Stylist Christina Wressell; Designer Carmeon Hamilton
Carmeon Hamilton’s backyard in Memphis has been transformed into a mini resort, featuring curvy pool loungers and a pergola-shaded deck. When she and her late husband Marcus purchased their 1970s home in 2016, the outdoor space was filled with hydrangea bushes, crepe myrtles, and hostas, which didn’t appeal to her taste. After a few years, they decided to tackle the landscaping themselves but soon realized it was a bigger task than anticipated. The outdoor project was put on hold when Carmeon won HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen and tragically lost Marcus in a motorcycle accident.
Following the loss of her husband, Carmeon enlisted the help of Patrick Nelius from Solo Landscape to create a low-maintenance, modern landscape that reflected her style. Inspired by desertscapes in mid-century homes, they incorporated architectural plants like agave, lavender, and evergreens. Patrick also suggested adding a pool, which Carmeon initially hesitated about but ultimately decided on for her son and as a healing element for the family.
The revamped backyard now serves as a sanctuary for Carmeon and her son, filled with healing memories and moments of joy. The space is divided into different zones, including a sitting area, dining table, patio for entertaining, and pool lounging areas. Carmeon’s backyard has become a community pool for her friends and neighbors, offering a place for gathering and relaxation.
“The designer emphasizes the importance of creating a place where they could land and be comfortable. Bringing the Indoors Out, Carmeon Hamilton explains, ‘Everyone wants a beautiful living room and bedroom, but if you put that much energy and intentionality into your outdoor spaces, you add that much more value to your overall home. It gives you a reason to be outside and enjoy that additional square footage that you’ve created there.’ Accessorizing outdoor spaces can make a significant difference, she notes, suggesting ideas like hanging a mirror or a piece of art to elevate the area. For example, in the featured space, a painting by Memphis artist Frances Berry Moreno complements the exterior painted in Behr’s Broadway (PPU18-20) color.
In another feature, Carmeon’s creativity shines as she sourced decorative pool tiles herself to create a unique and playful design. This unexpected detail, arranged in a scalloped pattern, showcases her thoughtful touch and adds a wink of charm to the space.
Reflecting on her experience, Carmeon shares a valuable lesson learned. She advises allowing pressure-treated lumber to cure for 6 to 12 months before staining, painting, or finishing it, especially for outdoor projects. In her impatience, she stained the deck and painted the pergola immediately after installation, leading to premature rotting. Eventually, she had to rebuild the structure using hardwoods, which can be finished right away but come at a higher cost.
For more insights, you can read the original article on Southern Living.”
