Turn your backyard into your favorite room this summer.
There’s something about a perfectly designed outdoor space that changes how a home lives. Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, or creating new summer traditions with your family, the right outdoor upgrade transforms more than just square footage — it changes your lifestyle.
Here are five luxury outdoor living projects that homeowners are investing in right now — and why May is the ideal time to get yours started.
Outdoor Kitchens That Rival the Indoors
Gone are the days of a simple grill and patio table. Today’s outdoor kitchens are fully integrated cooking and dining spaces that rival their indoor counterparts — often with even more personality.
Think built-in gas grills, wood-fired pizza ovens, prep sinks, granite or quartz counters, wine fridges, and even vent hoods. We’re building out full chef’s stations, complete with custom cabinetry designed to handle the elements — and look beautiful while doing it.
Design Tip: Add a raised bar or pass-through seating to keep guests close but out of the chef’s way. Bonus points for overhead fans, heaters, and task lighting so the party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Custom Decks with Built-In Features
A deck is no longer just a rectangle of wood. Homeowners are requesting multi-level, low-maintenance decks with built-in seating, planter boxes, storage benches, and even sunken hot tubs.
We’re seeing a rise in composite decking like Trex and TimberTech, which offer the look of wood without the maintenance. These materials hold up beautifully through the seasons and are available in rich, natural-looking finishes.
Covered Patios with Fireplaces and Fans
Covered patios offer the best of both worlds — shelter from sun and rain with all the beauty of the outdoors. Add in a gas fireplace, recessed heaters, and ceiling fans, and you’ve got a four-season gathering space that’s usable well beyond summer.
Many of our clients opt for tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, outdoor-rated sound systems, and motorized screens so they can entertain in comfort — no matter the weather or the bugs.
Pro Tip: Install lighting on dimmers and choose materials that mirror your interior finishes for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Poolside Pavilions and Private Cabanas
If you have a pool — or are planning one — you’ll want a space that supports the pool lifestyle. Enter: the custom pavilion. Think of it as an outdoor extension of your home, ideal for changing, relaxing, watching the game, or serving drinks.
We’re building pavilions and cabanas with TV hookups, beverage fridges, wet bars, half baths, and fully enclosed storage for towels, pool toys, and more. Designed to echo the architecture of your home, these structures add value, utility, and resort-level polish.
Design Suggestion: Add natural stone piers or columns, custom wood beams, and a slate or metal roof to give the structure permanence and visual weight.
Hardscaping & Landscaping That Make a Statement
Hardscaping — from paver patios and stone walkways to retaining walls and fire pit zones — forms the bones of your outdoor design. Done right, it provides both structure and flow. Done beautifully, it elevates the entire feel of the yard.
We work with premium materials like travertine, flagstone, bluestone, and poured concrete with exposed aggregate finishes. Paired with custom landscaping — native plantings, uplighting, and strategically placed trees — your backyard becomes a private oasis.
Pro Tip: Invest in landscape lighting. The right placement can turn an ordinary yard into something truly magical after dark.
Why Start in May?
Outdoor remodels are seasonal, and May is your sweet spot.
It’s early enough to:
Avoid material shortages and summer scheduling bottlenecks
Take advantage of spring weather for smoother builds
Enjoy the full benefit of your new space this summer — not next
Ready to Create Your Dream Backyard?
Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, our design-build team can help you craft an outdoor space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.
