Best Outdoor Design Ideas
See our top outdoor design ideas here and get your home ready for the summertime! Contact us at UBuildIt today for more information!
When you're building your dream home, every detail matters — including the space outside your four walls. At UBuildIt, we know that a beautiful, functional outdoor area can be just as important as the perfect kitchen or owner’s suite. That’s why we created our UDesignIt program — to help you shape your custom design plans both inside and out and our URemodelIt program will work with your existing space and help you create an outdoor oasis. With these programs and our team, you’ll have expert guidance to turn your vision into a complete, personalized plan that fits your lifestyle, from the front porch to the backyard fire pit.
To spark your imagination, here are five outdoor design ideas that can take your home project to the next level:
Today’s outdoor spaces are being designed to be as comfortable and stylish as any indoor living room. Imagine cushioned sectionals arranged around a stone fireplace, weatherproof rugs underfoot, ambient lighting strung overhead, and even an all-weather television mounted for the ultimate game night or movie screening.
Designing an outdoor living room can increase the usable square footage of your home and provide a perfect space for entertaining or unwinding after a long day. Our team will help you plan every detail — from layout to material selection — ensuring your outdoor living space feels like a natural extension of your home’s interior. To keep the space looking great year after year, it’s important to choose durable, fade-resistant fabrics and finishes that can withstand your climate’s sun, wind, and rain.
The front porch isn’t just an entrance — it’s the first chapter of your home’s story. A thoughtfully designed porch creates a welcoming ambiance that sets the tone for guests and adds major curb appeal.
Consider incorporating wide steps, oversized planters, custom wood or wrought iron railings, and architectural features like vaulted ceilings or exposed beams. Decorative front doors, pendant lighting, and comfy seating areas with rocking chairs or a hanging swing can all personalize the space even more. Adding a tongue-and-groove ceiling with a rich wood stain finish brings warmth and a high-end feel to your porch, turning it into a cozy transitional space between indoors and out.
Few things create a sense of peace quite like the soothing sound of water. Whether you opt for a simple bubbling fountain, an elegant stone waterfall, or a serene koi pond, water features can instantly transform your backyard into a private oasis.
Pair your water feature with native plants, strategically placed boulders, and cozy seating areas to create a retreat where you can relax, meditate, or entertain guests. For a dramatic nighttime effect and added ambiance, consider incorporating underwater lighting — it will bring your feature to life after dark and create a magical vibe.
UBuildIt connects you with expert contractors who can design and install water features that are both beautiful and low-maintenance, tailored to your unique space and vision.
An outdoor kitchen can turn your backyard into the ultimate entertaining hotspot. Go beyond the standard grill setup with built-in BBQs, wood-fired pizza ovens, beverage coolers, prep stations, and even dishwashers designed for outdoor use.
Cover your kitchen and dining area with a pergola or pavilion to shield guests from the sun and elements. Add ceiling fans, outdoor-rated lighting, and weatherproof speakers to enhance the atmosphere and make dining alfresco a year-round experience. To ensure your kitchen is as practical as it is beautiful, choose natural stone countertops like granite or quartzite — they offer a luxurious look while standing up to outdoor conditions with ease.
#5 Custom Hardscapes and Fire Features: Define and Warm Your SpaceHardscaping — using elements like stone, brick, and concrete — gives your outdoor area structure, character, and functionality. Think winding walkways that lead to quiet garden nooks, expansive patios for lounging, and tiered retaining walls that elevate your landscape.
Fire features, from grand outdoor fireplaces to sleek fire bowls, are essential for creating gathering spots that feel warm and welcoming. They extend your outdoor season well into the cooler months and naturally draw people together. For added visual interest and texture, try combining rough natural stone with smooth concrete finishes — mixing materials adds dimension and sophistication to your design.
At UBuildIt, we believe your outdoor spaces should be just as thoughtfully designed as the interior of your home. With our team of expert consultants and trusted contractor network, we’re here to help you create an outdoor environment that's uniquely yours — beautiful, functional, and built to last. Find your local UBuildIt office and contact us today for more information!
