Outdoor Living
The pool is used for a few hours at a time. The space around it is used every evening - which is why it deserves equal design attention.
What should an outdoor living space include?
At minimum: shade, comfortable seating, a surface that stays cool enough for bare feet, lighting for after dark, and a short path between the kitchen indoors and the space outdoors. Additions such as outdoor kitchens, fire features and covered structures are worth building only if the basic circulation and shade are already resolved.
Elements worth planning early
- Covered structures - pavilions, pergolas and extended roof lines
- Outdoor kitchens with usable counter space, not just a grill surround
- Fire features that extend the season into spring and fall
- Shade planting positioned for late-afternoon sun
- Ceiling fans and insect management for humid Mississippi evenings
- Storage for cushions, cleaning tools and pool equipment
Designing for the climate here
Humidity and afternoon sun drive most decisions. Deep overhangs, light-colored decking, moving air and afternoon shade matter more than any single furniture choice. Materials should tolerate long humid summers, pollen, and heavy rain without staining or warping.
Start with a conversation about your backyard
Share your yard, your budget range and how you want to use the space. You will get straight answers about what is realistic before anything is designed.