Define a deck with low benches.

“The wraparound bench works well for groups and doesn’t obstruct the view. We built it in a weekend with some friends. The tiki umbrellas were a great find at Shoppers Drug Mart, if you can believe it,” says homeowner Karyn Gordon.

An open deck free of obstructions increases usable space.

“To extend our living space, we added this side deck. We eat almost every meal outside — the food just tastes better. A firepit close-by warms us up on chilly nights. We saved money on the table, which had a little ding in it,” says Karyn.

Hang lanterns at eye level as outdoor sconces.

The cottagey exterior of this shed provides the perfect backdrop for summer entertaining, complete with beautiful stagecoach-style lanterns that cast a romantic glow. With the garden shed in such close proximity to the alfresco dining area, it makes for a great staging and serving area, limiting trips back and forth from the house.

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Create rooms with manicured hedges.

Low slung furniture in the lounging area and a tailored dining canopy help define separate spaces. Various levels of stone pavers add interest.

Create privacy outdoors with a gazebo.

The curtains on the large dining canopy can be left open when the sun is shining or closed off on rainy days, extending the family’s time spent outside. A candlelit iron chandelier creates an intimate glow for late-evening dinners.

Consider a fireplace and built-in barbecue for outdoor spaces.

A monolithic granite fireplace rises up on the shores of artist Martha Sturdy’s cottage in British Columbia. Martha and her husband David Wardle added the patio and built-in barbecue to the Preston Island property, but left the exterior unchanged. Flats of thyme grown by Martha’s son, Jordan, are planted between the rocks to give off a fragrant aroma.

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Toss floor cushions for outdoor seating.

Cowhide pillows bring a playful touch to the decor on Martha and David’s deck. A clear barrier to the water means none of the stunning views are obstructed.

Add tropical flair with splashes of colour.

Furniture groupings create separate rooms in this Vancouver backyard. When night falls, guests instinctively congregate in the area around the firepit, which acts as an outdoor living room all summer. Lights in the pool, cabana and firepit area cast an ethereal glow.

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Repeat materials throughout a yard for cohesiveness.

Huge concrete pillars and beams frame this backyard dining space. Heaters on the beams keep the area warm in cool weather. B.C. homeowners Marta Triginer and Michael Kirsh and their family dine here comfortably year-round.

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