Do you dream of having the home that everyone loves to visit for outdoor parties and get-togethers?
Let us help you imagine the possibilities so you can make your dreams a reality.
Here are loads of great ideas for outdoor entertaining spaces. Explore these new and exciting design options that can be yours to enjoy as early as next year.
Extend Your Home Outdoors
The new trend in home design is to expand your living space to the outdoors.
Since landscaping increases the market value of your home, your dream backyard will likely be a great investment too.
Do you know what you want to include in your outdoor entertaining space?
Start by browsing ideas for outdoor living spaces. If any of the pictures tug at your heartstrings, you’ll have a head start on discovering what you want.
Also check out our practical ideas for dividing your outdoor space.
Find a Knowledgeable Landscape Architect
Whether you have a half-acre or three plus acres for landscaping, you want an outdoor entertainment area that’s inviting, comfortable, and meets your needs.
A landscape architect can help develop a plan that works best given your property, budget, existing architecture, and entertainment needs. Don’t settle for a disappointing cookie cutter solution.
Trees and Shrubs, Flowers, and Grass
Greenery, trees, flowers, and plants all help set the mood for your outdoor space.
Attractive and well-planned landscaping fills your guests with a sense of happiness and well-being.
Favorite flowers add color and fill the air with beautiful scents. Trees add drama, shade, and a sense of permanence. Lush areas of green grass invite relaxing barefoot strolls.
Pools and Poolscapes
Do swimmers in your family want to do laps every chance they get? Or do you want guests to experience that “just escaped to a faraway resort” feel?
Consider adding a pool or poolscape in your backyard oasis.
Pools can be installed in all sizes and shapes. They can even include swim-up bars and waterfall grottos.
Surrounding patios can incorporate concrete, pavers or natural stone. The options are limitless.
Fireplaces and Firepits
On a chilly evening, what’s more inviting than an outdoor fireplace or dramatic firepit? Here are ways to add fire to your outdoor living area.
Fireplaces and firepits extend the time guests want to stay in your backyard to enjoy the sweet summer evening or invigorating fall air.
A traditional fireplace adds warmth and comfort to your pavilion seating area where you chat or watch TV. An exciting firepit provides a fun gathering spot to toast marshmallows and tell spooky tales.
The Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen can be large or compact.
Built-in grills, sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers are all available so you can fully prepare a complete meal and never miss a moment of your party fun.
Attractive and functional granite countertops can complement outdoor cabinetry that stores dishes, glassware, food, and utensils.
Just about anything is possible.
Is making pizza your thing? You’ll love an outdoor pizza oven! Outdoor pizza ovens are fully functional, beautiful, and dramatic. And they’re not just for pizza! Grill vegetables and meats too.
Outdoor Bars and Outdoor Dining Areas
Every outdoor entertaining area needs a comfortable dining area—or two.
It extends your living and entertaining space. No more having to go inside to eat. And guests love to dine alfresco.
Well chosen outdoor dining area materials successfully weather the elements for years to come.
Sometimes two dining areas are helpful.
During larger events, the smaller dining area can be a fun gathering spot for kids and teens. They’ll appreciate their own area as much as you will!
Multi-tier patios will accommodate both areas and keep them separate and distinct.
For less formal dining, or to keep the cook company, include an outdoor bar in or near the kitchen. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the bar before they sit down to an outdoor dinner.
Patios, Walkways and Terraces
Patios, walkways, and terraces are the staples of outdoor design. They beautifully define seating areas, guide guests to focal points, and offer different areas for chatting, eating, and relaxing.
Multi-level terraces and patios allow several activities to go on simultaneously but separately.
Pavilions and Pergolas
A pavilion or pergola can add interest, shade, comfort and define space in your backyard.
A pergola is a landscaping feature that comprises vertical posts, crossbeams, and an open lattice. They are popular in landscaping to add shade, height, and visual interest.
Here are some attractive pergola ideas.
A pavilion is an outdoor architectural space that lets people spend time outdoors without exposure to harsh weather elements.
A pavilion by the pool lets you escape summer sun. A pavilion dining area keeps partygoers dry and comfortable during a sudden summer shower.
Here are some ideas for incorporating pavilions into your backyard space.
Water Features
A water feature adds interest and a focal point to your backyard.
It can be simple or extravagant, have lighting, or follow a specific architectural design.
The sound of running water is relaxing and enjoyable. Water features also mask noise from nearby property or road.
Add seating so guests can linger and enjoy a quiet moment.
Want an extravagant water feature? Try a waterfall that cascades over rocks and feeds into a landscaped pond!
Landscape Lighting
Don’t forget to plan for outdoor lighting.
Landscape lighting serves two purposes. First, it keeps paths and steps on your property visible as evening progresses.
Secondly, landscape lighting adds drama and interest. An unlit pool or waterfall at night looks forlorn. But add lighting and watch your poolscape come alive.
Designs for outdoor lighting can be flexible. If you’re entertaining at night in your pavilion, you may not want to light other seating areas. It can be an uncomfortable distraction.
Outdoor Audio and Television
Outdoor entertaining has come a long way. It now includes televisions, large screens, and music specially made for outdoor use.
Imagine it’s a beautiful fall day and you want to watch a football game with your friends. Invite everyone to enjoy the game in your private, well stocked, viewing area—your backyard!
Adding audio to your landscape adds ambiance. It can mellow the mood or liven up a slow-starting party.
And you won’t see a single obtrusive speaker marring your beautiful outdoor oasis.
Here are more ideas for adding audio to your outdoor living space.
Contact us today at Sponzilli Landscape Group to get started planning your dream outdoor entertainment space.
