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enjoying nature at home ·
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firepit ·
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Outdoor Living ·
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patio ideas for small spaces ·
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quality outdoor furniture all-weather ·
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small backyard patio design ·
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year-round outdoor living ·
New Year, New Ideas - Reimagine Your Outdoor Space
If spending more time outside is one of your goals this year, you’re not alone. If you’ve been thinking about improving your outdoor space for a while but haven’t started yet — you’re also not alone.
At Outdoor Space Designs, we work with homeowners every day who want a patio, deck, or backyard they actually use… but feel stuck before they've even begun.
You want a cozy fireplace to sit by, a lounge area for gatherings, or an outdoor dining area. Too many choices. Too many opinions. Too much pressure to get it right.
Space Designed by Outdoor Space Designs
The good news? With us, you don’t need a full plan to start creating an outdoor space you’ll love. You just need a place to begin..an initial spark.
Begin with us by booking an Idea Session. This short idea-generating session will ignite your best ideas with practical and affordable action!
What IS AN IDEA SESSION?
Using FaceTime or Zoom, you can virtually walk me through your space, and I can help get ideas flowing.
A session with me is a concise, cost-effective way to organize your ideas and kickstart your project. In each Idea Session, we typically cover:
- Defining your desired use-of-space with descriptive language
- Layout and function methodology
- Thoughtful space planning
- Outdoor furniture and decor suggestions
- Hardscape & color palette considerations
- Outdoor kitchen & fire pit color options
Why Outdoor Spaces Often Cause Design Paralysis
Outdoor projects often feel bigger and more permanent than indoor ones. You've got a blank side yard with a concrete patio, and you have no idea how or where to begin.
Furniture is an investment; layouts feel final; and online inspiration can make it seem like everyone else has it figured out. All of this feels overwhelming, so you do nothing and hope someday you will find the clarity to move forward.
You are not alone! "Decision paralysis" or “blank canvas paralysis” is super real in backyards when there are no walls to guide design.
Common questions we hear include:
- Where do I even start with my outdoor space?
- How do I choose the right outdoor furniture?
- What layout will actually work for how we live?
- How do I design an outdoor space for year-round use?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not behind — you’re just at the starting line. These are all great questions, and I can help answer them in a 40-minute Idea Session.
It can start with a small area of your backyard, like a covered patio off the main interior of your home, that you now want to extend into that living space.
Space Designed by Outdoor Space Designs
Start with Ideas
One of the easiest ways to get unstuck is to shift your mindset. Instead of trying to design your entire outdoor space at once, start with a quick, easy Idea Session with me.
I can help you overcome that often crippling barrier, and go from an empty, unused side yard with a small patio, to a cozy garden retreat like this:
Our Outdoor Space Designs Idea Sessions are low-pressure, practical, and focused on possibility. Think of it as brainstorming your outdoor space with an expert who understands layout, function, and outdoor living — without committing to a full redesign.
It’s about exploring what could work and identifying smart next steps. Often, these next steps don’t even need my involvement. In an Idea Session, I can help you unlock solutions you can execute on your own.
What to Bring to an Idea Session...Perfect Insta-worthy Prep NOT Required
You don’t need measurements, mood boards, or a defined style to get value from an Idea Session.
Come with:
- Questions - even half-formed ones!
- Frustrations - like, “we never use this space” or “it feels awkward.”
- Challenges - such as sun exposure, lack of shade, or limited space.
- A few inspiration images - or none at all...just talk...
Space Designed by Outdoor Space Designs
Not knowing exactly what you want is completely okay. Outdoor Space Designs helps you uncover options that fit your lifestyle, not force a trend.
Ideally, I want to see your space, in-person or in video and pictures, hear you talk about what you envision, and what you do and don’t like. In general, I want your description of what you want to work on. Together, we can take these underutilized outdoor spaces...
And create this...
How Outdoor Space Designs Help You Get Unstuck
During an Idea Session, we focus on clarity — not commitment.
We help with:
- Outdoor design and layout ideas that feel intuitive and functional
- Problem-solving for tricky or underused areas
- Prioritizing next steps so the process feels manageable
- Outdoor furniture recommendations based on how you actually use your space
For example, many clients discover that starting with flexible, modular seating allows them to test layouts before investing in a full setup.
With modular seating, you can buy one or two pieces and add more over time to expand your seating space. All-weather options such as outdoor wicker, teak, or coated aluminum are ideal for exposed spaces.
Other clients realize that adding one comfortable gathering area — like a fire pit conversation zone, or a cozy chair and pedestal table instantly changes how often they go outside.
In many of our consultations, we often recommend well-designed, durable outdoor furniture that’s built for real life and real weather.
Brands like Outer, known for modular seating, weather-ready materials, and adaptable layouts, are great examples of pieces that help outdoor spaces evolve over time rather than locking you into a single arrangement.
Check out our blog on Outer for a thorough look at their all-weather collections - Experience The "Outer" Season - All Year.
Start Small and Build Your Outdoor Space Over Time
The most successful outdoor spaces aren’t finished all at once — they grow with you.
Here are some suggestions you might start with:
- A seating area that works for everyday use
-
A fire pit bowl or table piece that extends your outdoor season
Space Designed by Outdoor Space Designs
- An expandable dining table that adapts as you entertain more
- A modular kitchen that can be added to over time
Testing furniture layouts, comfort levels, and flow before committing to everything at once reduces stress and leads to better long-term decisions. This is something I often suggest in a typical Idea Session. Buying one or two pieces and gradually expanding your collection is an excellent way to affordably create your ideal outdoor space. 
Outdoor living should support how you actually live — not how a photo suggests you should.
Make This the Year You Actually Use Your Outdoor Space
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect plan or the right moment, this is your sign to start simpler.
Book an Idea Session with Outdoor Space Designs to begin identifying your outdoor space goals! Maybe you have the patio but are discouraged by your neighbors' view of what you want to be your private space.
Consider a small privacy screen or privacy wall to create an oasis that is no longer visible to your neighbors.
Privacy screens are lightweight and can be erected along fence lines or half walls to block unwanted views. Read our blog, "8 Best Outdoor Privacy Screens". They can also be installed on a ground surface to define a seating area that didn't exist before.
A quick Idea Session with Outdoor Space Designs is an easy, approachable way to move past decision paralysis, explore outdoor design ideas, and get expert guidance on layout, furniture, and problem-solving — all tailored to your space.
Come with your questions. Leave with ideas, clarity, and confidence in your next steps.
Because spending more time outside doesn’t start with a perfect design. It starts with one small decision to simply begin.
Interested in exploring the outdoor furniture options mentioned here? We curate and recommend outdoor pieces we trust — with direct links so you can easily explore what works best for your space. Shop us out at OutdoorSpaceDesigns.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing an Outdoor Space For Yourself
1. How do I start designing an outdoor space if I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. Instead of trying to design everything at once, focus on ideas and possibilities. A quick Idea Session with an outdoor design expert can help you clarify layout options, priorities, and next steps without committing to a full project.
2. What is an outdoor design Idea Session?
An outdoor design Idea Session is a low-pressure consultation focused on brainstorming, problem-solving, and layout ideas for your outdoor space. It’s designed to help you get unstuck, answer questions, and explore furniture and design options before making big decisions.
3. Do I need measurements or a full plan before talking to an outdoor designer?
No. You don’t need exact measurements, a defined style, or a finished plan. Many people come to an idea session with questions, challenges, or general goals, and build clarity from there.
4. How do I choose the right outdoor furniture for my space?
The best outdoor furniture depends on how you plan to use your space, your climate, and how flexible you want your layout to be. Modular seating, weather-ready materials, and adaptable dining options are often great starting points for evolving outdoor spaces. For more inspiration when selecting outdoor furniture pieces, check out our blog, "Outdoor Cooking Storage You Will Love."
5. Can I design an outdoor space in phases?
Absolutely. Designing an outdoor space in phases reduces decision paralysis and allows you to test layouts over time. Many successful outdoor spaces begin with a single seating or gathering area and expand as homeowners learn how they use the space. Or simply find a side table and a rug, and build around them as you are inspired. 
6. Is an Idea Session right for small or awkward outdoor spaces?
Yes. Idea Sessions with us are especially helpful for small, narrow, or challenging outdoor areas. An experienced outdoor designer can offer creative layout solutions and furniture recommendations that maximize comfort and usability. Here's an example of a narrow (originally dirt) side yard area that my client wanted to transform. We created a narrow stone paver path to connect a dining area with a small seating area for a fire pit. No space is too small or awkward to go unused.
Disclosure: I do not sell these products directly. When you click a product, you’ll be taken to the retailer’s site to purchase. If you buy something, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Prices may vary, and any returns, exchanges, or product support should be handled with the retailer you buy from.
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