Design & Style
These are the hottest must-haves for your outdoor living area
Posted on Aug 20, 2025 by dreeshomes
Posted on Aug 20, 2025 by dreeshomes
Whether you want to design your backyard oasis to be a prime spot for outdoor entertaining or a relaxing retreat, our team of design experts will help you curate your ideal outdoor living area.
As the weather changes, we're inspired to move our eating and entertaining outdoors. Design an outdoor space that you can use year-round with these outdoor living must-haves! Drees Homes is here to make your outdoor living area one that is beautiful, functional and blends seamlessly with the interior of your home.
Here are 4 must-haves when building your dream outdoor living area.
From stylish outdoor fireplaces to rustic fire pits, there's no denying that incorporating fire is a quintessential piece of outdoor living design. Whether you use it for roasting s'mores on summer nights or cozying up on autumn days, an outdoor fire makes your space functional year-round.
For entertaining that feels elevated, design your outdoor space so that your TV is built in just above the fireplace. Not only is this design conducive for entertaining, it makes the perfect spot for relaxing, watching the game, or a family movie night.
Outdoor kitchen and dining setups are ideal for entertaining. The grill is an obvious must-have, but a built-in gourmet grilling area, complete with surface space for food prep or a buffet, a sink and other common kitchen luxuries like a mini fridge, wine cooler, warming drawer or ice maker, is a winning setup for any outdoor chef!
The best part about having a functional outdoor living space is that you can entertain fully without missing out on the fun! Drees' open, functional patio design truly allows the host to both entertain and be a part of the party.
Our outdoor living areas are designed to be spacious enough to host a crowd - for backyard bashes or rooftop celebrations. You can even design your space so it extends to your backyard so your outdoor living area has multiple zones. This is the perfect approach if you have several outdoor living areas on your wishlist. Creating distinct zones for entertainment, dining, conversation, backyard fun or relaxing around the fire will not only maximize the functionality but also create a space that is visually interesting and beautiful.
Some homeowners opt for a fire pit in addition or instead of an outdoor fireplace. There’s no denying that a fire pit has a nostalgic feel to it - plus, these spaces are perfect for hosting a group when the sun goes down. Large, flowy outdoor living spaces are ideal for hosting the game, a dinner party or for simply enjoying nights with family.
When you choose to build a covered patio, you can entertain in comfort - rain, snow, or shine! Design a luxury outdoor living space that's functional in all weather with a roof, fireplace, and/or ceiling fan.
Covered patios are as beautiful as they are functional. Some homeowners opt to bring the outdoor elements into this space - select wooden features for the ceiling or pick cedar beams for a pop of rustic flair.
Take your covered patio a step further and opt for a screened-in porch. Having your space enclosed will allow you and your guests to enjoy the outdoors while being totally shielded from the elements and pests.
From Instagram inspiration and Pinterest pins to your final floor plan, Drees makes it easy to bring it all together. We know your home is more than a dwelling. It’s an expression of who you are and what you value. Designing a custom home is a very personal endeavor, and we're here to help you every step of the way.