Outdoor living spaces are more than an extension of your home — they’re the backdrop for laughter, shared meals, and stories told under the stars. The right design transforms these moments into lasting memories. Summerset brings clarity and inspiration to every step, creating a space that reflects your style, performs beautifully, and welcomes guests throughout the year.
Designing these areas isn’t only about picking furniture or placing a grill; it’s about anticipating how people will feel and move within the space. Every choice — from the path between your prep counter and dining table to the warmth of lighting on a crisp evening — shapes the experience. With a thoughtful plan, your backyard can become the most cherished “room” in your home.
Why Great Spaces Start with a Plan
Even the most beautiful designs can fall short if built without intention. Every element needs to work together, not just look good in isolation. A cohesive plan aligns the layout, materials, and appliances with how you live, ensuring that the space works just as well during a weekday dinner as it does for a large weekend party.
Most outdoor projects falter for familiar reasons:
- Layouts that disrupt the flow between cooking, dining, and relaxing.
- Materials that fade or weather too quickly.
- Appliances that underdeliver when you need them most.
These issues can be avoided entirely when you approach your design with a precise sequence. Planning upfront means fewer surprises, better performance, and a space that serves you beautifully for years.
Shaping Your Space Around How You Gather
The most inviting areas are designed with your lifestyle at the center. Before choosing materials or equipment, consider how you’ll use the space. Will it be your go-to spot for weeknight meals, or will it host large seasonal gatherings? Do you prefer intimate seating areas or an open, communal layout?
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a cozy dining area for four or room for large group celebrations?
- Will your cooking be focused on quick weeknight meals, or do you love all-day, slow-smoked feasts?
- How often will you entertain outside during cooler months?
Answering these questions provides a foundation for every design decision, from the size of your counters to the seating placement. It ensures that your outdoor kitchen and living areas match the rhythm of your life.
Flow That Feels Effortless
Great outdoor living spaces make it easy for people to move around without crowding or cutting through key work areas. Flow is more than convenience — it’s about making guests feel comfortable and allowing hosts to focus on the event rather than managing logistics.
Consider:
- Cooking and prep zones with direct paths to dining areas.
- Dining tables positioned to enjoy views of the grill or garden without obstructing walkways.
- Lounge spaces that allow conversation to flow naturally while offering a comfortable vantage point for all the action.
When zones are arranged with intention, the experience feels natural. You and your guests will spend less time navigating the space and more time enjoying the occasion.
The Outdoor Kitchen: Your Gathering Hub
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a place to cook — it’s the center of activity. Selecting the right appliances ensures you have the flexibility to create any meal your guests might enjoy while guaranteeing years of reliable service.
Some of our Summerset essentials:
- Quest Series built-in grills — powerful, precise, and beautifully crafted.
- Pro Power Burner for high-heat dishes like paella or seafood boils.
- Griddle Pro for everything from pancakes to seared vegetables.
- A Hybrid Pizza Oven that turns cooking into a shared experience.
- Outdoor refrigeration for beverages, marinades, and fresh ingredients.
- Dry storage components to protect tools, serving ware, and pantry items from the elements.
Each product is engineered from commercial-grade stainless steel to endure changing weather conditions while maintaining consistent performance. Choosing quality here elevates your cooking and ensures you’ll enjoy the same experience years later.
Materials and Colors That Belong Together
The right materials create harmony between your outdoor space and your home’s architecture. A well-chosen palette will make the space feel like a seamless extension of your home, not an afterthought.
Options to consider:
- Natural stone for timeless structure.
- Stainless steel for a sleek, enduring finish.
- Wood accents to soften and balance hard surfaces.
- Porcelain or ceramic tile for smooth, durable work surfaces.
- Concrete finishes for a clean, modern feel with excellent weather resistance.
- Glass tile backsplashes for a touch of color and visual texture.
Stick to tones that complement your home’s exterior — muted earth shades, deep charcoals, or layered neutrals tend to stay fresh through changing trends. The goal is to create a backdrop that supports everyday living and special occasions.
Comfort in Every Season
An inviting outdoor space shouldn’t be limited to perfect weather. With the right additions, you can extend your gatherings into cooler months or hot summer afternoons.
Incorporate:
- Heating through built-in units or fire features for crisp evenings.
- Shade structures like pergolas for sunny days.
- Layered lighting to create ambiance, highlight key areas, and improve safety.
These elements make the space usable year-round and enhance the atmosphere for every occasion. Guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a comfortable environment, no matter the season.
From Idea to Celebration: A Clear Process
Following a structured approach keeps the project manageable and ensures nothing is overlooked. A clearly defined process gives you peace of mind and keeps timelines realistic.
- Identify your hosting style and frequency.
- Map cooking, dining, and lounge zones.
- Select appliances that match your menu and entertaining style.
- Choose materials that complement your home’s architecture.
- Confirm utilities and installation requirements.
- Build and prepare for the first gathering.
By moving through these steps, you set yourself up for a smooth design and build experience — and more importantly, a space ready to host your first celebration.
Expert Tips for a Space That Lasts
Years of experience designing Summerset kitchens have revealed small choices that make a big difference in the long run:
- Keep at least 36 inches between appliances for comfortable prep space.
- Place grills so prevailing winds carry smoke away from seating.
- Add storage near prep areas to reduce clutter.
- Use protective covers when not in use to maintain performance and appearance.
Attention to these details will keep your space functional and beautiful for many seasons.
A Setting Worth Sharing
The most memorable gatherings happen in spaces that bring people together with ease and comfort. Summerset’s expertise in outdoor kitchens and grilling means we can guide you through the process with inspiration, tips, and advice — helping you make the right choices for your cooking and entertaining needs while collaborating with the right professionals for the rest of your backyard vision.
From weekday family dinners to holiday feasts, the right outdoor kitchen sets the stage for moments you’ll cherish. With thoughtful planning, premium materials, and appliances built for performance, your outdoor living space becomes more than a place to cook — it becomes part of your home’s story.
For further insight into building your outdoor kitchen and living space, check out our Summerset Outdoor Kitchen Planning Series.