Living in Minnesota, it’s essential to get outside in the summer and socialize with friends and family. Meeting up at a local restaurant or boating out on the lake are go-tos, but what if you could host gatherings in your own backyard? Wouldn’t barbecues, pool parties, and family dinners be much simpler if you had the outdoor living space to accommodate them? The good news is, you probably already do! With a little creativity and some help from an expert, your backyard patio can quickly become the favorite hangout spot for your family and friends.
Transforming the outdoor space you already have starts with deciding what you plan to use the space for.
According to Nathan Carlson, Senior Project Development at Highmark Builders, covered outdoor rooms and outdoor kitchens are especially popular right now. With tongue-and-groove ceilings, integrated lighting, and ceiling fans, these spaces can be used by families from early spring through late fall.
Incorporating elements such as full prep areas, pizza ovens, and beverage centers in addition to a built-in grill can really elevate an outdoor kitchen space and increase its usability.
Another trend being seen in outdoor living spaces that I think most people can get on board with is layered privacy. Nathan says pergolas with climbing plants, slatted screens, or strategic landscaping are popular tools to ensure your space is concealed when you want it to be.
While these ideas are certainly trending right now, the most important thing for your outdoor living space is that it works for you.
“I ask clients: How do you envision using this space on a Tuesday evening versus a Saturday afternoon with guests? Do you want to cook outside? Do you have kids or pets? Do you want shade in the afternoon or prefer open sky? Those answers drive every decision that follows,” Nathan says.
Once you’ve determined what you want for your space, it’s important to consider both the square footage you're working with and your budget. And bigger isn’t always better.
Smaller spaces can actually lead to more thoughtful designs and high-impact solutions, Nathan says. Highmark Builders’ sister brand Ruby+Suede, a full-service interior design studio, can help with that. “With subtle changes in material, or furniture grouping, we can make a small space feel intentional and organized rather than cramped.”
Another solution to smaller spaces is going vertical. Incorporating tall planters, trellises, wall-mounted lighting, and ceiling treatments can make a space feel more expansive without pushing the footprint further than you’re comfortable with.
Similarly, your budget shouldn’t be a point of concern. In fact, being open and honest about your budget, no matter the number, allows for more creative and strategic planning. Nathan says transparency also helps clients think about cost-per-use. For example, a three-season porch that gets used six months out of the year may be much more valuable than an elaborate outdoor kitchen that is used twice a year.
There’s no need to be worried about the size of your space or budget. If you’re interested in transforming your outdoor space, there are solutions to getting it done.
And solutions is the name of the game when deciding on materials that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and summer humidity in Minnesota.
Nathan says finding durable, beautiful materials is essential. “We look for products that perform exceptionally and still look beautiful after years of use, like composite decking with realistic wood grain, natural stone, powder-coated aluminum, and teak or ipe for furniture.”
The materials should also complement the home itself. Nathan explains they often study a home’s roofline, exterior materials, interior finishes visible through doors, and the way light moves throughout the day to determine where to place certain elements and the colors and materials to use in an outdoor space.
“I tell my clients, ‘Let’s blur the lines between interior and exterior design with the same quality materials and attention to detail,’” Nathan says.
Deciding where to meet up for summer get-togethers shouldn’t have to be complicated. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wishing you had a better space to host gatherings with family and friends, this might be the push you need to start transforming your space. It’s very likely you already have a promising foundation!
I ask clients: How do you envision using this space on a Tuesday evening versus a Saturday afternoon with guests?
“I tell my clients, ‘Let’s blur the lines between interior and exterior design with the same quality materials and attention to detail.'"