Does your backyard feel more like a patch of grass than a true hangout space? If you're dreaming of a place where you can sip coffee in the morning, grill dinner by evening and watch the kids play — all without stepping inside — then it's time to think beyond the lawn.
The secret to an inviting, low-maintenance outdoor living space with tons of functionality? Zoning. By dividing your yard into functional "rooms" like a dining area, lounge zone and even a play space, you’ll create structure and flow without sacrificing openness.
With careful planning, even a yard with limited space or that has usable square footage can become a dynamic extension of your home.
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with a custom-designed patio that will be a magnet for your family and friends to enjoy al fresco meals. Combining a patio design with an outdoor kitchen will take the space to the next level.
You can enhance an outdoor kitchen with extra amenities like a built-in grill, stone countertops, a prep station or an outdoor bar with a built-in seating area.
To ensure year-round comfort, incorporate a pergola, retractable awning or custom-designed overhang so you can enjoy the space no matter the weather.
A well-planned hardscape sets the stage for a comfortable outdoor living room. Define this relaxation zone with a custom stone or brick patio, and built-in seating. Make a fire pit or outdoor fireplace the heart of the space, providing warmth and ambiance for evening gatherings.
A custom landscape design with lush plantings and soft lighting can make this area a true extension of your home. Weather-resistant outdoor furniture that offers plenty of seating options is the finishing touch for outdoor entertaining without the stress.
Designing a kid-friendly play space in your outdoor area with open space for running around doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for fun. With a custom landscape design, you can easily integrate a turf or rubber play area for little ones, which ensures safety while maintaining a polished look.
Low-maintenance border plants, natural wood dividers and decorative fencing can help define the space while also keeping it visually connected with the rest of the landscape. Fun features like storage benches for games and toys and chalkboard walls make the space extra appealing for children.
A beautiful landscape design is the secret to making an outdoor living space into an inviting area that feels like home
Having a wide variety of heights, widths and depths in your landscape can increase the visual interest in your outdoor living space.
Adding many types of trees, shrubs, and perennials in a space adds tons of beauty. Taller evergreen shrubs especially can be beneficial to incorporate here, as they also can function as a privacy screen. Even a very small space can include a wide variety with an efficient planting plan implemented by a professional landscape design company.
It’s important to select a mix of plants and flowers that bloom at different times during the year, so you can get maximum enjoyment of your space. For easy care and year-round interest, choose a low-maintenance ground cover that corresponds to your planting zone.
Whether you're grilling with friends, lounging under the stars, or watching the kids play from your favorite seat, a multifunctional outdoor living space makes every moment outside more enjoyable.
With the right layout, a few smart design tricks and a touch of creativity, your outdoor space can go from basic to, “Can we live out here now?”
Are you interested in learning more about the process for designing a new hardscape for your home? Please download our free ebook, The Expert Guide to Building the Custom Home Hardscape of Your Dreams. To get started on your own project, you can contact us here to schedule a project consultation with our team. We'd love to talk to you!