Dakota Johnson's Scandi-style lap pool is the best backyard upgrade I've ever seen – it transforms her outdoor space into an unusual lagoon

The long, narrow, rocky pool on the side of the actress's home is a masterclass in subtle, Scandinavian design – it's a must-have this summer

dakota johnson on a green background
(Image credit: Vivien Killilea via Getty Images for ABA)

As someone who loves to swim and also loves design, I'm at a constant impasse. The design of most pools is terrible. Thank goodness, Dakota Johnson's gorgeous lap pool has renewed my hope.

I spotted the long narrow pool idea on in a photo from the actress's house tour, and it's completely transformative. It abuts her modern wooden home with slate edging and deep blue surface. Dakota sits in front of the pool on a white wire furniture set.

The pool area is perfect for several reasons. First, the length makes it the ideal place for exercise, without taking up a large footprint. I can just imagine beautiful mornings waking up with the sun to do laps in it.

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Whether it's transforming your pool from day to night, or giving you a comfy place to lounge and read

Another thing that I love about Dakota's pool patio idea is that it looks like a moat on her modern home. As someone who has always loved princess stories, I don't think there is anything more romantic than that. I love how it gives the imagery a contemporary feel.

The integration of natural materials is another part of what makes Dakota's pool look so beautiful. It blends seamlessly with the grass, giving it a lagoon-like feel. The mix of stone and grass have a cool, inviting color that makes the whole space feel incredibly welcoming. The way it is flush with the ground makes it feel like a real body of water.

As for pool maintenance, Dakota's design is a dream. Because the footprint is so narrow, it doesn't require widespread netting. The water quality is easy to test, and it is easy to cover when the season has passed.


Combining your hobbies with your design is a great way to make both feel more personal. A fabulous pool is a great place to start.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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