Many individuals in Pennsylvania prefer to spend their free time outside during nice weather, relishing the fresh air, sunshine, and evenings under the stars. However, a cracked patio and makeshift chairs and tables may not establish the desired ambiance needed for an outdoor living space. A backyard entertaining area that extends your indoor living areas with the same amenities can make outdoor living both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family. Here is our guide on designing a dream outdoor entertaining space for this summer.
Establish Goals
As with any project, the first step in designing an outdoor living space is to determine what you hope to achieve with the new space. Will it be a lounge area? Will people be cooking meals outside? Is a pool the central focus of the yard? Answering these questions and more can help homeowners decide how to design their outdoor entertaining spaces. Keep in mind that your goals may evolve as landscape designers and architects make their own suggestions for the space or present limitations. Keep your minds open, but advocate for what you want!
Improve Resale Value
Another popular reason homeowners build an outdoor living space is the resale value it adds to the property. Outdoor living is a sound investment for homeowners looking to improve their home’s resale value when they want to move. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report, outdoor living spaces returned between 46 and 95 percent of homeowners’ initial investments at resale, depending on how simple or extravagant the space is.
Evaluate the Space
Understanding how your space will flow and function guides how you design it. Take a look at the space you want to transform into your outdoor living space and decide what will go where. A large, flat yard can be divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes, like one space for a kitchen, another for a fire pit, lounge area, and so on. Yards that are built on a sloped landscape can still have creative design elements, such as a multi-level deck. Analyze your landscape to come up with a plan that will make sense and flow nicely together. By working with qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas to life.
Add Features
When planning an outdoor living space, homeowners with ample backyard space have much to work with. To make the most of the space while aiming to get the strongest possible return on their investments, Pennsylvania homeowners should aim to create spaces that offer broad appeal and are not overly personalized. Here are some popular features that will enhance your outdoor living space:
Awnings
Shade structures, like a retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor rooms and establish privacy. Awnings will provide relief from harsh sunlight, and you can flexibly choose when you want sun or shade by retracting the awning when you don’t need it. American Awnings offers a wide selection of retractable awnings for patios, and we even offer window awnings to provide a little shade to the inside of your home. We have multiple different fabric options to choose from that will go with any home’s style.
Fire pits
Keep yourself and your guests warm after the sun sets with an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Fire elements continue to be one of the most popular outdoor living space features, as they add a warm and comforting ambiance to the space, especially during chilly nights. These features can serve as a focal point in the backyard while also extending the outdoor living season well into fall and even early winter in Pennsylvania. For increased fire light and style, add candles or lanterns.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
Walking in and out of the house for refreshments can get tiresome when entertaining outside. Your guests can also track dirt inside the house or leave a trail of pool water in their wake. Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food and drinks that make outdoor parties much easier. You also won’t have to leave your guests to go inside and prepare a meal. We recommend building your outdoor kitchen close to the house for easy utility access, and include a sink, small refrigerator, and built-in grill in the design. If you have room in your budget, you can also install a wet bar to prepare and serve beverages. To enjoy your meal and drinks outside, have an outdoor dining table nearby.
Furniture
Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas, loveseats, and lounge chairs covered in fabric suited for Pennsylvania’s fluctuating weather conditions are good choices. You could also add a hammock for even more relaxation. Add some throw pillows and blankets to make the space more comfortable; just make sure they are stored in a dry place during bad weather. If you added an outdoor kitchen, make sure you have durable dining furniture as well.
Lighting
Ample lighting is vital for an outdoor living space. They increase safety, visibility, and nighttime enjoyment when using the space. You could add outdoor lamps, string lights in the trees, or solar-powered lights throughout the outdoor living space to illuminate the activities. We recommend using LED lights for a longer battery life and energy efficiency.
Enhance Your Backyard with American Awnings
Start enhancing your outdoor living space today with a retractable awning from American Awnings. These awnings will provide ample shade from sunlight to make the space more comfortable during hot summer days. We can help you choose a fabric that will match your home’s existing style. From selecting the perfect retractable awning for your outdoor living space to professional installation of your new awning, we have you covered every step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!
