Good Times Never Seemed So Good—For Inspired Outdoor Living!
By: Hannah Warne
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or are looking for a refresh, it’s easy to focus on upgrading only your interior. A newly remodeled kitchen, stylish new furniture, or even something as simple as new wall art can elevate your space instantly. But don’t overlook how you can transform your exterior space for more inspired outdoor living, too.
There are countless ways to transform your exterior spaces, from tiny tweaks to major renovations. Read on to discover our favorite changes that will transform your front porch, backyard, patio, or any other outdoor space from average to extraordinary.
At brick&batten, our team of experienced designers is ready and waiting to start your exterior design! They will help you select materials, layouts, and design accents to bring any outdoor space to life. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Enhance your outdoor space with a stylish pergola
Pergolas are the ideal blend of form and function. These outdoor accents provide shade — plus the perfect mix of sunshine and beautiful breeze — and enhance your exterior space’s aesthetics. From front porch pergolas like in the example above to those on a back patio, a stylish pergola is equally modern and timeless.
The best part about pergolas? You can also choose from different colors and styles to find one that best suits your home’s exterior style. The unfinished wood of the pergola above pairs well with the stucco walls and terracotta roof for an organic, Mediterranean feel. You could instead opt for a bold, black pergola to achieve an industrial aesthetic or a white-painted pergola for a traditional feel.
Extend your living space with a deck or patio
If your backyard lacks a deck or patio, it’s one of the most obvious and high-impact upgrades you can make to your home. Whether adding a small space that houses a petite bistro table or a large deck or patio that spans the entire width of your house, this practical outdoor addition makes your home feel more spacious and allows you to get in more time outside on a regular basis easily. Fresh air is just a few steps away!
When constructing the deck or patio, consider adding multiple entry points — like a sliding glass door and a traditional hinged door — to best take advantage of the space. Large picture windows, like in the example above, also help to minimize the barrier between the indoors and outdoors, making the deck feel like a purposeful, natural extension of your home.
Enjoy the outdoors with a front porch swing
Large, covered front porches are coveted not only because they boost curb appeal but also because they allow for the unique addition of a porch swing. Classic porch swings exude charm and make any home feel more inviting, but their benefits extend beyond simple ambiance. Porch swings also allow homeowners to spend quality time in an often underutilized area of their home.
While they may be unable to seat as many people as an outdoor dining area or pool deck, porch swings offer an intimate and cozy perch to take in the neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening glass of wine in the evening, a cup of coffee in the morning, or sit with a good book on a beautiful summer afternoon. And because the swing is only steps from the front door, it’s easily accessible anytime the urge for fresh air strikes.
Take entertaining to the next level with an outdoor bar or kitchen
Adding an outdoor bar or kitchen — or both! — is the ideal way to make your exterior space feel as functional as your interior. It effectively adds square footage to your home and allows you to take advantage of inspired outdoor living as much as possible, giving you easy access to fresh air and sunshine whenever you choose.
One of the best parts about outdoor kitchens is that you can mix and match which appliances and accessories best fit your lifestyle. A gas grill is typically a must-have for most homeowners, while some also opt to include a charcoal grill, mini fridge, sink, or even a classic cooktop.
Once you’ve finalized the appliances, it’s also essential to focus on finishes. Building the kitchen or bar with the same design elements as your other outdoor entertaining areas delivers a cohesive and sophisticated look. In the example above, we used the same stone accents in the outdoor kitchen area, the steps, and the pillars for effortless, inspired outdoor living.
Looking for exterior designers near you? Brick&batten’s exterior design services team is ready to work with you one-on-one to create a stunning new look for your home.
Get comfortable with stylish outdoor furniture
No outdoor space is complete without the perfect furniture pieces. But with endless options, it can be difficult to find the right combination for your outdoor space.
When narrowing it down, first consider the space’s primary purpose — are you hoping to relax in the evenings with a cocktail or sit down and enjoy a meal? Will it primarily be just you and your immediate family, or will you host large-scale gatherings? The answers to these questions will heavily influence your furniture purchase to make the space as functional as possible for your lifestyle.
Add ambiance with outdoor lighting
Outdoor areas aren’t complete without one finishing detail: lighting. While it’s easy to overlook this design element, making your outdoor area as beautiful and practical as possible is vital. Lighting solutions vary widely depending on your space; you can incorporate stringed bistro lights for a more romantic, soft, less permanent solution. For something more durable, consider adding recessed lighting to your porch or portico instead.
However, achieving a perfect, well-lit patio or deck often requires multiple different types of lighting that you can turn off and on to get the perfect ambiance. In the example above, the portico’s recessed lighting is paired with modern glass sconces on each side of the door, lighting along the patio steps, and in-ground lighting throughout the landscaping to illuminate each entertaining area perfectly, no matter the time of day.
Not sure where to start? At brick&batten, we make exterior design easy with options for every need — whether you just want a quick paint visualization or a full custom redesign. Book a free one-on-one consultation today, or if you’re still exploring, schedule a quick 15-minute call to see how we can bring your vision to life. Let’s make your home stand out!
Add beauty with strategic landscaping
It’s easy to overlook outdoor areas when you’re more concerned with the aesthetics of the interior. Properly landscaping your outdoor space, however, enhances your home’s curb appeal and encourages you to spend more time outdoors, too.
When landscaping, incorporate varying heights for added depth and dimension. A mix of large shrubs and trees with ornamental grasses and flowers makes your space visually interesting and attract the eye. Consider color, too — while greenery is always beautiful, incorporate vivid flowers that change with the season. And don’t forget about potted plants, too — add traditional or hanging planters to artfully enhance any exterior space.
Cozy up — no matter the weather — with a beautiful fire pit
A fire pit is the perfect addition to your outdoor space to level up your entertainment areas. Not only does it allow you to enjoy a cozy evening with family or friends, but it also creates a focal point in your yard that immediately draws the eye. Once your fire pit is constructed, you can finish the space with your favorite furniture. Adirondack chairs are popular thanks to their casual feel and comfortable recline. More traditional patio chairs or an outdoor sectional with plush cushions also fit the bill.
Transform your exterior for inspired outdoor living
Upgrading your home’s outdoor living spaces allows you to take advantage of every square foot of space. Whether you prefer relaxed and casual time outdoors or love large parties and gatherings, you can curate an outdoor space that best fits your lifestyle; all it takes is a critical eye and the right expertise.
At brick&batten, we’ve helped countless homeowners make the most of their home’s outdoor spaces for unparalleled indoor-outdoor living — and your home could be next!
Ready to upgrade your home or business’s outdoor spaces? Whether you want to make small-but-mighty tweaks or are ready for a more extensive renovation, our virtual exterior design services will help make your vision a reality and bring inspired outdoor living to your home. Start your project today!
Subscribe for more content like this!
