In Oklahoma, outdoor living isn’t just a summer trend — it’s a way of life. When the evenings stretch long and the air cools just enough to sit outside and breathe, your backyard becomes the most important room of your home.
For many homeowners, a custom pool is the centerpiece of that outdoor sanctuary. But the magic doesn’t stop at the waterline. The right combination of fire features, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens transforms your yard from “nice” to unforgettable.
It’s more than luxury — it’s lifestyle design done with care, practicality, and a sense of family in mind. That’s what Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma specializes in: crafting cohesive outdoor spaces that blend beauty, comfort, and function without overwhelming your budget.
Whether you’re building your first pool or enhancing your backyard oasis, this guide will help you understand how to pair these features perfectly — and why they’re worth every penny when done right.
The Power of a Cohesive Outdoor Design
When most people imagine a backyard renovation, they picture a single element — a new pool, a pergola, or a grill area. But the real magic happens when all those features work together.
Think of it like a home’s interior: the kitchen flows into the dining area, the living room complements the décor, and lighting ties it all together. The same principle applies outdoors.
Villa Del Mar Pools approaches each project with a holistic design philosophy. Instead of treating the pool, deck, and fire pit as separate entities, they’re all designed as part of one environment — one continuous experience.
That’s what makes their backyards feel effortless. Every stone, beam, and flicker of light belongs.
Why Oklahoma Homeowners Are Investing in Outdoor Living
The pandemic reshaped how families use their homes. Instead of spending money on travel or entertainment, people began investing in comfort — spaces that bring relaxation, connection, and joy closer to home.
In Oklahoma, where warm evenings and clear skies are plentiful, outdoor living investments have skyrocketed. Homeowners in Tulsa, Jenks, Bixby, and Broken Arrow are transforming backyards into personal retreats.
A well-designed pool area can add up to 15% in property value, but when paired with outdoor kitchens and fire features, that number often climbs higher. Beyond financial value, these additions enrich daily living:
- Dinner becomes an outdoor affair.
- Kids play nearby while parents relax under the pergola.
- Friends gather around the fire long after the sun goes down.
Villa Del Mar Pools builds with that purpose — creating spaces that bring families together through every season.
Fire Features: Warmth, Ambiance, and Connection
There’s something primal about fire. It draws people in, encourages conversation, and turns ordinary nights into something special.
Adding a fire feature near your pool doesn’t just extend your outdoor season — it deepens the experience.
Types of Fire Features that Elevate a Backyard
- Fire Pits:
Perfect for families, fire pits provide a casual, circular space for connection. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows or unwinding after a swim, they bring a touch of campfire nostalgia to your backyard. - Fire Bowls and Columns:
Modern and sculptural, fire bowls can be placed at pool corners or along retaining walls to create dramatic evening ambiance. When paired with water features, the contrast of flame and reflection is stunning. - Outdoor Fireplaces:
For homeowners seeking elegance, a built-in fireplace under a pergola or adjacent to a seating area creates a resort-style atmosphere that’s usable year-round. - Linear Fire Features:
A sleek choice for contemporary homes, linear flames integrated into walls or ledges provide soft light without smoke or clutter.
Villa Del Mar’s design team carefully considers airflow, safety, and placement — ensuring that fire features enhance warmth and visual appeal without interfering with comfort or safety.
And because Oklahoma’s evenings can shift from warm to brisk quickly, a fire feature helps extend your outdoor living season well into late fall.
Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma uses natural gas or propane systems with safety-certified ignition controls, blending innovation with peace of mind.
Pergolas: Comfort and Shade for Every Season
Oklahoma summers can be intense. The right pergola provides shade, structure, and an elegant transition between the home and pool.
But not all pergolas are created equal. Cheap, pre-fabricated models fade and warp over time — turning what should be a focal point into an eyesore. Villa Del Mar crafts custom pergolas designed to match your home’s architecture and withstand local weather conditions.
The Purpose Behind Every Pergola
- Shade & Cooling: By reducing direct sun exposure, pergolas keep outdoor seating areas cooler and more inviting.
- Design Cohesion: Whether wood, steel, or composite, materials are chosen to harmonize with your pool’s finish and patio color.
- Lighting Integration: Villa Del Mar often incorporates soft ambient lighting, allowing your pergola to serve as a nighttime centerpiece.
- Privacy & Comfort: Strategically positioned slats or greenery create intimacy without sacrificing openness.
A pergola transforms your backyard into an “outdoor living room” — one that feels as cozy as it does elegant.
When combined with a pool, it also creates natural flow. Imagine stepping from a shaded dining area directly into the sun-kissed water — a balance of relaxation and refreshment that defines luxury living in Oklahoma.
Villa Del Mar specializes in achieving that harmony. Every design starts with how your family lives, not just what looks beautiful.
Outdoor Kitchens: The Heart of Family Gatherings
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home — so why not bring it outside?
Outdoor kitchens have become one of the most requested add-ons for pool owners in Oklahoma, and for good reason. They make entertaining effortless. Whether you’re grilling for friends or making breakfast by the pool, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Elements of a Smart Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Grill or Smoker: High-quality, built-in appliances are essential for reliability and longevity.
- Prep Area: Granite or concrete countertops that can withstand Oklahoma’s weather while providing space for cooking and serving.
- Storage: Weatherproof cabinetry that keeps utensils and dishes protected year-round.
- Refrigeration: Mini-fridges or beverage coolers so drinks and ingredients are always close.
- Lighting: Integrated task and ambient lighting to make evening cooking practical and enjoyable.
Villa Del Mar Pools designs outdoor kitchens that balance elegance and economy. They’ll never push unnecessary extras — instead, they’ll help you prioritize features that match your lifestyle and budget.
For families who entertain frequently, a full-service outdoor kitchen can become a game-changer. For those who prefer simplicity, a small grill station with shade and seating can create the same warmth and connection.
Whatever your preference, Villa Del Mar’s goal is the same: to make your outdoor kitchen feel like home.
Designing for Family Life: Safety, Accessibility, and Comfort
A truly successful backyard design is one that works for everyone — kids, parents, and grandparents alike.
That’s why every Villa Del Mar project emphasizes safe spacing and thoughtful flow. Fire features are placed away from splash zones, seating areas are slip-resistant, and pergolas are constructed with sightlines in mind — so parents can relax without losing visibility of the pool.
Accessibility also matters. From gentle steps to zero-entry pool designs, Villa Del Mar creates spaces that age gracefully with your family.
Their team understands that these backyards aren’t just built for this year — they’re built for decades of family milestones, celebrations, and quiet moments.
When you build with empathy and expertise, the result is timeless.
Budgeting Wisely: Creating Luxury Without Overspending
The idea of a complete outdoor retreat — pool, fire features, pergola, and kitchen — might sound expensive, but with smart planning, it doesn’t have to be.
Villa Del Mar Pools has mastered the art of balancing vision and practicality. They believe in transparent budgets that honor what matters most to you.
Here’s how they make it attainable:
- Phased Planning: You can build in stages — starting with the pool and adding fire or kitchen elements later.
- Smart Material Choices: Choosing locally sourced stone or composite decking can provide savings without sacrificing beauty.
- Energy Efficiency: LED lighting, variable-speed pumps, and durable materials reduce long-term operating costs.
- Maintenance-Friendly Design: Fewer moving parts mean fewer repairs — and less stress.
The team works closely with each homeowner to design within their financial comfort zone while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship.
Villa Del Mar isn’t interested in selling you the biggest project — they’re interested in helping you build the right one.
Extending the Seasons: Year-Round Enjoyment
One of the greatest misconceptions about outdoor living is that it’s only useful in summer. But with the right design, your backyard can become a four-season retreat.
In Oklahoma, where winters are mild compared to northern states, a heated pool paired with a fire feature or enclosed pergola can create an inviting atmosphere even in December.
Imagine sipping cocoa by the fireplace while the pool lights shimmer across the water — that’s the kind of everyday luxury that turns a house into a haven.
Villa Del Mar’s integrated heating systems, energy-efficient pumps, and retractable covers make it easy to enjoy your pool longer without skyrocketing utility bills.
A well-designed outdoor space isn’t just about summer fun — it’s about reclaiming every season for your family’s enjoyment.
The Art of Lighting: Setting the Mood for Every Moment
Lighting is often overlooked in outdoor design, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools for transforming atmosphere.
Soft, ambient lighting across the pool deck, under the pergola, and around fire features can create layers of warmth and sophistication. Functional lighting near steps and paths ensures safety without harsh brightness.
Villa Del Mar uses low-voltage, energy-efficient LED systems that offer customizable settings — from intimate evening glows to vibrant party colors.
Lighting isn’t just about visibility; it’s about emotion. It tells your guests that this space wasn’t just built — it was crafted for connection.
The Long-Term Value of Integrated Outdoor Spaces
When homeowners invest in outdoor living, they’re not only improving their lifestyle — they’re increasing their home’s desirability and resale value.
Buyers in Oklahoma consistently rank outdoor living areas among the top three most desired home upgrades. Homes with professionally designed pool areas, fire pits, and kitchens sell faster and at higher prices.
But beyond resale, the real return is personal. Every evening spent together outdoors, every meal shared, and every laugh by the pool adds a kind of value no appraisal can measure.
Villa Del Mar Pools helps families create that value — not through extravagance, but through thoughtful, enduring design.
Partnering with the Right Team
When you decide to upgrade your backyard, the partner you choose matters. It’s the difference between a design that looks good on paper and one that feels magical in real life.
Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma has earned its reputation by combining artistry, craftsmanship, and genuine care for the families they serve. Their team handles every aspect — design, construction, landscaping, lighting, and more — ensuring harmony from start to finish.
You’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, you’ll feel heard. They’ll help you weigh costs, explore creative options, and make confident decisions that align with your vision and your wallet.
That’s what family-friendly design truly means — creating luxury that feels achievable and sincere.
Bring It All Together
An outdoor space should be more than functional — it should be a reflection of who you are and how your family lives.
When your pool, pergola, fire feature, and kitchen come together in perfect harmony, the result is not just a backyard — it’s a destination.
Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma has helped countless families craft that destination with integrity, warmth, and expertise. Their approach blends creativity with practicality, ensuring every detail supports your budget, your comfort, and your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to transform your home into a haven — a place where laughter, meals, and memories flow seamlessly between indoors and out — the first step is simple: start a conversation.
Reach out to Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma today. Let their team show you how thoughtful design can turn your outdoor space into something extraordinary — a retreat you’ll love not just this summer, but for every season of your life.