Summertime, and the (Outdoor) Living's Easy… Patios, Design Renderings, & Pets too
We have officially welcomed summer (as far as the calendar is concerned!) and that means I've survived allergy season (most of it, anyway), cried at Jackson's preschool graduation, and am looking forward to longer days and more sun! Thanks to Pete, our garden beds are looking amazing and we should be enjoying some tomatoes and basil (among other things) in the coming weeks - that is, if our newest family members don't climb into the garden beds and eat it all!
Our new babies, Checkers and Chester (a.k.a. “Chess”)
No, this isn't an blog about how to take care of baby goats (though that will be one of our summer projects at my home!), but having them in our yard, along with the sunshine, has me thinking about design ideas that might help you enjoy the outdoor space you have this summer!
Bonus - Research continues supporting that time spent outside and experiencing nature can improve our mental health and increase our ability to focus!
The Top 3 (Client Requested!) Outdoor Design Features Are…
Last year, I was excited to work on a design proposal with Kerrie Kelly Studio to design the outdoor space of our dreams for the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and even though this installation didn't happen for the 2025 show (hoping it will for 2026!). Take a peek at it below.
3D Rendering Design Proposal by E.L. Designs for the KBIS 2025 show.
I love this design and it really encompasses so many of the requests I hear clients ask for when we discuss outdoor spaces, including a sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, seating and entertaining areas, decks, outdoor kitchens and low maintenance patio areas.
So often, the design work we do on the interior extends to the exterior (especially in California as we blend indoor and outdoor living), so I thought I'd share what I've seen as the latest outdoor design requests in case you want to find space to create your own little outdoor sanctuary this summer!
Wellness is at the top of most lists which can include any of the following: saunas, cold plunges, hot tubs and meditation areas. I've had clients purchase saunas from Costco that they love and outdoor cold plunges from Ice Barrel. Small yard spaces don't mean you have to forgo luxury —there are options in all sizes and budgets!
Decks! I've worked on a ton of different deck projects, and believe it or not, decks give you the biggest ROI behind kitchen and bath remodels! In fact, we even designed and built a multi-level deck in our yard a couple years ago and it has extended our living space beyond the 1,172 square foot area of our home.
Outdoor Kitchens - these don't have to be huge or fully built-in, but having dedicated space where you can grill, have a cooler or beverage fridge and entertain are at the top of the list. There are modular options from companies like Belgard and outdoor furniture kitchens from companies like Pottery Barn —just keep in mind that advance preparation is required if you plan on having electrical (appliances other than propane BBQ) and plumbing; but you can certainly create your own outdoor kitchen regardless of your budget.
Regardless of your budget, you can create an oasis in your outdoor space…
The images below aren’t elaborate outdoor kitchens or wellness retreats, but simple ways to enjoy your outdoor space this season. Sure, if you’re planning on making an investment, a deck (especially if it offers you a view!) is a great option and it doesn’t have to be huge! Just a space to enjoy the sun and fresh air with a cozy space to relax will do the trick!
A small deck that guides you down to your yard is also a nice way to add dimension and create a transition from your home to your yard - a patio can accommodate different seating spaces simply by their configuration - a space to dine outdoors, a space to lounge, or have a fire pit. Consider the activities you want to do in your yard space - sometimes just some updated furniture, an umbrella, pots for container gardening, or a simple table for two can make it enjoyable to be outdoors and you get the flexibility to move things around.
We have a flagstone patio that connects to the main deck at our house and the small deck at my office - we usually enjoy our lounge chairs under the umbrella and have a mobile firepit that we’ve used there - but in the image below, we set up cocktail tables for an event! With different seating options under our string lights, it’s a low maintenance flexible use space that we enjoy almost any time of year!
Here’s a fun and creative DIY activity to add color to your yard…
In case you're not updating your home or yard this summer, a different —but creative!— activity you might want to try (even if you don't have kids!) are Paint Pens!
One of my aunts turned me on to these (they were an activity for the kids during Easter… but I think I enjoyed them the most) and I love them! Find yourself some flat rocks and decorate your yard with your own artwork and enjoy the creative expression!
Here’s my mini masterpiece rock art!
This activity is a super easy way to add a touch of personality to your space and express your creativity.
Want more ideas and inspiration? I’ve got Easy Organizing Tips for Every Room in Your Home! Join my inner design family email list and I’ll send it over to you!