Alexandra Daddario's minimalist poolside 'oozes serenity' – and it's so easy to copy if you're a fan of calm, simple style

The White Lotus has dominated discussions in almost every sector: fashion, travel, and of course, interior design – but how do the stars' homes compare? In the case of Alexandra Daddario, who plays the character of Rachel, her backyard is as enviable as the show's swoon-worthy set, and the key is in her furniture styling.

At this point in the year, we refine our pool area ideas, and Alexandra's minimalist furniture should be your blueprint. The actress decorated her poolside with only two black sun loungers and a small gray table, ensuring the space feels ultra-minimalist and well-curated. Alexandra's yard is certainly not compact, but her style translates to every kind of exterior space, regardless of whether you have a pool or not.

Whether you're working with a balcony, terrace, or spacious pool area, the art of minimalist styling remains the same. According to Lee Trethewey, a design expert from Sustainable Furniture, pared-back outdoor furniture gives your space a calmer aesthetic that will bring instant tranquility to your yard.

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'There’s something really powerful about a well-curated space. It feels calmer, more considered, and ultimately more usable when it's designed with use in mind in the first instance,' Lee says.

'When there’s too much going on, such as too many chairs, clashing materials, bulky pieces, etc, it can all start to feel chaotic, which pulls us away from spending time in our outdoor spaces. With poolside areas in particular, you really want it to feel open and relaxed, instead of crammed and busy. The minimalist approach allows for this and helps to create that serene, peaceful space.'

Minimalism is too strong a term to label a 'trend,' but Alexandra's styling still perfects a design trend that, Lee says, has already prolonged since 2020.

'There’s a clear design trend right now towards treating our outdoor areas as true extensions of the home. Since COVID lockdowns in 2020, people are truly investing in their gardens and outdoor spaces in the same way that they would a kitchen or living room, and minimalism plays a big part in that,' she says.

'We’re seeing an influx of much more cohesive design choices such as matching tones, layering textures, and generally keeping things clean, minimalistic, and intentional. We've been seeing that a few beautifully made pieces can completely transform a space, without the need to fill and cram every corner and space.'

Lastly, aesthetics aside, paring back your outdoor furniture has practical benefits, too. 'Fewer pieces of outdoor furniture means there's less maintenance for you to keep on top of, and less money that will need to be spent on really filling out any outdoor space,' Lee notes.

'A more curated, minimalist approach really means that you're not only thinking about how your outdoor space looks, but how it works for your lifestyle, which is really vital when you're designing outdoor spaces that are actually planned to be used.'