Transforming Your Backyard

Written By 
Yvonne Harty
Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
Transforming Your Backyard

When the summer heat makes spending time outdoors nearly impossible, creating a space that is both functional and inviting becomes essential. For one family, the dream of having a pool for entertaining quickly became the centerpiece of their vision for an outdoor escape. Initially, they considered adding a secondary residential unit, also known as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), to the backyard to provide a dedicated space for their kids to retreat, but the cost of that option led them to explore more practical alternatives. The solution? A beautifully designed open cabana, which proved to be not only a more budget-friendly choice but also one that transformed their backyard into a true outdoor living area.

Design Decisions: Crafting a Beautiful and Functional Outdoor Oasis

The design of this outdoor entertaining space was guided by a thoughtful approach to balancing aesthetics, functionality, and the family’s lifestyle. At the heart of the space is the open cabana, a decision that transformed the backyard into a versatile outdoor living area. The cabana provides a seamless transition between relaxation and entertainment, offering an inviting spot for everyone to gather. It's open concept creates a breezy, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying warm summer days or cool evenings.

For the adults, the fireplace and bar area bring a touch of sophistication and a dedicated space to unwind. Whether it’s hosting friends for cocktails or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this area adds depth and dimension to the design. On the other hand, the separate BBQ and dining area provides a family-friendly setup for cooking and sharing meals outdoors. This division of spaces ensures that the needs of both adults and kids are met without compromising style or practicality.

Another standout feature is the covered patio with a fan, designed with comfort in mind. This detail not only adds shade but also keeps the space functional by helping to reduce flies, making it easier to enjoy outdoor meals and gatherings. Each of these elements contributes to the overall appeal of the space, creating a backyard that is as practical as it is beautiful.

This outdoor retreat reflects the essence of what happens when design meets lifestyle. The finishes were carefully curated to create a polished, cohesive look that sets the space apart—a true testament to the value of working with a designer who understands how to craft spaces that are both beautiful and highly personalized.

Partnering with Interior Designers: Elevating Your Outdoor Space

Bringing a designer into the process of creating a custom outdoor space can make all the difference in achieving a look and feel that truly reflects your lifestyle and preferences. This project is a perfect example of how professional expertise transforms an idea into a cohesive and functional reality.

The pool for entertaining became the centerpiece of the backyard, but it’s the thoughtful details and finishes that have turned it into so much more—a polished, personalized outdoor living area that suits the family’s unique needs.

When embarking on a project, it’s essential to have a clear vision that balances practicality and beauty. Every element, from the fireplace and bar area to the covered patio, must be thoughtfully chosen to create a cohesive space that meets the family's needs. Attention to detail is crucial, as the right finishes can elevate a project, adding a sense of refinement and style that can be challenging to achieve without professional insight.

Opting for tailored selections, rather than generic options, allows for a design that truly reflects the family’s taste and their intended use of the space, resulting in a custom environment that stands out. Collaborating with a skilled interior designer can enhance this process, ensuring that each choice contributes to a successful outcome.

This collaboration also ensured that the design wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about functionality. Each feature was chosen with the family’s comfort and lifestyle in mind, creating a harmonious balance between sophistication and everyday practicality. Whether it’s hosting friends by the fire, sharing a meal in the dining area, or simply enjoying a quiet moment under the cabana, this outdoor space is a reflection of what’s possible when design and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.

The Art of Thoughtful Design in Your Outdoor Entertaining Area

This outdoor entertaining space is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a backyard into so much more than just a place to gather—it’s a pool for entertaining, a welcoming outdoor living area, and a hub for creating lasting memories.

The open cabana has become a centerpiece of functionality and style, seamlessly blending comfort with sophistication. Every element, from the fireplace and bar area to the BBQ and dining space, has been carefully designed to meet the family’s needs while maintaining a polished, cohesive aesthetic.

What truly sets your space apart in a project like this is the attention to detail and expertise that a professional designer brings to the table. The right designer can take your vision and translate it into a space that feels uniquely yours—beautiful, functional, and perfectly aligned with your lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor oasis, a cozy retreat, or a vibrant entertainment space, partnering with a designer ensures that your project reaches its full potential.

If you’re considering a project of your own, remember that working with a designer isn’t just about the finishes or the layout; it’s about creating a space that truly reflects you and enhances the way you live. To see how these transformations come to life, we invite you to explore our project portfolio. There, you can view captivating before images that showcase the incredible potential of each space and the meticulous work involved in the design process. Visit our portfolio to take a closer look and get inspired for your own project!

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Featured Recipe

Erdbeerkuchen (Strawberry Cake with Glaze)

ingredients

For the base:

  • 3 eggs
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the topping:

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 packet clear glaze mix (Tortenguss) or substitute with cornstarch + sugar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup water or clear fruit juice (like apple or white grape)

instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform or tart pan (ideally with a shallow rim).
  2. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  3. Gently fold in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Pour into the pan and bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  5. Arrange strawberries on top of the cooled cake.
  6. Prepare the glaze according to package instructions or heat water/juice with sugar and cornstarch until clear and thickened.
  7. Pour the glaze over the berries and let set.

🍓 Serving Tip:

Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. In Germany, this cake is a staple of summer Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) afternoons, often enjoyed outdoors with friends and family.

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