Inside Rachel Roy’s Pool and Kitchen Renovation

An Inspired Collaboration

Architessa partnered with fashion icon and designer Rachel Roy to bring to life her vision of a serene, resort-style retreat at home. Rachel's personal style reflects a global perspective, drawing inspiration from her heritage. Her thoughtful approach is one of individuality, texture, and feeling -- where each space is designed not only for function but for emotional resonance. This collaboration merges Indian and Moroccan influences with modern sensibility, transforming her backyard and kitchen into soulful spaces that evoke emotion.

When Rachel purchased her home two years ago, she could feel the lack of thought and character that had gone into the original build. Not to be discouraged, she rolled up her sleeves -- determined to bring warmth to the space that only thoughtful design could. "I found tile to be a main character in each room. Especially the patterned marble floors and the handmade zellige tiles," Rachel says. 

The first step to creating a space is to envision it. Rachel Roy wanted to create two distinctly different spaces, each with their own look and inspiration - An outdoor Indian Pool Deck and an expansive zellige tile kitchen. "I design by rooms, not [the] whole house," she says. "I like to honor each room with what that room needs..."

"I start from my inspiration and stick to that closely, making sure to see samples in person first!" says Rachel. (We totally agree, Rachel - Always check the sample!) We worked together to find tiles that fit her vision of an Indian palace poolside and Moroccan-inspired kitchen.

Read on to discover Rachel's lush resort-style pool area and bright, cozy zellige kitchen.

The Pool Deck: A Royal Jaipur Escape

Rachel’s vision for thepool deck channels the grandeur of Indian palaces using earthy, warm tones and natural textures. She came to Architessa looking for lush greens and terracotta pinks inspired by the royal city of Jaipur. 

“I try to create rooms [and] spaces that stir up a feeling within me -- whether that is calmness, inspiration, beauty or the sense of travel,” says Rachel. “In the case of the pool deck I wanted to feel my heritage by way of Jaipur royalty. Tiles, marble [and] paint can create a whole new world.”

To Rachel, creating an Indian-inspired pool meant working with natural marble floors and earthy terracotta look tiles. We worked to select pool tiles that struck a balance between rich color and grounded materials.

A mood board collage featuring product and inspiration photos.

The final pool design features a bold white and green checkerboard layout using MINA Natural Stone on the pool deck, paired with the intricate geometry of TAZA terracotta look porcelain along the pool’s waterline. The hot tub is topped with TANGIER Bejmat tile, adding another nice splash of green to the poolscape.

The contrast of light and dark stone mirrors traditional palace floors from India, while the soft green glaze of TANGIER recalls handcrafted zellige tile. The effect is both historic and contemporary, creating a transportive resort atmosphere that feels rooted in heritage, warmth and opulence.

Rachel Roy's hot tub surround features TAZA and TANGIER zellige look tiles.

MINA Green and White Checkerboard marble on the pool deck.

Rachel's design philosophy really shines through in this transformative pool remodel. You find yourself transported to a radiant castle courtyard through the marble and terracotta details. From poolside mornings to sunset gatherings, the design captures the spirit of destination living and shows how luxury design can be achieved at attainable prices with a bit of thoughtful planning.

The Kitchen: Warm Zellige Meets Global Influence

Being the first room you see when you enter the house, Rachel knew that her kitchen had to be a warm and expansive space that serves as the heart of her home. 

Rachel's kitchen blends natural materials, soft light, and zellige-look subway tile for a warm, lived-in elegance. The backsplash features TANGIER Desert White, a handcrafted-style Moroccan tile that introduces subtle sheen and texture while complementing the limestone and marble surfaces.

Zellige TANGIER white tile paired with rustic cladding creates a bright, warm kitchen.

Paired with creamy cabinetry, brass details, and organic wood tones, the kitchen reflects Roy’s personal aesthetic—refined, soulful, and rooted in cultural inspiration. The result is a space that feels both elevated and effortless, perfect for modern family life.

Letting Emotion Drive Design

Through intentional material choices and timeless design, Rachel Roy’s home shows how Mediterranean and Indian-inspired tiles can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. The mix of natural stone, pool tile, and zellige-inspired surfaces proves that luxury doesn’t have to be out of reach. 

With creativity, craftsmanship, and connection to place, anyone can bring a touch of destination living to their own home. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil pool deck, a kitchen remodel, or simply want to evoke the spirit of travel, Architessa’s curated collections make it possible to create your own personal retreat - tile by tile.

Some parting wisdom from Rachel Roy:
"It’s worth the work. Your nervous system will thank you for the beauty you added, it calms the soul. Home means everything to me. I have no desire to spend money on designer handbags. To me, money spent should be on the experience of home; what you and your family get back in return is priceless."

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See more photos on our Rachel Roy Gallery post.