A Pool House with Cool, Midcentury Modern Style

Designer Betsy Wentz lives in the Pittsburgh suburbs, but when she upgraded her yard, she channeled Palm Springs, California. Betsy and her husband Chris agreed at first to put in a small pool. “Then I decided the pool should be bigger,” Betsy says. “And that we should add a pool house, too!” Now the family — including kids Jack, 21; Cooper, 18; Finn, 16; and Marlowe, 12 — can enjoy this part of the property long after the pool closes in the fall. “We use it as a gathering spot through the holidays,” says Betsy. The midcentury modern architecture matches the family’s main home, and the interior reflects Wentz and her husband's must-haves: “He wanted tranquility, and I wanted color,” she says. Take a tour with HGTV Magazine.

The Wentz kids make good use of this space, which features a table and chairs from Andreu World. “They have friends over and hang out or play football,” says Betsy. “There’s something fun for everyone, whether you’re in the pool or not.”

Betsy had her heart set on a statement-making umbrella. “This design is iconic!” she says. She chose white Andreu World chaises and topped them with abstract-print cushions from Perennials. The saltwater pool is heated, so the family and their two dogs can swim until October. "Having a great outdoor space helps us get off our electronics and spend time together as a family!" says Betsy.

A wood-burning fireplace is essential for chilly summer nights. To make this space more cozy, Betsy outfitted the black Sutherland chairs with star-print cushions and lots of pillows.