What was better than sitting by a pool in the year 2000? As the interiors from the oughties make a resurgence, so do the Tuscan-inspired outdoors that accompanied them. Then and now, Madonna's Mediterranean-influenced poolside was a true standout.
An archival photograph from 2000 shows the Queen of Pop's tranquil lap pool idea astride her Spanish-revival style home in Beverly Hills. Madonna purchased the house in June 2000 from Diane Keaton for $6.5 million and sold it for over $10 million in 2003, so the photos are a true time capsule.
Her poolside styling is subtle, featuring terracotta planters for privacy and a few pieces of striped furniture. Closer to the home, a blue-and-white awning and curtains create the sense that we're by the sea in Southern Italy. A bistro set and outdoor grill help add a touch of functional charm.
Luckily, no matter the style or location of your home, the serene atmosphere of Madonna's pool patio is accessible. To explore, first let's take a sneak peek into her home. I've curated an edit of my favorite outdoor products for tapping into her Mediterranean look, and spoken with design experts to understand exactly why it worked, and how to recreate it.
Shop The Mediterranean Poolside
Nothing says Spanish Revival/ Mediterranean style like an oversized urn. This statement piece deserves a place on any patio, where it looks stunning in the summer light. It will offer the hint of European charm you've been waiting for.
This premium windmill palm tree is carefully grown and shipped by experienced nursery professionals to ensure top quality. Cold-hardy and adaptable, it thrives in USDA zones 7-11, making it a versatile choice for many climates.
No poolside is complete without comfortable, stylish lounge seating. Crafted from eucalyptus wood with galvanized steel hardware, this piece is built to withstand the elements, making it ideal for every sort of climate.
A range of terracotta planters is the best option for infusing your outdoor space with stylish European charm. This beautiful piece is the next best thing. Featuring a hexagonal shape for added interest, it's classic but still eye-catching all year round.
This chair would be an ultra-cool and oh-so-comfy addition to a poolside patio. It makes the perfect unexpected pairing to match a more traditional collection of furniture.
This blue and white striped pillow is the perfect addition to a white outdoor chair. I love the tassel corners, which incorporate fringe in a more subtle way.
Part of what makes Madonna's lap pool so alluring is that it is designed for total relaxation. Similarly, Naomi Bentley, Design Expert at outdoor furniture retailer Charles Bentley, explains that the secret to creating a calming pool area is building a space that you will want to linger in.
She advises: 'Start by thinking about how you want to use your garden. Whether it’s relaxing with a morning coffee, reading in the sunshine, or hosting friends, creating a dedicated seating area helps make the space feel far more inviting.'
This sense is created by using the best outdoor furniture to create your ideal setup, as Madonna has done. Naomi continues: 'Lounge sets are great for socializing, while bistro sets can work really well in compact spaces like patios and balconies. If you’re really looking to slow things down, pieces like sun loungers and hammocks can create a relaxed spot to unwind.'
Furthermore, the European charm of Madonna's poolside is quickly emerging as a key outdoor decorating trend for 2026. This very sensibility induces a sense of calm. Naomi recommends: 'Once you’ve thought about layout, it’s worth considering the overall look and feel too. We're seeing a big shift towards Mediterranean-inspired styling at the moment, with warm terracotta tones, olive greens, and classic stripes bringing a laidback feel. Adding decorative pieces can bring character and charm to a garden.'
No matter where you live, everyone deserves a summer sanctuary in their backyard. With thoughtful design and attention to detail, anyone can have a space as tranquil as Madonna's.
