The photographer Slim Aarons spent his career shooting celebrities and socialites lounging poolside with mid-century homes as the backdrop. His photographs were a peek inside the the lives of the rich and famous, and inspiration for design enthusiasts looking for sleek exteriors. As we head into summer and the great outdoors, how our open spaces look and feel becomes a design priority, creating a space to chill, grill, and entertain our favorite people.
Inspired by its mid-century roots, designer Meredith Kleinman reimagined the Los Angeles home for Nick O'Malley, bassist for the band Arctic Monkeys, and his family, preserving a lot of the mid-century details while adding in modern amenities. Here's a peek inside, along with mid-century pool decor to refresh your outdoor space.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
O'Malley's home has incredible views and captures amazing Californian light throughout the day. To highlight the views, Meredith kept the interior design clean and simple.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
She added vintage furnishings, classic light fixtures, and custom walnut built-ins to honor the original quality of the home.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
The bedrooms all have great views perched above the pool inside the three-story home.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
The owners wanted the home to be easy to take care of, fun, comfortable and low maintenance while still looking great and being as eco-friendly as possible.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
Meredith preserved the retro kidney-shaped pool and resurfaced the surrounding area while planting around to keep it clean and modern.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
A sunroom opens out to the pool area, a comfy place to lounge, read, and host guests.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
The central seating area is sleek and cozy with retro pendants to complete the look.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
A combo of wood, concrete and stone keep the area eco-friendly with drought-tolerant plants.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
The bathroom echoes the poolside inspiration with a retro vibe.
Photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design
Here's the view at night. Simple, clean, and perfect for gathering.
Shop Mid-Century Poolside Favorites Here!
West Elm Build Your Own Sectional
This sectional exudes easy and breezy. The cool, California vibe gives off the perfect place to lounge and enjoy your outdoor space.
Mischa Indoor/Outdoor Pillow
These colorful pillows add some character to the chill mid-century vibes — helping you avoid the "sad beige aesthetic" handily.
Leo Hanging Globe Pendant
A pendant is perfect for any mid-century room, adding an easy elegance while it lights up the space.
The Club Umbrella
This playful umbrella is giving Palm Royale in all the best ways — exactly what you want for your poolside decor.
Tosswear Reserve Outdoor Tumblers
Having cute glassware is essential for good mid-century modern vibes, but glassware and pool decks don't always mesh well. These colorful outdoor tumblers are the perfect solution!
Sensu Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Chair
Not your typical poolside seating, these lounge chairs are so effortlessly cool.
Tahiti Outdoor Resin Chaise Lounge Set
For lounge chairs, I love this pop of yellow! It's bright and summery and so what your backyard needs right now.
Poolside Backgammon by Slim Aarons Vintage Print
I can't talk about Slim's eye for mid-century poolsides without including a print in my decor roundup! Just look how good this is!
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Header photo courtesy of Meredith Kleinman Design