Getting Your Home Ready for Summer: 7 Outdoor Design Tips
As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, there’s no better time to get your home summer-ready. At Bardi Designs, we believe outdoor spaces should be an extension of your lifestyle, AKA, beautiful, functional, and built for joy. Whether it’s backyard gatherings or quiet evenings under the stars, the right design can make all the difference.
With years of experience designing everything from luxurious patios to resort-style community amenities, we’re here to help you craft your own summer sanctuary. Here are three ways to elevate your outdoor living this season:
Expand Your Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor living is at the heart of summer design. From cozy seating areas to serene lounge zones, consider how your space can support both relaxation and entertaining.
In our Topsail project, we transformed a coastal property into a serene retreat by incorporating natural textures and a palette inspired by the sea. The outdoor spaces showcased comfortable seating arrangements under a custom pergola which allowed for both sun-soaked afternoons and shaded relaxation. We strategically placed lanterns and soft lighting to enhance the ambiance, making the space perfect for evening gatherings.
Pro Tip: Consider how your layout can support different activities, from reading nooks to play zones, especially if you're in a multi-generational or adult community setting.
Elevate Outdoor Dining
Nothing says summer like a meal under the sky. Designing a dedicated dining area, on your patio, under a pergola, or nestled in your garden, can turn everyday meals into outdoor experiences.
Our Pompano Beach project exemplifies this approach. We crafted an elegant outdoor dining space featuring a durable, weather-resistant table paired with stylish chairs, all set atop a natural stone patio. The area was accented with coastal-inspired décor and ambient lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere for both casual meals and formal gatherings
Invite Nature In
A beautifully designed space feels alive, and nothing adds life like plants and natural elements. Use raised planters, container gardens, or vertical greenery to bring in color, texture, and movement. Herbs, succulents, and native plants add fragrance and flair with minimal upkeep.
We seamlessly integrated lush greenery throughout the outdoor spaces in our Vert project. Vertical gardens and strategically placed planters brought nature closer to the living areas, while a tranquil water feature added a soothing auditory element. These natural touches enhanced the aesthetic appeal and also promoted a sense of well-being and connection to the environment.
Create Zones for Connection and Solitude
The best outdoor spaces offer variety, which is a place to gather and a place to retreat. Separating your yard into distinct areas lets you enjoy both.
In our Archdale project, we created a natural flow between lounging, dining, and relaxation areas using consistent materials and layered greenery. A pergola defined the main seating zone, while surrounding plantings softened the transitions and made each area feel distinct yet cohesive.
Pro Tip: Use things like rugs, potted plants, or slight shifts in elevation to subtly define each area without building barriers. It’s a simple way to create structure while keeping things open and adaptable.
Add Personal Touches That Tell Your Story
Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home, and the details you choose are what bring it to life. Whether it’s art, lighting, or something entirely custom, the right touch can make a space feel truly yours.
In one of our previous projects, we layered greenery and vertical gardens brought a natural rhythm to the space. A custom water feature added calm and movement, while integrated planters made the space feel curated without being overly styled.
Pro Tip: Mix textures and materials, like stone, wood, and metal, to give your space character and a sense of place that feels authentic rather than overly polished.
Design with Comfort in Mind
Looks matter, but comfort is what keeps people coming back. Opt for furniture that’s just as inviting as what you’d use indoors, and think about how light and shade play into the experience.
In our Wynneford project, we paired a stone patio with low-slung seating and soft, weather-ready cushions in airy neutrals. A pergola offered shade for daytime comfort, and side tables made the space feel considered and usable.
Pro Tip: Multi-use pieces like storage benches or coffee tables with hidden compartments help keep your space clean and ready to enjoy. No last-minute scrambling for cushions or games.
Enjoy Your Outdoor Oasis
Your outdoor space should reflect the way you live and love to spend time. Whether you’re refreshing your backyard or designing from the ground up, Bardi Designs brings unmatched expertise in renovation, new construction, and interior/exterior planning.
We work closely with homeowners, architects, and builders to turn visions into reality with a strong focus on functionality, style, and timeless appeal.
Ready to GET YOUR HOME READY FOR SUMMER?
At Bardi Designs, we offer full-service, turn-key interior design tailored to your needs. Whether you’re renovating a well-loved home, building something brand new, or designing within an adult living community, we bring the creativity, expertise, and project management know-how to make it all come together seamlessly.
We work with homeowners, builders, and architects alike to make sure that every detail added is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. So when you're ready to transform your space into something that reflects your lifestyle and story, we’re ready to help make it happen.
