Outdoor living spaces are becoming more than just an extension of the home. They’re a true reflection of our lifestyle and design sensibilities.
Designing a space that fits your lifestyle takes pros who can help with planning, selecting materials, ensuring proper drainage, and integrating elements for a harmonious and enjoyable space.
“We take what the customer is thinking and craft it to fit their environment and character,” said Gino DosSantos, co-owner with his wife, Autumn, of Root & Stone in northern Anne Arundel County. “Using industry standards to install everything will dictate how long something will last for you.”
Outdoor living spaces offer time to dine with friends, chill by the poolside, or appreciate a warm day outside with the option of cooling off in the shade.
Popular elements of outdoor living spaces include patios, decks, outdoor furniture, kitchens, fire pits, lighting, TVs and pools. Other options are landscaping, water features, gardens, and even dedicated areas for yoga and an office.
The cost of outdoor living spaces can vary widely, ranging from $30,000 to $125,000 or more, depending on factors like size, design complexity, materials, and desired features.
High-end features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or spas push the cost to the higher end. Small patio ideas help you maximize space with budget-friendly upgrades.
The increased time spent at home during the pandemic heightened people’s appreciation for their outdoor spaces and fueled demand for outdoor living enhancements, DosSantos said.
“I feel like families are wanting to get away from electronics,” said Jon Williams, owner of Bayside Outdoor Living in Baltimore County. “They want their kids to spend more time outside and enjoy family dinners together.”
Adding outdoor living space generally increases a home’s value. Well-designed and maintained outdoor spaces boost curb appeal and can significantly enhance a home’s market value.
Features that can improve comfort and usability include shade structures and heating, DosSantos said. “Outdoor fireplaces create a whole ambiance and year-round comfort.”
Fire pits are popular, wood burning as well as propane and gas burners. Infrared-style heaters distribute heat evenly, quickly, and without noise, Williams said.
Creating shade in outdoor living spaces can be achieved through various methods, including using natural elements like trees and shrubs, or incorporating structures like pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas, said Williams, whose company offers 3D renderings of the planned project.
Popular materials for outdoor living spaces include natural stone, composite decking, concrete, brick, wood and tile.
The more economical options are paving and concrete. The materials have sealers applied that protect the surface from acid rain and enhance the surface color, Williams said.
Porcelain tiles are waterproof and easy to clean, making them perfect for any outdoor space. They can handle extreme temperatures without warping or cracking.
Outdoor lighting is a must-have feature, Williams said. “It allows you to extend the use of the space into the night especially when the days are shorter.”
Williams’ projects feature ambient lighting as opposed to a runway landing strip, he said. “You don’t want it to be crazy lit up.”
Outdoor kitchens feature ample food preparation space and equipment, as well as a dining area. The grill areas have a flat griddle with access doors to the actual grill and drawers beneath. Many customers choose to have an outdoor refrigerator, cabinets and bar island.
The outdoors area should blend with the home aesthetic. Consistent flooring between indoor and outdoor living spaces gives the impression that the areas are one rather than two.
“If you have a rustic or classically built home with a certain style, we’re not going to recommend designing a contemporary structure or look,” DosSantos said. “Ultimately we want this to look cohesive.”
Landscaping trends are leaning towards sustainability, outdoor living and a connection with nature, DosSantos said. In 2025, expect to see more native plants, drought-tolerant gardens, smart irrigation, and low-maintenance designs, he added.
DosSantos makes an eco-conscious recommendation to his customers that they populate the outdoor living space with native plants, shrubs and trees. “We do a gradation of heights and sizes, mixing different types of bloom periods and different textures, all to create a cohesive design.”
DosSantos aims for a combination of lower perennials, shrubs and woody shrubs, and then understory trees beneath canopy trees.
Williams sees natural vegetation coming back, including wildflower-style gardens vs. clean, crisp lines.
Drainage is the No. 1 factor when designing an outdoor living space. “That’s going to be your biggest concern,” Williams said. “Poor drainage can lead to problems like water pooling, foundation damage, and even structural issues.”
Technology has enhanced outdoor living experiences from smart irrigation systems that forecast in real time when watering is needed to controlling all your lighting via a phone app for ease and security.
“People are really taking the whole idea of having indoor space and doubling it in the backyard,” said Williams. “They are getting the full usability out of their property.”