Project Spotlight: Chris Loves Julia’s Backyard Vacation Oasis

Chris and Julia Marcum, the couple behind the blog Chris Loves Julia and the Instagram account of the same name, are home renovators, bloggers, brand ambassadors, and educators. In 2021, they moved from Idaho Falls to a classic, red-brick Georgian-style colonial just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina.

In-ground pool with umbrellas and chaise lounges — Chris and Julia installed a 20’×36’ in-ground gunite pool in their backyard.

When they moved to North Carolina, they promised their three kids they would have a pool. After a long process of demolition, pool installation, and landscaping, they completed their backyard vacation oasis with furniture pieces featuring Sunbrella fabrics.

"We need family-friendly pieces that really stand the test of time. And we found them!"

Julia describes her style as “the perfect balance of traditional and modern.” She explains she was thrilled to come across classic fabric options from Sunbrella paired with Frontgate’s more traditional furniture design.

Overhead view of an in-ground pool with striped umbrellas and white chaise lounges — Carlisle Chaise Lounges are paired with 9’ umbrellas in Sunbrella Resort Stripe Black, all from Frontgate.

Black and White Style

Chris and Julia shared that they have only ever had white outdoor furniture. Julia loves the look of the brilliant white in the outdoors. “With so many colors in our outdoor space – our red brick house, the spa blue-green of the pool, the bluish gray stone, and green grass – I knew our pool furniture needed to be black and white. Having a visual reprieve from all the color is what really ties this all together.”

Four white chaise lounges with black and white striped umbrellas beside a pool — The black and white design theme contrasts beautifully if their red-brick colonial home.

Comfortable Poolside Seating

Chris and Julia outfitted their backyard pool area with the Carlisle Onyx Chaise Lounges in Sunbrella Rain Sailcloth Salt from Frontgate. The grandly scaled cast-aluminum frame is crafted with fine details like scrolling arms and a crisscrossing back design. The traditionally styled onyx finish lounges give a sharp contrast with crisp white Sunbrella fabric cushions.

Black and white striped umbrella beside a pool — Sunbrella fabrics are fade proof, so the crisp black and white colors will stay true over time.

Chic Striped Umbrellas

Shading the chaise lounges are 9’ Round Market Umbrellas in Sunbrella Resort Stripe Black from Frontgate. Julia shared, “the moment we set it all up with the white cushions and black and white stripe umbrella, it immediately transformed into a resort. The umbrellas really tie this whole vision together. I love that they add so much height and character to the pool area.” Julia also mentioned how happy she was that Sunbrella fabrics are fade proof, so the black and white colors will stay true for years to come.

An outdoor seating area with white cushions in front of a red brick home — Chris and Julia continued the black and white design theme with a conversation seating area.

The Conversation Set

In addition to the poolside pieces, Chris and Julia also designed a cozy conversation area. They wanted to take advantage of the extra space and implement a gathering area for additional seating. Julia discussed the motivation behind their outdoor living area, explaining, "This is a place to entertain! We wanted cushions that were as comfortable as the ones inside our house — but that could stand up to the elements AND potential barbecues."

They chose the Carlisle Sofa from Frontgate, again with the Onyx finish and Sunbrella Rain Sailcloth Salt. The Carlisle Sofa easily sits three, with stain resistant Sunbrella fabric for ultimate comfort and quality.

A couple sitting in an oversized lounge chair in a backyard — The Frontgate Carlisle Oversized Cuddle Lounge with Sunbrella fabric cushions comfortably seats two.

Oversized Cozy Seating

They completed the seating area with the Carlisle Oversized Cuddle Lounges and matching Carlisle Oversized Cuddle Lounge Ottomans from Frontgate, both in the Onyx Finish and Sunbrella Rain Sailcloth Salt.

The Carlisle Oversized Cuddle Lounge chairs featured curved arm rest cushions for an extra touch of comfort and charm. The soft white Sunbrella fabric is the perfect fit for Chris and Julia’s backyard oasis with built-in stain-resistance and water-resistance to stand the test of time.

Backyard with in-ground pool with white cushion furniture — Their backyard has ample seating for entertaining, poolside lounging included!

Completing the Space

The black and white design theme flows effortlessly throughout the yard – from the chaise lounges to the umbrellas, the onyx frames, and the white cushions in the seating area. Julia shared their love for their new outdoor space, “When we lived in Idaho, we could have never dreamed up a space like this because it’s cold for so many months out of the year. With this move we really wanted to take full advantage of the North Carolina warmth and extend our living beyond the walls of our house.”