Create the Ultimate Backyard Retreat

The backyard has evolved from a simple patch of grass into a prized extension of the home, a place where families gather, friends celebrate and memories take root. As homeowners increasingly maximize their outdoor living potential, the challenge lies in creating beautiful and functional spaces that are intimate yet adaptable and worth the significant investment required to bring them to life.

A project by Eisler Landscapes

The process of designing an ideal outdoor entertainment area involves far more than picking out patio furniture and planting a few shrubs. It requires careful planning, quality materials, realistic budgeting and the expertise of professionals who understand how to translate dreams into durable, livable spaces. Industry experts say the difference between a backyard that becomes a beloved gathering spot and one that falls short of expectations often comes down to preparation, patience and a willingness to invest in design and craftsmanship.

Eric French of Eisler Landscapes and Nancy Reader of Hearth and Home have spent years helping homeowners create outdoor spaces that work for their lifestyles. Their insights reveal current trends in materials and furnishings and common pitfalls that can derail a project and waste thousands of dollars. From artificial turf to fire pits, from polymer furniture to proper planning timelines, these professionals offer a roadmap for anyone looking to transform their backyard into an entertainment destination.

The foundation of any successful outdoor entertainment space begins with a solid design plan. French explains that his company employs landscape architects with four- to six-year degrees in the field, similar to building architects but with an emphasis on landscape design. For homeowners working with companies that don’t have in-house designers, French suggests hiring an independent landscape architect to create plans that can then be taken to a landscaping company or contractor for installation.

Before meeting with designers or contractors, French recommended gathering visual inspiration. “Do your homework and put stuff you like in a file. When we have a meeting with you, you can pull out those images and show us what you like,” he said. This preparation helps professionals understand your preferences and makes the design process more efficient.

While many homeowners want areas that can accommodate intimate gatherings and larger parties, modern lot sizes often present challenges. French noted that separate spaces for different types of entertaining work best when the property size allows. However, today’s homes are typically built on smaller lots. Even limited space can be maximized with thoughtful design.

A project by Eisler Landscapes

Current trends in hardscaping can significantly impact functionality and maintenance requirements. French identified artificial turf as the hottest item in the market right now. “It’s huge in the market because there’s zero maintenance primarily,” he said. The material stays cleaner than natural grass and works well when combined with various paving options.

However, quality matters when selecting artificial turf. French’s company uses SynLawn in Pittsburgh, which he describes as a scaled-down version of athletic stadium turf with a strong warranty. “You have to be careful what you’re buying. There are a lot of imports and knockoffs in the turf business. Go with one of the industry leaders that manufactures its own product,” he cautioned. High-quality artificial turf has a roughly 20-year life cycle. Cheaper options won’t last as long.

Stamped concrete remains an ever-popular choice, typically costing slightly less than unit pavers or regular concrete. Porcelain pavers are also trending, as are putting greens with artificial turf for homeowners with sufficient space.

Reader recommended considering furniture early in the planning process. She suggests researching what’s popular and available, then building your space around those items. “Furnishings are expensive. They’re made for the outdoors and have warranties on them, so they’re much more expensive than indoor furniture,” Reader said.

Furniture from Hearth and Home

During planning, homeowners should get estimates on construction work before looking at furniture costs. The choice between seating areas, dining areas or both significantly impacts the budget. Quality brands differ substantially in price from less durable options, though Reader notes their outdoor furniture can last up to 30 years when maintained properly. Size considerations matter for the space and the users. Reader advises thinking about how much room you have to work with and the physical size of the people who will use the outdoor area.

Fire pits rank as a hot item right now, she said, while swimming pool areas might benefit from outdoor bars or chaise lounges. Color trends have shifted from gray to black for outdoor items, and white and tan are also popular. A hint of green is making a comeback as an accent color. Polymer, a durable plastic lumber requiring minimal maintenance, is available in seating and dining configurations and pairs well with fire pits or tables.

Sectionals remain relatively popular for outdoor spaces, though Reader noted they have limitations. “Once you do it, you can’t move it around the way you can with chairs or sofas,” she says. Scale has become increasingly important as condos grow in popularity, and outdoor fabrics are becoming colorful again.

Reader emphasized the importance of establishing a realistic budget through price research. “There are a lot of options in a specialty store. Everything that you could think of that’s available for outdoors you can find. It just depends on the investment you want to make,” she said. Reader recommended putting more money into the most important area, whether that’s dining or seating, and spending less on decorative items.

French strongly advised against hasty decisions when creating an outdoor entertainment space. Thoughtful planning can take at least a year. He doesn’t recommend doing anything on a whim. “The pandemic saw an incredible rush of pool construction, and lots of people got themselves in a whole bunch of trouble shoving pools in the ground without proper permitting and planning,” he said.

Adding or changing elements after work has started wastes money. Most projects require a three- to 12-month window depending on circumstances. “I’d be a little concerned if someone says they can get larger projects done in a few weeks,” French said.

“If you make an investment in outdoor living, you really need to have a good design. You need a good roadmap and a reputable contractor,” French said. He recommended checking references carefully. Word-of-mouth recommendations provide a solid starting point for finding quality contractors.

Reader consistently hears one thing from clients about their outdoor spaces. “The No. 1 thing I hear from people is comfort. It’s something that you want to play up the most because that will help you enjoy the space the most after you’ve made the investment,” she said. Many customers have reported that furniture purchased years ago still looks as good as when first bought, demonstrating the value of investing in quality.

Creating the perfect backyard entertainment space requires patience, research and investment, but the payoff is an outdoor area that provides enjoyment for decades. With proper planning, quality materials and professional guidance, homeowners can transform their yards into welcoming spaces for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.