Thoughtful design can transform any pool into a vacation in the backyard. Lush greenery, textural stonework, and relaxing furnishings create a feeling of calm that rivals the world's most luxe resorts right at your doorstep. If you're searching for inspiration, seach no further than this archival image of Kevin Costner's lap pool from 2002.
Built in 1974, Costner purchased the Spanish-style home Hollywood Hills in 1995 for approximately $3 million after the success of his film Waterworld. Its white stucco walls and red tile roofing abut elegant landscaping and mature trees, creating a perfect home for a long rectangular swimming pool. Though he sold the property to TV presenter Ryan Secrest for $11.5 million in 2006, it remains in our minds as one of the greatest examples of a tranquil backyard escape.
So, why does Costner's pool idea feel so serene? It's because it mimics the aesthetic of quintessential vacation spots like a villa in the Mediterranean. To explore this idea, we spoke to experts about how homeowners are creating this feel at their own homes in 2026. We also curated an edit of Spanish-inspired outdoor furniture to help you create your own poolside sanctuary. To start, let's take a peek at Kevin Costner's pool in 2002.
Shop The Mediterranean Pool Edit
This is an especially good price for Anthropologie. The umbrella is both water- and UV-resistant, and it comes in three on-trend shades that instantly elevate a patio or poolside setup.
Crafted from eucalyptus wood with galvanized steel hardware, this lounge chair balances comfort with durability. It’s designed to withstand the elements, even in colder winter climates, making it a stylish and reliable addition to any pool area.
If you love the relaxed, Spanish-inspired outdoor look, these patio chairs are a great find. Designed with a wooden frame and woven rope detailing, they bring an easy, elevated feel to any patio setup. They're a truly great way to tap into Kevin's look.
Nothing says Spanish Revival or Mediterranean style like an oversized urn. This statement piece belongs on any patio, where it catches the summer light beautifully. It brings a touch of European charm and makes it easy to channel Kevin's look with ease.
Crafted for both indoor and outdoor use, the Conrad pillow features intricate stripes and tasseled corners that feel effortlessly refined. I love it layered with florals and plaids to create a timeless, livable-luxury look that works just as well on a patio as it does indoors.
Made from high-quality materials, these lightweight rolled-rim planters are built for durability and designed to withstand extreme weather. Long-lasting and low-maintenance, they are an effortless way to bring a Med-style look into your own outdoor space.
As the photos of Kevin's pool area indicate, a relaxing pool is not necessarily about settling on a single design style, but creating a welcoming vibe. This season, flow and texture take center stage.
Isabel Fernandez, Design Expert at Quorn Stone, advises: 'Even without installing a full pool, homeowners are embracing the look and lifestyle of poolside living through considered materials inside and out. Today’s interpretation of a pool-ready home goes beyond water – it’s about creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, spa-like finishes, and surfaces that evoke holiday living.'
Selecting high-quality finishes like terracotta tiles and natural stone helps to create this Mediterranean energy. Isabel states: 'The key to choosing the right paving and tiles to achieve the pool-ready look is continuity, texture and practicality for the given climate.'
Embracing Kevin's look is also about leaning into the natural warm minimalism of the outdoor world. This tendency is emerging as a major outdoor decorating trend this season.
Bo Hellberg, Design Expert at Grythyttan Stålmöbler, suggests, 'In 2026, we’ll see the trend for warm minimalism extend beyond interiors and into outdoor living. Calm, pared-back spaces will be grounded in warm tones, natural materials, and layered textures, creating outdoor environments that feel serene yet soulful.'
To emulate the serenity of Costner's pool, consider ways to introduce new textures to your outdoor space.
Bo tells Homes & Gardens: 'People want their terraces, balconies, and gardens to feel just as lived-in and personal as their interiors, which means texture is becoming increasingly important outdoors too: layered outdoor rugs, cushions, tactile woods, woven textiles, patterned surfaces and outdoor shelves on walls decorated with personal items that bring depth and character.'
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