Maximize Outdoor Living: Designer Tips for Styling Patios, Decks, and Screened Porches

Flowers are in bloom, the grass is green, and school’s out; the wait is over, and summer is here. If there’s one thing Minnesotans know, it’s the fleeting nature of perfect summer weather. When a beautiful, top-ten weather day hits, you better embrace it! From grad parties to barbeques to bonfires to pool parties, summer is all about relaxing and connecting outdoors. In that spirit, we’re sharing ideas for maximizing outdoor living on the blog this month. Read on for our favorite designer tips for styling patios, decks, and screened porches.

Design with Purpose

The first step in designing any outdoor space is clarifying how it will be used. Ask yourself, “What’s my hosting style?” Do you prefer formal or informal gatherings? Do you love to grill, mix cocktails, or smoke a mean pulled pork? Your family’s lifestyle and hosting style inform our design plans.

Think in Zones

When planning an overarching design for your outdoor space, it’s best to think in zones. Unlike single-function indoor rooms (i.e., kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms), outdoor spaces are multipurpose and flexible. Designated zones create distinct areas for different outdoor activities.

Potential backyard design zone activities could include:

• Dining
  Designate a place for summer meals outside with a pergola, covered patio, or screened porch

• Cooking
  Create a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, pool house lounge, grill/BBQ smoker area, or a backyard bar with beverage fridges and serveware storage

• Relaxing
  Make a comfortable spot for reading and relaxing in the shade with hammocks, swings, benches, lounge chairs, or patio seating

• Entertaining
  Install a deck, patio, screened porch, fire pit, outdoor fireplace, pool, hot tub, sauna, indoor/outdoor pool house, or conversation area for hosting outdoors

• Playing
  Build a dedicated play area with a swing set, climbing wall, playhouse, inground trampoline, or backyard sport court for the kiddos

• Gardening
  Plant a cut flower garden, install raised garden beds for produce, lush vertical gardens, fruit bushes and trees, water features, or garden paths to explore

Invest in Materials that Last

Any experienced Twin Cities backyard design team knows to count on harsh weather. No matter the outdoor project, designs must be made with Minnesota’s climate in mind. Invest in quality, weather-appropriate materials that maintain integrity throughout all four seasons. A few of our favorites include teak, powder-coated metal, or performance fabrics that resist fading and mildew.

Elevate Ambience with Lighting

When you imagine dreamy screened porch ideas or fabulous Minnesota patios, do you think about lighting? One of the best ways to cultivate a cozy atmosphere or elevate ambiance is through lighting details. Lighting is both a practical and playful feature to express your style.

When brainstorming screen porch inspiration or summer patio lighting, remember to plan in layers. Mixing different lighting styles will help you achieve the perfect balance of safely illuminated outdoor areas with unique details that make your summer spaces shine!

Beautiful backyard lighting design options could include:

• String Lights
  Easily light a patio for summer evenings by hanging bistro or fairy lights

• Outdoor Lanterns
  Table, hanging, and floor lanterns bring character and charm to any outdoor space

• Wall Sconces
  Bring the light up by mounting wall sconces to illuminate larger areas

• Solar Lights
  Save energy costs by installing solar lights along pathways or to feature landscaping

• Bollard Lighting
  Used on fences, paths, sidewalks, or driveways, bollard lighting are small posts in any style

• Tree Lighting
  Feature your favorite tree with lawn lights or add whimsy by hanging string lights or lanterns

• Statement Lighting
  Make a design statement with sculptural shapes, outdoor pendants, or cozy café-style lamps

Personalized Details

Just as no two families are alike, no two backyards look alike—the joy of making a house a home is designing around your lifestyle. Get creative! Choose features or upgrades that make your life easier and spark delight.

Trending smart features and outdoor upgrades encompass everything from saunas and plunge pools to patio heating and built-in firepits to outdoor kitchens and edible landscaping to retractable screens and built-in speakers to pollinator-friendly gardens and eco-friendly design.

Want help anticipating future outdoor living needs? Our in-house design team helps guide you through long-term planning so you can save time and costs down the road. Examples could include built-in storage for pool gear, space for a beverage fridge, or custom cabinetry in a pool house.

Upgrades that Align with Your Lifestyle

Remember, it doesn’t take a full renovation to create something that feels tailored! Whether it’s an outdoor office setup on a porch or a reading nook with integrated lighting and custom cushions, we help clients reimagine what's possible within an existing footprint.

Our team can help you explore smart, stylish upgrades that align with how you live. Turning challenging or underutilized areas into life-changing remodels is our specialty. We’d love to chat about your plans and dreams for your home – connect with us anytime to start the conversation!