Annual Homes & Design Issue
By Lindsey Clute
With a focus on embracing meaningful moments in the revitalizing embrace of the outdoors, homeowners are looking for ways to turn their home’s exteriors into host-worthy hubs tailored for connection, comfort, and celebration. Read on for top tips from local designers, landscapers, and builders for transforming outdoor spaces into go-to destinations for future gathering
Ron Coker Jr. Master Pools by Artistic Pools Inc.
When designing an outdoor space, look for ways to focus decking in key areas. Take note of the sun’s trajectory, allowing for both a sunning area and an area for ample shade. Be sure to create an adequate, unencumbered transition between the two. Have enough room in the sunning area for at least two lounges and enough room in the shaded area for perhaps an outdoor table and chairs for al fresco dining. For the pool design itself, make sure to have enough shallow area. A sun shelf at eight to 10 inches, stepping down to a maximum of five feet deep, provides this necessary area. Eighty percent of all pool activity takes place in the shallow end. Many people find that after treading water for a few minutes, they begin migrating to shallow water. Plan for multiple underwater benches on which swimmers can perch and then use as an egress from the pool.
Drew Lancaster Often, people focus on aesthetics when designing outdoor spaces. But with 20 years of waterfront living behind me, I can say this: thoughtful design, comfort, and convenient storage must work in harmony. As you plan your space, consider how sunlight shifts throughout the day and how wind might carry rain into certain areas. Well-placed seating and sun shades can make the space more comfortable in changing weather. Choose furniture with plush, weather-resistant cushions that encourage long, relaxed gatherings. Storage built into benches or tables is perfect for stashing blankets, outdoor games, or extra pillows. A durable composite or no-splinter decking material protects bare feet, while outdoor rugs help define zones and add a cozy, indoor feel. When comfort meets thoughtful planning and smart organization, you create more than a beautiful outdoor area – you create a space that works behind the scenes, letting you focus on what matters most: enjoying the moment.
Lucas Green Fire. Nothing says entertaining like the ambience of a good wood-burning fire after you have hosted dinner for friends and family on the outdoor patio! The sound of a crackling artisanal hickory fire, and of course the smell, are destined to set a relaxing mood for the evening. But starting that fire is an overwhelming job – it can take what seems like hours to get a good fire going! The best way to optimize this outdoor space and have an awesome fire is a propane igniter. We build them on all of our firepits and fireplaces! With a match and the turn of a valve, you have instant flames. Place the firewood over the flames, and within minutes you have a hot, natural wood fire to enjoy for the evening.
Dennis Roby The best way to make your outdoor space inviting is an outdoor kitchen or bar area. Plenty of counter space with bright, clean stainless-steel countertops and cabinets with some beautiful outdoor cookware can make you feel like you’re out on the town at your favorite sit-down spot, but instead just showing off your backyard culinary grilling skills or making a killer margarita during a Sunday football game. Adding an outdoor kitchen or bar with purposely placed lighting will bring out the shine and flawless edges of your stainless-steel top while also allowing the host to entertain with seating and stools arranged with a custom layout to work with any space for all occasions.
Mike Finley Aquarium Pools of Chattanooga, Inc
There’s no better place to host family and friends than in your own outdoor oasis. For those looking for the perfect hosting space, hot tubs and pools create the ideal spot for summer fun, and at Aquarium Pools, we create pools around what’s best for your life. When creating a space for entertainment, a large hot tub overflowing into the pool creates plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the water with the added ambience of the waterfall feature. Sun shelfs with loungers and built-in umbrellas are perfect for those wanting to beat the heat, while in-pool bar stools can be used to add additional seating. For even more entertainment, water features like bubblers or deck jets add excitement, while in-pool lighting and fire bowls create the perfect ambience for an evening swim.
Cameron Saylors Outdoor spaces have become a huge part of many households. Not only do they enhance the overall value of the property, but they also extend the living space of your home. There are many ways to transform your outdoor space into a great area of relaxation and entertainment. For instance, you want to utilize all the space you have to its full potential, whether it be with an outdoor TV to bring your indoor living to the great outdoors, or one of the customizable patios, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, or pools to showcase the potential of your space. Those are just a few of the outdoor entertaining elements we have to offer, each of which can be designed to your satisfaction. Extending your living space outdoors allows you to entertain company outside of your home all while keeping that warm welcome feeling for you and your guests.
Carlos Romero To create a dynamic outdoor entertaining area, I recommend designing distinct zones that cater to different social needs. 1) Large gathering spaces: a central patio with durable hardscaping (flagstone or pavers) for mingling. Add a raised platform or pergola for entertainment (e.g., outdoor dining or music). 2) Intimate nooks: secluded seating areas surrounded by lush garden beds (lavender, ornamental grasses) for privacy. 3) Activity hubs: a bonfire pit with built-in seating for cozy evenings, a grilling station with counter space, and herb gardens (thyme, rosemary) for functionality, or if space allows, a poolside lounge with tropical greenery (palms, ferns) for resort-like vibes. 4) Water and greenery: a fountain or small pond to add ambience. Layer plants for texture (e.g., hydrangeas, boxwoods) and year-round interest. The key is balancing open spaces for crowds with tucked-away corners for quieter moments – all tied together with cohesive hardscapes and greenery.
