When the weather warms up on Long Island, there’s no better place to be than your own backyard. A thoughtfully designed pool and patio can transform an ordinary yard into a private oasis  a space for relaxation, entertainment, and year-round enjoyment. At Louis Contino Landscaping, we specialize in crafting outdoor environments that merge form, function, and timeless beauty. This guide will walk you through the best landscape ideas to create true poolside perfection.

1. Begin With Purpose and Planning

Every great pool design starts with a plan one that reflects your lifestyle, property shape, and how you actually use the space.

Purpose: Are you building for family fun, entertaining, fitness, or pure relaxation?

Layout: Identify your core zones swimming, lounging, dining, and pathways.

Flow: The pool should feel naturally integrated with your patio, garden, and house.

Privacy: Consider neighboring views and how fencing, planting, or walls can provide comfort.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we start each project by mapping sunlight, sightlines, and circulation so your pool area feels cohesive and intentional from every angle.

2. Shape and Style: Designing the Perfect Layout

The shape of your pool and patio dictates not just aesthetics but movement and atmosphere.

Rectilinear layouts fit contemporary homes and create clean, elegant lines for furniture and pavers.

Free-form designs feel more organic and work well with natural landscapes or smaller yards.

Geometric hybrids combine structure and softness for transitional styles.

We often design multi-level patios that step gracefully down to the pool deck, creating depth, texture, and visual hierarchy especially effective on sloped Long Island properties.

3. Material Mastery: Building the Foundation

Long Island’s freeze-thaw climate demands durable, low-maintenance materials. The surfaces around your pool must be slip-resistant, heat-reflective, and long-lasting.

Top choices we recommend:

Travertine: Natural stone that stays cool underfoot and resists weathering.

Porcelain pavers: Modern, non-porous, stain-resistant, and stylish.

Bluestone: Timeless character, exceptional grip, and regional authenticity.

Granite or marble: Adds a luxurious touch, great for upscale designs.

Concrete pavers: Cost-effective with infinite design options and patterns.

Composite decking: Perfect for raised pool decks and minimalist styles.

Every Louis Contino installation begins with proper sub-base compaction and drainage channels to ensure your hardscape remains level and crack-free for decades.

4. Transitioning Seamlessly Between Pool and Patio

A hallmark of good design is flow  the way spaces transition and invite movement.

Match your patio materials with pool coping or borders for visual continuity.

Introduce inlays or decorative borders for subtle separation without disconnection.

Maintain consistent elevation where possible to avoid trip hazards.

Use steps or risers built with the same material for multi-level transitions.

We frequently design patios where a spillover spa or sun ledge connects directly to the lounge deck, creating a resort-style feel at home.

5. Greenery With Intention: The Art of Poolside Planting

Plants breathe life into hardscapes, but pool environments require thoughtful selection.

Best plant traits:

Minimal leaf drop (keeps pools clean)

Non-invasive roots (protect plumbing and pavers)

Heat and drought tolerance

Year-round visual interest

Recommended plants:

Ornamental grasses (Feather Reed, Fountain Grass)

Flowering shrubs (Hydrangea, Spirea, Dwarf Lilac)

Tropical accents (Canna, Bird of Paradise, Elephant Ears — in pots)

Evergreens (Boxwood, Juniper, Dwarf Pine)

Succulents or low groundcovers for borders

Avoid: maples, oaks, or willows with invasive roots or heavy leaf litter.

Louis Contino’s planting plans often blend structural evergreens for backbone with soft seasonal color layers for a balanced look that thrives in Long Island’s soil.

6. Privacy That Feels Luxurious, Not Closed In

Privacy is essential, but walls of fencing can feel harsh. We prefer layered, living solutions that create enclosure while keeping the space airy.

Smart privacy options:

Hedges: Arborvitae, Privet, or Hornbeam form natural green screens.

Louvered panels: Adjustable shade and airflow without total block.

Pergolas with drapes or vines: Elegant and flexible.

Decorative masonry walls: Blend stone or stucco with climbing plants for warmth.

Our goal is to make privacy feel like a feature, not an afterthought — balancing seclusion with openness.

7. Elevate With Water Features

Nothing complements a pool like the sound and movement of additional water elements.

Popular options:

Sheer descents: Modern, clean sheets of water that cascade from a wall.

Rock waterfalls: Create a natural, spa-like setting.

Bubblers & deck jets: Fun, dynamic, and visually appealing for kids and adults.

Reflecting spillways: Elegant additions to geometric pools.

We design all water features with matching stonework and integrated lighting to ensure harmony with your overall pool aesthetic.

8. Layered Lighting for Nighttime Magic

When the sun sets, the right lighting transforms your poolscape into a glowing retreat.

Lighting layers:

Ambient: String lights, soffit lighting, or wall-mounted sconces.

Accent: Spotlights on trees, water features, or architecture.

Task: Focused lights near grills, steps, or walkways for safety.

Under-cap: Discreet fixtures in seat walls or coping edges for subtle glow.

In-pool LEDs: Highlight contours and create visual drama at night.

We favor warm white tones (2700–3000K) for a cozy, resort-like ambiance.

All lighting is installed with waterproof, low-voltage systems and smart controls for efficiency.

9. Fire Features: Balance Heat and Glow

The dance of firelight beside water creates an irresistible focal point. It’s also functional, extending usability into cooler months.

Options include:

Fire pits: Circular or rectangular, ideal for group gatherings.

Linear fire tables: Modern and space-efficient.

Built-in fireplaces: Anchor seating areas and define zones.

We ensure all fire features are built to local code, using heat-resistant stone and safe clearances from pool edges or flammable surfaces.

Clients love pairing fire and water for dual sensory appeal — a glowing fire reflected in calm water is pure visual poetry.

10. Outdoor Kitchens and Bars: The Entertainment Hub

Why walk inside when the party’s outside? Outdoor kitchens are among the most requested additions to Long Island poolscapes.

Essentials:

Built-in grill or cooktop

Stone or granite countertops

Sink, prep station, and storage

Refrigerator or ice maker

Bar seating

Enhancements:

Pizza ovens or smokers for food lovers

Shade pergolas for comfort

Integrated lighting and fans for evening use

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we design and construct complete kitchen systems — from utility lines to final finish blending convenience and craftsmanship seamlessly into your pool area.

11. Shade and Comfort: Designing Relief from the Sun

Sun exposure can make or break a pool experience. Create options for shade without blocking your view.

Effective shade structures:

Pergolas: Timeless lattice designs for partial shade.

Pavilions: Fully covered structures for dining or lounging.

Retractable awnings: Flexible coverage when needed.

Cantilever umbrellas: Great for small patios with movable protection.

Cabanas: Luxury at home  perfect for changing areas or napping.

We often design custom pergolas with integrated lighting, heaters, and fans, turning shade into a year-round comfort feature.

12. Texture, Color, and Decor Harmony

Balance is everything  too much hardscape feels cold; too many plants feel cluttered.

Design secrets we follow:

Mix materials: stone + wood + fabric + greenery.

Choose a consistent color palette (3–4 tones max).

Use outdoor rugs, pillows, and art to bring personality.

Keep decor weather-resistant and easy to maintain.

Repeat textures (e.g., stone from patio reappears in planters or fire wall).

Our goal: create cohesion where every element looks intentionally placed.

13. Smart Tech and Sustainability

Modern pool design is as much about technology as it is beauty.

Eco-smart upgrades:

LED lighting and variable-speed pumps reduce energy use.

Automation systems let you control lights, jets, and heat from your phone.

Permeable pavers and proper grading protect against runoff.

Drip irrigation saves water while keeping plants healthy.

Native plants thrive with minimal inputs.

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style — it means designing smarter, for longevity and environmental balance.

14. Extending the Season

With the right design elements, your pool area can be enjoyable beyond summer.

Cool-season comfort tips:

Add patio heaters, fire pits, or heated floors under key zones.

Incorporate windbreaks (screens or tall plantings).

Consider a spa or hot tub integrated near the pool.

Install lighting scenes to make the space feel lively during darker months.

Many of our clients use their outdoor living areas from April through November — a testament to thoughtful design and planning.

15. Safety, Functionality, and Family Comfort

Beauty means nothing without safety and convenience.

Safety essentials:

Slip-resistant pavers and proper grading.

Code-compliant fencing and self-latching gates.

Adequate lighting on stairs and transitions.

Strategic furniture placement to avoid crowding pool edges.

Storage for floats, toys, and cushions.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we prioritize clean sightlines, wide walkways, and safe materials so families can enjoy freely.

16. Maintenance: Keeping It Beautiful Year-Round

A low-maintenance pool area saves time and protects your investment.

Our maintenance recommendations:

Sweep and rinse pavers weekly during peak season.

Reseal stone every 3–5 years.

Trim plants regularly and fertilize twice annually.

Inspect lighting and irrigation systems seasonally.

Winterize plumbing and irrigation each fall.

Cover or store cushions and decor during off-season.

We also offer seasonal maintenance programs for our clients  from spring opening to winter prep  ensuring your poolscape always looks showroom-ready.

17. Signature Design Styles to Inspire You

a. Modern Minimalist

Clean lines, porcelain pavers, linear pool, floating steps, glass railing, LED edge lighting. Neutral palette, architectural plantings, and a sleek outdoor bar define this style.

b. Natural Oasis

Free-form pool with boulder waterfalls, native plantings, winding paths, and warm flagstone. Great for homeowners who love organic beauty.

c. Coastal Classic

Bluestone patios, white pergolas, hydrangeas, and nautical accents. Perfect for Hamptons-style homes or seaside communities.

d. Family-Friendly Resort

Spacious deck, shallow ledge, built-in benches, outdoor kitchen, and shaded dining — designed for entertaining and everyday use.

We customize every design based on property scale, architecture, and homeowner preference. No two Louis Contino landscapes are ever alike.

18. The Louis Contino Landscaping Difference

Since our founding in Huntington, Louis Contino Landscaping has built a reputation for excellence across Long Island.

We’re not just installers  we’re designers, craftsmen, and project managers dedicated to creating outdoor environments that feel timeless.

Why homeowners choose us:

Over 30 years of landscape design & masonry experience

Full design-build approach (one team from concept to completion)

3D renderings for clarity before construction

Premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship

Local expertise with Long Island’s soil, drainage, and coastal weather

Exceptional customer care and A+ BBB accreditation

Whether it’s a small backyard transformation or a complete resort-style poolscape, we treat every project with precision and pride.

19. From Vision to Reality: Our Process

Consultation & Site Visit – We meet to understand your goals, measure your space, and discuss ideas.

Design & Visualization – You’ll see detailed renderings and plans tailored to your property.

Material Selection – We help choose the perfect stone, plants, and finishes.

Construction & Coordination – Our in-house crews handle masonry, lighting, irrigation, and planting.

Final Walkthrough & Maintenance Plan – We ensure every detail is flawless before handover.

From sketch to first swim, Louis Contino Landscaping manages every phase so your experience is smooth and stress-free.

20. Ready to Create Your Poolside Paradise?

A beautiful pool area isn’t just a luxury it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you dream of sunset cocktails by a fire pit, morning coffee under a pergola, or kids laughing in the pool, your backyard can deliver it all with the right design.

Let’s make it happen.

Contact Louis Contino Landscaping today to start designing your dream pool and patio.

 631-351-5409

louiscontinolandscaping.com

From Nassau to Suffolk, we’ve been shaping Long Island’s most stunning outdoor spaces for decades.

Let’s build your poolside perfection  crafted to last, designed to inspire.