Optimize your backyard: Top Outdoor Design Tips for 2024

Posted February 15, 2024 in 3D Design, Blog, Design/Build, Furniture, General, Landscape Design, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Maintenance, outdoor appliances, outdoor design, Outdoor Living Room, Outdoor Technology, Videos, Water Feature

When it comes to designing your outdoor living space in 2024, think of it as an extension of the inside of your home – a blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you’re drawn to a peaceful poolside retreat or entertaining with a custom outdoor kitchen, the goal remains the same: create a space that invites you to stay. However, the success of your outdoor project hinges on effective communication with your deck, pool, or patio contractor in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. So, without a shared understanding of your vision, the result may fall short of your expectations, leading to frustrations, discrepancies, and budget concerns. So you will want to seek a partner who has the right experience and can handle every step of the process for you.

To embark on a journey to the perfect outdoor living space, aligning your design goals with your partner is crucial. Here are our top tips to get started:

  • Establish Clear Design Goals and Purpose Areas

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful custom outdoor living project. So, before breaking ground, articulate your design goals clearly to your outdoor living design/build partner so there are no discrepancies when it comes to your vision. Whether it’s a serene lounge area, an entertainment-centric space, or a combination of both, clearly defining your vision for each area and knowing how you will use it will set the stage for a harmonious collaboration.

This is why we help you create a custom 3D design video that allows you to see exactly how your space will look and feel how you will use each feature, zone, and piece of furniture. Your custom 3D design will closely resemble the reality of your investment, making it easier for you to envision your new custom outdoor living space in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. This helps you feel confident when selecting important details like your desired features, layout, materials, style, and colors for your new custom outdoor living space in.

Why your outdoor living space should start with a 3D design→

  • Embrace Technology Integration

In today’s world, technology is everywhere in our lives, and outdoor spaces are no exception. So consider incorporating smart technology into your backyard design, including state-of-the-art outdoor televisions, speakers, lighting and screen systems that can be controlled from a remote, switch, or your phone! You’ll also want to be sure to install your equipment in the right locations to optimize its use.

When installing new equipment, thoughtfully arrange it to enhance both its use and your overall design. We recommend positioning your outdoor TV, speakers, and WiFi points for best performance and viewing, and we find using a custom 3D Design video helps you choose a TV location visible from various angles, clear of obstacles, and protected from sunlight glare. Your custom 3D design video also helps you arrange your outdoor speakers by allowing you to visualize your most commonly used areas so your outdoor sound system is consistent and provides elevated entertainment to your loved ones without disturbing your neighbors.

Top 3 things you must know about outdoor televisions →

  • Collaborate on Practical Considerations like Sustainable Design

Beyond the look and feel, you’ll want to talk to your professional partner about practical considerations that enhance the functionality and longevity of your outdoor space. So, make sure you discuss storage solutions, water drainage, and any unique challenges posed by your property so you aren’t left with huge headaches post-construction. You’ll also want to collaborate with the right professional to understand the stormwater requirements for your zoning district.  The right company will be well-versed in percentages, setbacks, requirements, flood zones…etc. to avoid any permit application delays, township denials, or fines.

Common BPMs that “lazy” or unknowledgeable companies use are rain gardens, dry river beds…etc.  Our innovative BPMs include permeable surfaces and dry wells so we aren’t wasting any usable square footage of a property or installing unsightly or undesirable features or mosquito breeding grounds. That’s why it is crucial to partner with the right company that will conduct the research on your property and consult with your municipality to understand the allowances for your home. So, we prioritize understanding property setbacks and impervious surface rules early on in your project before any designs begin. This knowledge allows us to discuss appropriate stormwater solutions with our clients, ensuring we can design and install their ideal vision from the start so they don’t incur disappointments or expensive change orders when building their custom outdoor living space.

What is stormwater management and why is it important? →


If you’re interested in creating a new outdoor kitchen in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to enjoy meals outdoors this summer, renovating your existing inground swimming pool in Allentown, Pennsylvania for your grandkids’ enjoyment, or building a custom outdoor living space in Easton, Pennsylvania that will make lasting memories, then you’ve come to the right place. That’s because we understand the value of your investment and want to make the entire process as hassle-free as possible. That’s why we’re proud to partner with homeowners in the Lehigh Valley area to simplify the transformation of their backyard into a personalized outdoor living space that adds value to their home.

With our award-winning design/build process, our team of experienced professionals takes care of everything from engineering and project management to contractor scheduling, permit applications, and inspections for your custom outdoor living space so you won’t ever need to worry about communicating with your HOA or township either.

Getting started is easy. Click here to schedule your discovery call with your own Project Concierge!

For a limited time, download your very own copy of “2024 Design Secrets“. This valuable resource will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and ensure that your investment is well-placed. So why wait? Begin turning your dream into a reality today with this helpful guide!

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