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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Sophie Edwards

John Lennon Elevated His '60s Pool With Concrete Planters, Checkered Tiles, and Olive Trees – Now, His Technique is Trending For 2026

John lennon and yoko ono outside.

In the summertime, our backyards become our private sanctuaries, providing an escape from the rest of the busy world. While it's easy to stay within our comfort zone while furnishing these quiet Edens, the true magic happens when we infuse our gardens with the same character that weaves throughout the inside of our homes. In 1968, John Lennon provided a masterclass in doing just that.

A photo of the back of his Tudor-style mansion in the Surrey, England village of Weybridge, bordering Esher, gives insight into the musician's approach to pool design. Rather than falling into the typical cliches, John Lennon sets his outdoor design apart with checkerboard tiles, windowbox-style planters (like these stylish steel ones from Wayfair), and a collection of small olive trees edging the patio. The look is simple, but the impact is strong, demonstrating that even a few small upgrades can completely elevate an outdoor space.

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