I thought potted plants were an afterthought – then Steve Martin’s resort-worthy pool area showed me their power

Steve Martin's '80s home features a Bauhaus-style, outdoor pool which is made visually appealing by a simple row of potted plants as decor

Steve Martin
(Image credit: David Hume Kennerly via Getty Images)

All too often, pools can lose some of their personality and remain concrete holes when there is a lack of decor around, whether this be through patio furniture or plants.

When it comes to the latter, we're taking cues from Steve Martin's '80s home. The LA property featured a Bauhaus-style pool, minimal in its clean, white façade. However, it is enlivened with a row of potted plants lining the perimeter; a fantastic pool landscaping idea more than 40 years later.

The lush greenery and natural pots serve as complementary accents, while the palm trees in the background give the space a tropical feel. It's no wonder that designers say introducing plants and flowers to a pool area is one of the best ways to make it feel more relaxing and look visually appealing.

Steve Martin

(Image credit: Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

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According to experts, experimenting with greenery of different sizes is a fantastic way to create dimension in an otherwise flat backyard area.

'Surrounding the pool with an abundance of lush vegetation, such as palms of various heights, adds a refreshing and natural ambience, turning the space into a vibrant oasis,' explains Luisina Marchiori, interior designer at Homerun Brokers.

While Steve's pool features a row of identical potted plants, incorporating a variety of flowers and trees is a fantastic method for brightening up your backyard area.

You can also go the extra mile by introducing vibrant colors, such as pink or yellow, from flowers. You can also play with color and texture with the pots themselves; terracotta and stone are both excellent options to make a pool look more interesting.

Will you prioritize planting around your pool area? Let me know how you'd follow Steve's lead in the comments below.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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