Ryan Seacrest’s backyard poolside oasis is a masterclass in understated elegance – it's the most breathtaking design I've ever seen

When American television presenter and producer Ryan Seacrest asked designer Jeff Andrews to transform his Los Angeles backyard, the brief was straightforward: create a space that could serve equally well as a private retreat and a setting for entertaining. The result is a pool and garden that feels calm, modern, and enduring.

The pool itself is long and narrow, meticulously designed to draw the eye toward the distant hills. Its dark, reflective surface introduces a contemporary edge while also amplifying the lush greenery that surrounds it.

Rarely found in a backyard, the symmetry, more often reserved for interiors, feels perfectly at home in this remarkable space.

In this breathtaking space, outdoor lighting has been used with intent. Lighting your garden is surprisingly similar to lighting your home: you need to achieve the perfect balance of practical designs, which provide illumination and ensure safety, and decorative, which highlight architectural features and create a truly welcoming atmosphere for evenings spent alfresco.

Here, lanterns positioned evenly along the pool’s edge lend rhythm and structure during the day, but their true effect comes at night when they transform the space with a gentle glow, turning the garden into an atmospheric backdrop for quiet evenings or lively gatherings.

At one end of the pool, a seating area anchors the design. Wrought-iron benches and cushioned sofas are arranged around low tables, creating a zone that is both practical and inviting. The use of simple textiles – pillows and throws in subdued tones – adds comfort and texture without overwhelming the restrained palette.

The surrounding pool landscaping completes the picture. Tall trees frame the space and shield it from view, while carefully maintained grass and planting give softness to the formal layout.

Ryan Seacrest’s pool demonstrates that luxury does not need to be loud. Through proportion, restraint, and thoughtful detailing, Jeff Andrews has created a backyard that feels sophisticated yet approachable – a private oasis with quiet confidence, designed as much for everyday living as for moments of celebration.

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If you want to recreate Ryan Seacrest’s paradisiacal pool garden, I’ve curated my favorite outdoor lighting to help transform your outdoor space into a serene haven – perfect for when the sun sets.