Why venture far from home when you can capture the essence of a luxurious resort experience right in your own backyard? This is precisely what designer Sheila Rich set out to achieve for Westfield homeowners seeking to create a backyard oasis with seasonal versatility, tailored for multigenerational family gatherings and entertaining.
“The design concept centers on an infinity pool and a pool house, bringing the ambience of a world-class resort to the homeowners’ doorstep,” says Rich, owner of Monmouth Beach-based Shelia Rich Interiors. To ensure every detail aligned with the homeowners’ vision, Rich was actively involved in all aspects of the project. This included developing CAD drawings and layouts for a 794-square-foot pool house, as well as selecting materials and furnishings. She also collaborated closely with landscape designer Esper DeLeon from G.A. Landscape Design & Associates to achieve a seamless integration of the pool house, pool and surrounding landscape.
The poolside retreat is inspired by the main residence, showcasing a cohesive color palette, recurring architectural elements and complementary materials that provide a “stylish and unified indoor-outdoor living experience,” Rich says. The pool house has an angled, pavilion-style design, with the kitchen and restroom flanking a central lounge area, creating a functional separation of spaces while preserving an open and inviting atmosphere.
The heart of the entertainment area includes two large-screen TVs equipped with sound systems, ensuring there are fun options for both adults and kids—whether it’s a casual movie night in the lounge area or a spirited game day in the kitchen’s “sports bar” setting.
Furnishings balance style and durability, Rich notes. “Black-and-white cabana-stripe fabric on the chairs and accent pillows reinforces the modern yet timeless design theme,” she says. The aluminum and rope construction of the chair frames not only provides comfort, but also weather resistance.
Designed for both casual gatherings and large-scale entertaining, the kitchen is compact, yet highly efficient. It features under-counter appliances, including a beverage cooler, ice maker, small-scale dishwasher and full-size grill. Additionally, a dedicated pantry and storage room next to the kitchen provides easy access to all outdoor entertaining essentials.
With multi-season use in mind, the structure features five integrated infrared heaters for cooler nights and a wood-burning fireplace for comfort as well as ambience. Four motorized skylights and a ceiling fan optimize airflow during the warmer months and fill the space with natural light. The design is accentuated by a cathedral ceiling adorned with shiplap and complemented by contrasting black-painted trusses.
A full-service restroom blends retro-inspired elements with modern finishes, eliminating the need to enter the main house for a shower. Stylish and practical, it features a Lucite mirror and coordinating hardware, as well as bold black-and-white porcelain tiles on the floor and accent wall. A black vanity pairs with a white vessel sink and white subway-tiled shower walls to maintain a cohesive design aesthetic. Additionally, a four-paned frosted-glass door—mirroring the pantry—offers privacy while still allowing natural light to filter in.
The pool boasts an infinity edge and a stunning waterfall, enhanced by blue glass tiles that complement the dramatic drop beyond. Adjacent to the pool, a sleek aluminum extension table “effortlessly slides open to accommodate large gatherings, eliminating the need for cumbersome leaves,” Rich says. Upholstered chaise lounges with headrests and attached drink tables by the pool provide ultimate relaxation while keeping refreshments within easy reach—just as one might expect at a luxury resort.
