on finishing touches.”

Outdoor gatherings can be warm all on their own, so no one should spend the whole party overheating at the grill. Optimize your pre-party prep to reduce your cooking time in front of guests, and consider menu items that can be made in advance or simply need a finishing touch – whether it’s a final, quick sear or merely adding a garnish. The goal is to minimize work and maximize your time connecting with friends and family.

Barbecue Bonus: If you do have to cook after guests arrive, consider setting up and offering outdoor games like cornhole or foosball. These are easy distractions that guests can enjoy with their premade cocktails and appetizers until the entrée is ready.

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Check out the Collection and find exclusive content from our partnership with Chef Michael Symon.

Emma W. has a passion for travel, fashion and, of course, home decor. So, when she started dreaming up the design for the primary suite in her historic, early-1900s San Francsico apartment, Frontgate was top of mind for outfitting the space.

“Like many others after the past couple of years, [my fiancé and I] are able to work from home full time,” she said. “We wanted to have a room that made us feel like we were staying in a gorgeous 5-star hotel!”

“Once I contacted [Frontgate’s Design Services] team, I immediately heard back,” said Emma. “My fiancé and I are renting so […] we had to work with colors that would complement [the] current paint color and give us the tranquil vibe we craved. I wanted a relaxing space with little pops of color and [both] traditional and contemporary elements scattered throughout.”

To bring her vision to life, Emma sent Design Services a few photos of the room along with measurements. “After a couple days, I received a full design mood board featuring all the different furniture pieces and color options that would work,” she said. “I didn’t change anything that the design expert chose because I absolutely loved everything that was selected. From there the order was placed! So easy!”

Emma and her fiancé’s bedroom went from an empty room to a stunning French-inspired space that complimented the architecture of their home.

“There was no way that I could have designed this room with these elements by myself,” said Emma. “The design service experts made this possible […]. [They took] everything I said into consideration. The fact that the service is free was amazing and made all the difference. It felt like I was hiring a design firm (without paying the big bucks to do it) to help create a new space for my fiancé and me. I would 100% utilize Frontgate’s Design Services. The entire process was so easy and effortless.”

Frontgate has partnered with celebrated American chef Michael Symon to launch our new Outdoor Kitchen Collection. As the official launch partner, Chef Symon is sharing expert culinary tips and gourmet recipes that inspire elevated, outdoor entertaining all season long.

The Frontgate Outdoor Kitchen includes three distinct collections with more than 15 pieces – adding style, flexibility and functionality to any alfresco space. The three collections – Westport Teak, Westport Aluminum and Isola – offer modular designs that fit any space as well as seamlessly integrate appliances, including grills, wine refrigerators and compact freezers. They also feature durable, scratch-resistant countertops and thoughtful storage for entertaining essentials.

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Check out the Collection and find exclusive content from our partnership with Chef Michael Symon.

How to Buy the Perfect Chaise Lounge

With proportions that promise head-to-toe relaxation, chaise lounges are a beacon of luxury. Whether you dream of soaking up the sun by the pool or enjoying an afternoon nap on a shady patio, each of our chaises has its own unique features that can make your experience all the more enjoyable.

No need to choose between poolside fun and luxurious comfort. Sling-style mesh seating, as featured on our Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Aluminum Chaises, supports your body but dries quickly after a swim or rainstorm. Even our most luxurious cushions boast quick-drying convenience, thanks to breathable materials and ventilated construction. High-resiliency foam core cushions are wrapped with a state-of-the-art fabric cover that laughs off rain and dries in minutes.

There’s much more to enjoying the outdoors than reading, relaxing and napping (although we’re a fan of all three). The easiest way to banish boredom from your backyard is with high-quality outdoor games that keep everyone entertained while they soak up the sun.

The Outdoor Game Room

Movies Under the Stars

Show us your outdoor game room by following @frontgate and using #frontgate to share your photos.

After so much time spent cooped up indoors, we want to spend practically every waking moment this summer outside. And we aren’t talking about roughing it. You can bring along your favorite activities – along with the lived-in luxury of all your indoor spaces – to create the ultimate outdoor home. Here’s how:

Elevate Your Barbecue

In the summertime, the grill becomes your outdoor kitchen. With a little help from our Westport Kitchen Collection, you can ensure yours is the perfect blend of function and style, providing all the space you need to serve up the best seasonal bites. (Or sips, as the case may be … hello, bar carts!)

Take Your Espresso Alfresco

No need to fly to Rome or Paris to get an authentic bistro experience. Take your favorite coffee alfresco, easing into the day at your own bistro dining table and chairs. After all, sometimes jet setting is just a state of mind.

Invite a Bit of Friendly Competition

Whether it’s a family game night or fun with friends, playing games like table tennis, pool and foosball isn’t restricted to the basement anymore. Couple these classics with inventive swimming pool games and activities, and you’re bound to have a summer full of laughter.

Enjoy a Film Under the Stars

Is there anything more magical than a movie under a full moon? With the LED Cube Seat, Spazio Armless Chaise and the Endless Summer Inflatable Chaise, you can lie on the lawn as easily as in the pool. The only question: What movie will you watch? Unfortunately, that’s a debate we can’t help settle.

Spend the Day Poolside

No summer day is complete without some serious pool time. Make it an extension of your living room with luxurious loungers, playful pool floats and colorful beach towels. This is your oasis… outfit it accordingly.

Create Your Secret Garden

While indoor house plants might be all the rage, nothing will ever beat a timeless garden brimming with blooms. Create a sanctuary for quiet time and reflection, outfitted with planters of every shape and size. Don’t have a green thumb? Incorporate faux greenery so lifelike, your friends and family will be none the wiser.

Show us how you’re spending time in your outdoor home by following @frontgate and sharing your photos with #frontgate.

Gliding across the glassy surface of perfect pool water, basking in the warmth of the sun … is there any better way to spend a summer day? Pool floats have become exceptionally versatile – perfect for kids who are ready to play, parents who are ready to relax and everyone in between. They’re a necessity for a summer spent poolside … the only question is which one is right for you? When shopping for a pool float, you’ll discover an incredible variety of designs, construction styles and materials. You’ll find floats that let you sit up or recline, cool off in the water or stay nice and dry. With so many choices, the only thing left to wish for is an endless summer.

Fabric Bead-filled Floats and Accessories

Wrapped in the same easy-care Sunbrella^® fabrics as our outdoor cushions and umbrellas, these unique, bead-filled floats stand up to sun, saltwater and chlorinated pools without fading or molding. They’re available in an array of solid colors and striped patterns.

Show us how you’re floating by following us on Instagram and tagging your photos with #frontgate.

It’s official: Pool season is almost upon us. The Memorial Day to Labor Day stretch includes 16 precious weekends to spend poolside – not to mention any staycations you’re planning –  so you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground … err, pool, running. Whether you spend sunny days perfecting your dive or just dipping your feet in to cool off, we have a few ideas on how you can make the most of pool season.

FOR THE FUN SEEKERS…

Your pool is filled with much more than just water… it’s also filled with friends, games and fun. The right pool floats quickly become great pool party accessories when you’re looking for extra fun between lounge sessions. There are plenty of fun-time floats with multiple options and construction.

An oversized inflatable with a daybed, cupholders and able to hold up to 4 people at a time.

FOR THE SWIMMERS WHO WANT OPTIONS…

There are plenty of ways – and places – to rest between laps, both in and by the water. Different options mean different lounging positions and construction including upright backs, lay-flat relaxation, inflatables, an oversized pillow and solid furniture.

A contoured, comfortable polyethylene chair for relaxing next to the pool or on the Baja shelf, in up to 8 inches of water.