Outdoor spaces

“This is a stellar space that marries the inside and the outside. It’s designed to be an entertainment space and outdoor living room where people can live, work and play. Everyone takes advantage of living outside on the deck.” -Mark Shuler, Shuler Architecture

Now that summer’s underway, the beautiful weather makes us want to literally live outdoors — and you can. Check out what design pros love about these magical outdoor spaces.

"We love a natural-looking water feature like this pond and brook by Mystic Water Gardens. The right water feature can turn a plain yard into a breathtaking haven. The sound and the humidity created — especially in an arid climate — make such a tranquil retreat for the overworked.” -Shannon Ggem, Ggem Design Co.

“Recycled materials and eclectic furniture and accessories are used to make a small terrace into an exuberant outdoor space.” -Susan Cohan, Susan Cohan Gardens

“We turned this patio on Manhattan's Upper West Side into a comfortable retreat for entertaining and relaxation. The umbrella provides considerable privacy from above. Our client says she likes to snuggle up with her granddaughter a nd a good book on the sofa, where she forgets all about the sights and sounds of city life around her." -Amber Freda, Amber Freda Home & Garden Design

“The hammock is an important focal point of this garden. Whether it's reading a book with your children, planning an upcoming trip with your spouse or simply spending a few minutes alone daydreaming, every garden needs a welcoming place where these connections and memories can be made." -Deborah Roberts, Roberts & Roberts Landscape and Garden Design

“Greenery easily slips into recessed spaces and rooftops, complementing contrasting textural backgrounds. Adding aesthetic value, roof gardens also provide a comfortable respite overlooking the bustling cityscape below, while contributing to the mitigation of the ‘heat island effect’ found in urban settings.” -Alec Gunn,Gunn Lanscape Architecture

"This was a third story apartment in Austin and the balcony measured 150 square feet. Every single inch of space was utilized, proving that you don't have to have a large space to have a great garden. Vertical plantings, lots of seating — bistro set, chaise lounge and a bench — cozy outdoor rugs, overhead party lights and warm accessories make it a true outdoor room." -Jenny Peterson, J. Peterson Garden Design

“This was a small house on a lot that had no grass and the homeowners didn't want any. It's a great example of how no-grass yards can look textural and interesting.” -Jenny Peterson, J. Peterson Garden Design

“I paved an entire backyard that used to be grass to prove a point to the homeowners. Furniture and great aesthetics like a stone-covered shed can make any space feel warm, inviting and require a lot less effort than a lawn!” -Carson Arthur, Landscape designer and HGTV's outdoor expert

“A long, translucent glass bench/skylight along the junction of the home's wall and the deck above provides natural light to the below-deck outdoor shower." -James Campbell, Rockside Campbell Design

“We love the sense of escape and seclusion that this space gives us, a mere 50 feet from our back door, and all for a tiny fraction of the cost of installing and maintaining a hot tub.” -Sloan Schang, Swell Done

“An outdoor bathroom is a space of privacy, seclusion and relaxation. when designed well, it can bring a little bit of a resort-style feel to your home. It is a space where the phone doesn’t belong.” -Dean Herald, Rolling Stone Landscapes

“I just love how the cabinets in this outdoor space open up and out comes this wonderful soft and comfortable intimate space. It is like a secret garden!” -Sara Balough, Sara Balough Designs

“This gorgeous cedar log gazebo was so much fun because we used a vintage Barker Brothers sofa and had it expertly upholstered for outdoors using a Sunbrella velvet. We needed a bit of storage, and found this old ship's ladder for shelves and put some classic adirondack chairs by the fire pit for making s'mores.”-Shannon Ggem, Ggem Design Co.

“I especially love this project because it shows that you don’t have to have acres of yard to have an exciting and fun outdoor space!” -Chris Dreith, The Home Improvements Group

"The kitchen was designed so the cook has enough space and equipment to prepare and serve a meal for large crowds all while company can either relax around the fireplace, watch a ball game or just hang out at the bar." -Debra Dennis, Kitchen Designs by Debra

"One carefully selected plant can set the tone for your landscape. When muhlenbergia capillaris, an ornamental grass commonly known as ‘muhly grass’ sends up its pink, cloud-like flower, it will take your breath away. I carefully placed it where it is back lit by the sun and can be enjoyed during sunset when the homeowners are most likely to be outdoors." -Shirley Bovshow,Landscape and garden designer