How to Design Outdoor Living Spaces That Fit Your Lifestyle

June 4, 2025

Outdoor living has become more than a seasonal luxury—it’s now an essential part of how we experience home. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee on a quiet deck or entertaining friends on a summer evening, well-designed outdoor living spaces create meaningful moments right in your own backyard.

But here’s the challenge: How do you design an outdoor living space that actually fits your lifestyle? Not just something that looks good in photos—but a space that works for how you live, entertain, and relax?

If you’re in the planning stage, this guide will walk you through the key steps to designing outdoor living areas that reflect your needs, enhance your home’s value, and help you get more out of every season—especially here in Lehigh Valley, PA.

Why Start With Lifestyle?

Every homeowner has different priorities when it comes to outdoor living. Some want a peaceful retreat with a fire pit and lounge seating. Others need room for big gatherings, complete with a grilling station and built-in bar. Maybe you’re a parent looking for a space where kids can play safely while you unwind nearby.

The best outdoor designs don’t start with a deck or a patio—they start with how you want to use the space.

Ask yourself:

Do I want to entertain large groups, or just host small family dinners?
Do I want full sun, full shade, or a mix?
Will this space be used year-round, or mostly in spring and summer?
What kind of maintenance am I comfortable with?

These answers lay the foundation for everything that comes next—from layout and materials to lighting and furniture.

Step 1: Define Your Outdoor Zones

Just like your indoor spaces have distinct areas (kitchen, living room, dining room), your outdoor living design should be broken into functional zones. Creating clear “rooms” outside makes the space more useful and more enjoyable.

Here are some common outdoor zones to consider:

Dining Area: Ideal for meals with family and friends. Often placed close to the kitchen or grill for convenience. A covered pergola or shade sail can make it comfortable in all weather.

Lounge Zone: Think comfy seating, soft lighting, and maybe a fire feature. This is your go-to spot for winding down at the end of the day.

Cooking Station or Outdoor Kitchen: If you love grilling or hosting, this is your centerpiece. Add counter space, storage, or even a pizza oven if you’re feeling gourmet.

Recreation or Play Area: Perfect if you have children, pets, or just need open space for lawn games and movement.

Wellness Corner: More and more Lehigh Valley homeowners are creating peaceful spaces for yoga, reading, or even outdoor soaking tubs.

The key is to think about flow. Each zone should feel connected, but serve a distinct purpose—just like rooms inside your home.

Step 2: Match the Outdoor Living Space Design to Your Climate

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can I really enjoy an outdoor space in all four seasons?”

In the Lehigh Valley, the answer is yes—if you design it right. Our region experiences a full range of weather: snowy winters, humid summers, and some stunning spring and fall days. That means your design should anticipate both comfort and durability.

Here are a few climate-conscious design tips:

Use composite decking or stone pavers for surfaces that resist moisture, mold, and warping.
Add shade structures (pergolas, pavilions, umbrellas) to handle high summer sun.
Include heating elements like fire pits or patio heaters to stretch your usage into cooler months.
Choose outdoor-rated furniture and textiles that won’t fade or deteriorate in the elements.

Bonus: A properly designed outdoor space can even help you save on indoor energy costs by reducing heat gain through strategic shading.

Step 3: Consider Material and Maintenance Preferences

Your lifestyle doesn’t stop at how you use your outdoor space—it also includes how much time you want to spend maintaining it.

If you’re someone who enjoys gardening and home projects, a natural wood deck or extensive planting beds might be a perfect fit. But if low-maintenance living is more your speed, you’ll want to focus on materials and features that offer long-term durability with minimal upkeep.

Here are a few ideas:

Composite decking mimics the look of wood without the staining or splintering.
Native plants require less watering and maintenance than exotic landscaping.
Stone or concrete patios are easy to clean and hold up in all seasons.
Automated lighting or irrigation systems can save time and keep your space looking polished.

It all comes down to creating a space that supports—not complicates—your lifestyle.

Step 4: Personalize with Features That Reflect You

This is where the fun really begins. Now that you’ve defined your zones and selected smart materials, it’s time to personalize your space with features that reflect your personality and interests.

Consider these features for your outdoor living space:

Built-in seating for a streamlined, space-saving look
String lights or low-voltage landscape lighting for ambiance
An audio system for music during meals or gatherings
A raised garden bed if you love fresh herbs or flowers
Water features for a calming touch of movement and sound

When done right, Lehigh Valley outdoor living spaces feel like a natural extension of the home—and your personality.

Step 5: Think Long-Term and Invest Wisely

Your outdoor space is more than a seasonal upgrade—it’s an investment in your home’s value and your daily quality of life. But like any home project, it pays to think long-term.

Here’s how to future-proof your design:

Leave room to grow: Consider how your needs might evolve in the next 5–10 years.
Choose timeless over trendy: Stick to neutral tones and classic materials for longevity.
Work with experienced professionals: The right partner will help you avoid costly mistakes and deliver a space you’ll love for years.

At Kennedy Design+Build, we specialize in helping homeowners in the Lehigh Valley design custom outdoor spaces that are built for real life. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or looking to upgrade your current setup, we guide you every step of the way—from layout and material selection to lighting, landscaping, and finishing touches.

Final Thoughts: Outdoor Living That Fits You

At the end of the day, your outdoor living space should feel effortless—like it was meant to be part of your home all along. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes smart planning, thoughtful design, and a clear understanding of how you want to live outside.

From family dinners to weekend lounging, cozy fires to quiet mornings, Lehigh Valley outdoor living spaces can be tailored to match any lifestyle when you start with the right foundation.

Ready to create your perfect outdoor space?

📞 Call us at 610-854-9993 or visit kennedydb.com to schedule a consultation.

Let’s design a space that works as hard as you do—and helps you enjoy every square inch of it.