Inside An Interior Designer’s Poolside Retreat

When interior designer Joy Ejercito first laid out the plans for her home’s backyard seven years ago, she’d envisioned an open garden, a pool, and a cabana area. The objective was to make the home a personal haven that she and her family wouldn’t want to leave. At the time, however, they’d had to put the idea of creating a cabana on hold due to cost constraints and the family opted to have a pool deck instead. Fast-forward to a few years later and the last piece of Joy’s initial vision has finally been constructed. The poolside structure has an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, and a living area adjacent to each other, as well as its own toilet and bath toward the back.

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

“When I designed the layout of the outdoor space, I really envisioned it to be where we would have children’s parties or the celebration of any milestone in the family,” shares the designer who is also a mother of four. “It can be expensive to have events in a hotel or a clubhouse, so now that we are able to entertain guests, we take advantage. This is also a way for us to really enjoy our house.”

Dubbed as “Santorini,” the space became everybody’s favorite spot in no time—whether it’s to enjoy a quiet meal al fresco, entertain friends and family, or just lounge around with a good book or a movie. “Eventually, we’re going to use it as a guest room,” says Joy of future plans for the space. “I already have a queen size mattress ready.”

Living Area