12 Tips for Planning a Stunning and Cozy Outdoor Living Space

There are ways to make your great outdoors even greater

A woman sitting on porch rocking chair with dog
Photo: Tetra Images / Getty Images
A woman sitting on porch rocking chair with dog
Photo: Tetra Images / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

You’ve been waiting to transform your backyard into a beautiful and functional outdoor living space for years. Whether you’re concerned about establishing a budget that helps you get everything done or intimidated by the amount of work you’ll have to do, never fear. To help you dig into this outdoor overhaul, read on for 12 high-impact tips for planning an outdoor living space. Soon, your outdoor space could outshine your interiors. 

1. Cater to Your Climate

To help you decide on a budget, think about where you live. If your area is relatively warm all year, it’s probably worth spending more on your outdoor living space if you live somewhere that’s covered in snow for months at a time. Each of these climates also has unique landscaping and upkeep concerns (more on that in a moment). 

When assessing your climate, also reflect on water issues. If your area is prone to drought, consider low-water landscape designs, like rock gardens or beds featuring drought-tolerant plants. 

2. Run the Numbers

Along with coming up with a general budget, factor in upkeep costs. After all, an outdoor space that’s not correctly cared for won’t be comfortable or beautiful for very long. 

If you put in a pool, expect to shell out an average of $3,100 per year for pool maintenance costs. Other ongoing costs might include fountain or pond maintenance and landscaping. To reduce your overall expenses, you can always create your dream outdoor space over several years and learn how to DIY some smaller routine maintenance projects.

3. Consider Comfort

A house with nice front porch
Photo: shippee / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Consider the low points of the great outdoors, too. If bugs are an issue, install a screened-in porch or lanai. If you live in an area with colder winters, consider putting heaters in your porch ceiling or purchasing portable propane heaters. 

To counteract stifling heat and humidity, go with porch ceiling fans. Don’t forget to provide ample shade (as with umbrellas, awnings, and covered porches) and comfortable furniture you’ll want to sit on for hours. On chilly nights, bring out thick blankets for added warmth.

4. Envision How You’ll Use Your Outdoor Space

Create a wish list based on how you see yourself using your yard. If you’re a serious cook and live in a warm climate, it might be worth putting in an outdoor kitchen with a bar area for entertaining. In colder climates, think about installing a fire pit with Adirondack chairs for cozy bonding sessions into the fall. 

When considering how you’ll use your space, you should factor in the future, too. For instance, if you’re planning on selling your home too, installing a bunch of personalized gadgets in an outdoor kitchen may not be the best move.

5. Fix Any Flaws

Sometimes, it’s difficult to envision a dream space before addressing problems. For instance, if your lot includes dead trees or other eyesores, you’ll want to remove them before starting on your dream outdoor living space. In cases where your tranquility and privacy are disturbed by noisy neighbors or passing traffic, add barriers, like fencing or trees. 

Maybe your property doesn’t have flaws but lacks any draws. Depending on your budget, you can regrade a hilly property or install a major feature, like a pool or pond. 

6. Play Up Your Property’s Assets

Take advantage of your lot’s positive features, whether a gorgeous tree, water view, healthy and flat stretch of lawn, or wraparound porch. Plan your outdoor space around these assets, emphasizing them with your design. For instance, illuminate a specimen tree or place a bench by a pond. 

7. Establish Focal Points

Anchoring a space with a focal point, whether indoors or outdoors, helps add structure and drama. Try to establish these visual draws in different areas of your property. Consider keeping a massive old-growth tree or adding a water feature (like a fountain or pond), trellis, pergola, or formal garden. You can even put in a stylish firepit on a tight budget.

8. Light Up Your Space

Invest in lighting to make your property more inviting and useful. Illuminate hangout zones, such as an outdoor kitchen and seating area, along with walkways to other destinations, such as a firepit. To prevent falls, add some light to your steps. Then consider adding drama and establishing focal points by emphasizing noteworthy features like large boulders or a vine-covered trellis.

9. Sync Up Your Style to the Indoors

Your outdoor space should complement your home’s façade and interiors style-wise. If your house is modern or contemporary, go with a sleek landscape design. If it’s more formal, echo its look with an elegant, traditional garden. 

10. Divide Your Outdoor Space Into Zones

A paved seat place in the garden
Photo: terra24 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

As with the inside of your home, divide your yard up into distinct zones. This way, you’ll add visual variety and increase your outdoor space's usefulness. Imagine a property with an outdoor kitchen, bar, sitting area, and stretch of grass for playing ball. Or you can opt for a yard with a rock garden, koi pond, a field of wildflowers, and a pathway lined with flowering bushes. 

To balance function with aesthetics, don’t include too many distinct zones, or your space could look too cluttered. Then create segues between these different areas, for instance, with curving walkways. 

11. Add Outdoor Accessories 

Just as you’d dress up a sofa with pillows and a throw, accessorize your outdoor space. For coziness and another layer of texture and color, add an area rug to your sitting area and a heavy vase filled with succulents to your dining table. 

12. Hire the Right Team

Overhauling an outdoor living space most likely involves hiring some professionals. A landscape architect can help you devise an overall plan for your space, while pros like a local landscaper, pool installation company, sprinkler company, water feature contractor, and more can execute your vision. You’ll also need a team for ongoing maintenance, such as a pool service company near you

Do your homework, interview at least three contractors in each category, and check their references. Once you’re ready to get started, your chosen professionals can help you apply for any needed building permits, and you’ll be on your way.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to sunroom and patio services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Family plays sunroom
Apr 20, 2025
Apr 20, 2025
When you're ready to kick back with a book and a beverage but don't want to head outside, consider the cost of a sunroom. We'll break down sunroom costs below.
patio table and four chairs sit on screened in porch
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
Considering adding a screened porch to your home? Discover the average cost of a screened-in porch, depending on its size, location, and more.
Woman reading book in sunroom and smiling
Jan 20, 2025
Jan 20, 2025
How much does it cost to rescreen your porch or sunroom? Learn about screen materials, average labor costs, and other costs for rescreening your porch.
A freelancer working from her Arizona room
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the elements with an Arizona room. Learn what an Arizona room is and why it may be a great addition to your home.
A young woman lounging in a wicker arm chair using an electronic tablet on a screened-in patio
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Get some inspiration and DIY ideas for turning your screened-in porch into a beautiful and tranquil place to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style.
A Florida room surrounded by trees
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Experience the benefits of the outdoors while being protected from bugs and the elements. Learn what a Florida room is and why it can be a great home addition.