How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

Your backyard should be more than a patch of grass—it should be an extension of your home. Whether you’re envisioning cozy evenings by the fire, weekend cookouts, or a peaceful morning coffee spot, a well-designed outdoor living space brings it all to life.

At Salas Outdoors, we help homeowners create stunning outdoor environments tailored to their lifestyles. If you're planning a transformation, here’s how to design the perfect outdoor space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.

1. Define How You’ll Use the Space

Start by asking: How do you want to use your outdoor area? Your answer shapes every design decision that follows.

Common outdoor living goals:

• Entertaining guests – Dining areas, seating, and lighting
• Family time – Open lawns, shaded spots, or fire pits
• Relaxation – Hammocks, lounge chairs, and water features
• Cooking – Outdoor kitchens, grills, or bar setups

When we meet with clients, we help them prioritize features based on their needs and property layout.

2. Plan Zones for Functionality

Think of your outdoor space as a series of connected zones. Breaking up the area into purposeful sections creates better flow and functionality.

Typical zones include:

• Dining zone with a table and seating
• Cooking area with a grill or kitchen
• Lounge zone with outdoor furniture
• Play or open space for kids or pets
• Fire or water feature area for ambiance

We design layouts that feel open and inviting, while still offering structure and usability.

3. Choose the Right Materials

Materials matter—for both durability and style. Outdoor living spaces are exposed to the elements year-round, so choosing weather-resistant materials is key.

Popular choices:

• Pavers or stamped concrete for patios and walkways
• Composite decking for low-maintenance comfort
• Stone, brick, or stucco for fireplaces and outdoor kitchens
• Pressure-treated wood or cedar for pergolas and privacy screens

At Salas Outdoors, we help you select materials that match your home’s design and can handle Texas weather.

4. Add Shade and Shelter

To use your outdoor space comfortably year-round, you’ll want protection from sun and rain. Integrate structures that add beauty while providing cover.

Shade solutions include:

• Pergolas or arbors for partial shade
• Covered patios or roof extensions
• Retractable awnings for flexibility
• Umbrellas or shade sails for smaller spaces

Not only do these structures increase comfort—they also add visual depth and architectural style.

5. Light It Up for Evening Use

Outdoor lighting is one of the most effective ways to extend the use of your space and highlight your design after dark.

Lighting tips:

• Path lighting for walkways and safety
• String lights for ambiance in lounge or dining zones
• Spotlights to showcase plants or architecture
• Downlighting or recessed fixtures under structures

We design and install low-voltage, energy-efficient lighting systems that bring your yard to life after sunset.

6. Include Natural Elements

Blend your design into the landscape by adding plants, textures, and organic materials.

Ideas to incorporate nature:

• Native shrubs and flowers for low maintenance
• Garden beds or vertical gardens for color
• Trees for shade, structure, and privacy
• Gravel or mulch borders for clean separation between zones

Our team can build in these features as part of your overall design plan to keep the space feeling grounded and lush.

7. Think Long-Term Maintenance

Your outdoor space should be enjoyable—not a constant chore. As part of your design, consider features and materials that are easy to maintain.

Low-maintenance recommendations:

• Artificial turf or drought-resistant sod
• Hardscapes over high-maintenance flower beds
• Composite or treated wood instead of natural wood
• Simple irrigation systems for plants

We design for beauty and sustainability—so your space looks great year after year with minimal upkeep.