Blog Recap: Bringing Paradise Home with Carly McCoy of Backyard Oasis Design Studio

Welcome to the official recap of Episode 1 of The Backyard BluPrint, presented by AquaBlu Mosaics—a podcast dedicated to helping homeowners, designers, and industry professionals transform their outdoor spaces into stunning, functional, and luxurious retreats. 

In our premiere episode, host Frank Vitori sits down with Carly McCoy, Founder and Lead Designer of Backyard Oasis Design Studio, for a vibrant and insightful conversation on the art of exterior design. Carly shares her journey, her favorite design elements, trending materials, and how she collaborates with suppliers like AquaBlu to help clients “bring paradise home.” 

 

Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard transformation or planning your next pool renovation, this episode is filled with takeaways that’ll leave you inspired (and maybe even ready to break ground). 

Meet the Guest: Carly McCoy, Design Visionary Behind Backyard Oasis 

Carly McCoy may not come from a traditional interior design background, but her impact on the world of exterior design has been nothing short of transformative. A self-described artist and lifelong Sims enthusiast, Carly turned a maternity leave side gig into a thriving full-time business when she noticed a massive gap in the market: no one was truly owning the outdoor design process. 

Backyard Oasis Design Studio was born to fill that void. From 3D renderings and layout planning to furniture selection, pool tile coordination, landscaping, and lighting—Carly helps clients build cohesive outdoor environments that reflect their personalities and lifestyles. 

Why Outdoor Spaces Matter 

Frank kicks off the conversation with a question that’s at the heart of this podcast: Why do outdoor spaces deserve just as much attention as indoor ones? 

Carly’s answer is simple and powerful: “We’re meant to be outside.” 

She explains that especially in today’s screen-driven world, creating an oasis at home allows people to reconnect with nature, decompress, and enjoy privacy and beauty without leaving their property. Whether it’s through intentional design elements like fire features, natural lighting, or lush landscaping, Carly encourages clients to view their backyard not as an afterthought—but as a vital extension of their living space. 

Carly’s Top 3 Must-Have Features in Every Backyard 

When asked what she’d recommend to every client who has the space and budget, Carly didn’t hesitate: 

1. Pergolas (especially with louvers) 

“They’re the best thing ever,” Carly says. Adjustable louvers give homeowners full control over how much sun or shade they want, making these pergolas both practical and luxurious. 

2. Daybeds 

Carly loves incorporating floating or swing daybeds near the pool for both visual appeal and functionality. They’re accessible at nearly any price point and offer a unique hangout space for kids and adults alike. 

3. Outdoor Kitchens or Bar Tops 

These areas serve as the “kitchen table” of the backyard—perfect for congregating, eating, playing games, and entertaining. It’s no surprise this ties into a rising trend: outdoor kitchens designed with tile finishes that rival any indoor setup. 

Pools, Fire Pits, and That Must-Have Sun Shelf 

While Carly notes that not every client installs a pool, most of her projects include either a water feature or a gathering feature like a fire pit—or both. 

Pools with Baja shelves (aka sun shelves) are a crowd favorite. Carly explains that these shallow hangout areas are ideal for lounging, letting pets cool off, or allowing young kids to safely enjoy the water. 

Fire pits are equally beloved, even in warm-weather regions like Florida or Arizona. “People want them for the ambiance,” Carly says. AquaBlu carries top-tier brands like Prism Hardscapes and The Outdoor Plus, offering sleek, easy-to-install options for any setting. 

In-Pool Furniture: From Lawn Chairs to Ledge Loungers 

Frank and Carly share a laugh over how far in-pool furniture has come—from people dragging lawn chairs into the water to now having purpose-built luxury loungers. 

One standout? Ledge Lounger. With a wide variety of colorways and designs (including their new Halo fire pit and outdoor sectional seating), it’s a brand that blends both style and function—Carly says it’s one of her go-tos for poolside comfort and design continuity. 

Porcelain Pavers: The Unsung Hero of Outdoor Surfaces 

When the conversation shifts to materials, Carly is clear: Porcelain is queen. 

She calls it the most underrated (or rather, “unknown”) material in backyard design. Non-slip, low-maintenance, and stain-resistant, porcelain pavers are not only beautiful but built for longevity. With options available in woodgrain, stone, concrete, and even zellige-inspired finishes, porcelain lets homeowners customize their decks, patios, and walkways without compromising durability. 

Plus, Carly praises the seamless indoor-to-outdoor transitions possible with AquaBlu’s 2cm porcelain paver collections, which include coordinating wall tiles and pool coping. 

Glass vs. Porcelain Tile: Which One Wins? 

When it comes to pool tile, Carly doesn’t play favorites—it all depends on the design. 

Glass tile is her choice for modern aesthetics, perimeter-overflow spas, and darker pebble pools. The sleek finish and color play of iridescent glass can elevate a pool’s look from standard to stunning. 

Porcelain tile is trending in more Mediterranean-inspired and organic designs. Carly recently used a 2x6 porcelain tile vertically around her own pool and loved the clean yet timeless look. 

One hot trend? Checkerboard patterns—but done in soft, tonal shades like white and cream for a subtle, elevated twist.  

Another standout: Alternating matte and iridescent tiles in the same color family. Carly saw this used in a high-end restaurant bathroom and loved the visual texture. AquaBlu’s partnership with American Glass Mosaics makes custom blends like this a reality, with lead times as short as 2–4 weeks. 

Turf Talk: Artificial Grass Done Right 

One of the most practical discussions in this episode comes from their turf talk. Carly advocates for artificial turf—especially around pools—because of how it solves the muddy mess of natural grass and the chlorine damage that can kill lawns. 

The key is using high-quality turf with proper drainage, like those with PureFlow mesh backing (which AquaBlu distributes). It prevents standing water and creates a cleaner, longer-lasting finish. 

While turf does get hot in summer, Carly argues it’s a fair trade-off compared to dead grass or muddy footprints in the pool.  

Making the Right Material Choices 

Frank and Carly touch on a critical topic for homeowners: material selection. 

Not all tile is created equal, and Carly emphasizes the importance of choosing pool-rated tile and finishes that are built to last. That’s where partnerships like hers with AquaBlu become invaluable. With access to samples, expert input, and curated collections, Carly helps her clients avoid the pitfalls of unsuitable big-box materials and makes the design process more confident and collaborative. 

Advice for Homeowners Starting Their Backyard Projects 

So, what’s Carly’s #1 piece of advice? 

Hire a designer. 

She explains that most homeowners are overwhelmed trying to DIY their backyard projects—navigating permits, contractors, materials, and timelines without any guidance. Carly’s role is to be a trusted partner from the first sketch to the final detail. 

She also urges clients to give the design process time. Rushing through material selections or renderings can lead to regret later. For many of her clients, their backyard is part of their forever home, so thoughtful planning matters. 

What’s Next on The Backyard BluPrint? 

Carly closes the episode by teasing a future visit to discuss outdoor kitchens—a topic that perfectly blends function, style, and materials. We can’t wait to have her back to dive into everything from layout ideas and appliance tips to tile and backsplash recommendations. 

Final Thoughts 

Episode 1 of The Backyard BluPrint sets the stage for a podcast that’s as informative as it is inspiring. From pergolas to porcelain pavers, fire pits to furniture, Carly McCoy and Frank Vitori give us a fresh perspective on what it means to design for life outdoors. 

If you’re ready to elevate your backyard, The Backyard BluPrint is your go-to source for tips, trends, and trusted expert advice. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 1 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the official Podcast Website. 

🔗 Explore the products mentioned in this episode at AquaBluMosaics.com + Join AquaPro Trade Network

📲 Follow Carly McCoy on Instagram at @backyardoasisdesign