Julianne Moore’s Modernist Lap Pool Uses Wooden Details for a Therapeutic, Scandi-Style Yard – It’s a Wildflower Sanctuary Like No Other

Julianne's modernist, wood–clad lap pool abandons the traditional lawn for a wild, native meadow, creating the ultimate 2026 summer retreat

Julianne Moore
(Image credit: Getty Images / Dia Dipasupil / Staff)

While backyard pools are often a coveted luxury, they frequently fall short from a design perspective. Traditional concrete borders, vinyl liners, and the inevitable patches of dead grass can turn a potential retreat into a suburban eyesore.

Julianne Moore’s Montauk pool idea is a refreshing exception and remains one of the most stunning examples I have ever seen. This tranquil oasis was envisioned by Moore’s brother–in–law, architectural designer Oliver Freundlich, who worked alongside the actress and her husband, Bart Freundlich, to craft this 'pool of dreams.'

The entire space serves as a serene escape from the bustle of city life. As we move into the sun–drenched days of 2026, the modernist architecture feels particularly relevant, evoking the vibe of a Scandi wellness area where pale wood finishes dominate every surface.

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The wooden platform and surrounding structures blend seamlessly into the forest, making the pool feel like an organic extension of the woods. Rather than fighting against nature with a high–maintenance lawn, Moore opted for native grasses and wildflowers, creating a wild, meadow–like environment that feels perfectly in tune with the blooming spring season.

Shop the Scandi Lap Pool Edit

The pool’s long, slender silhouette is ideal for morning laps during the height of summertime. What makes this design so successful is how it disguises its man–made origins. By prioritizing natural textures over sterile concrete, the installation looks as though it emerged spontaneously from the earth. If you are looking to replicate this aesthetic, focus on incorporating stone and timber to achieve that grounded, authentic feel.

I am equally captivated by the choice of white outdoor furniture. These crisp pieces provide a bright contrast against the weathered wood, making the patio an inviting spot to spend a warm afternoon lost in a book. It makes me want to wrap up in my Cozy Earth waffle towel and succumb to total tranquility.

This project proves that thoughtful design can transform even the most functional features into something extraordinary. By embracing themes of nature and wellness, you can turn any outdoor space into a masterclass in style.


Whether you are planning a complete renovation for the 2026 season or simply looking to refresh your current setup, Julianne Moore's sanctuary serves as the ultimate inspiration for a summer defined by organic elegance.


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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