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OutdoorLifestyle

utdoor living continues to evolve as homeowners are reimagining how their landscapes function within their daily lives. What was once considered simply a backyard is now an extension of the home — an outdoor room designed for gathering, relaxation and meaningful moments with family and friends. From thoughtfully designed patios and outdoor kitchens to fire features, lighting and comfort-

As President of the Ohio Landscape Association, I’m proud to represent a community of landscape professionals who are helping bring these visions to life across our region. Our members combine horticultural knowledge, design expertise and skilled craftsmanship to create outdoor environments that are not only beautiful but also functional and built to

Great outdoor spaces begin with thoughtful planning and collaboration between homeowners and qualified professionals. In the following article, you’ll discover how professionally designed landscapes can seamlessly blend architecture, lifestyle and nature transforming outdoor spaces into

A New Era of Outdoor Living

Intimate seating areas are custom designed as places to unwind.

Well-equipped kitchens, architectural patios and thoughtful landscapes are redefining how today’s homes extend into the outdoors. // By Kristen Hampshire

What’s out is “in.” Modern outdoor living is redefining how we relax, entertain and make memories at home. Namely, scale, intention and space-making inform modern landscape design projects. Rather than installing a single patio surface, designers are creating larger, more integrated spaces that support how homeowners actually use them.

“We’re seeing much more expansive outdoor living spaces,” says Brandon Barker, general manager of J. Barker Landscaping Co., a second-generation firm based in Bedford. “Fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens — people are entertaining more outside, so the space has to support that.”

The design process often starts with questions that sound more like interior design consultations than landscape planning.

“We really want to understand their lifestyle,” Barker says. “Do they have kids? How old are they? Do they host large gatherings? Do they prefer quiet evenings around the fire? Do they enjoy cooking?”

Some families want open spaces for kids and neighbors to gather. Others prioritize intimate seating areas or a place to unwind after work. Many want a combination of both.

“It's about understanding how they want to feel when they walk outside,” says Ryan Drake, vice president of JFD Landscapes in Chagrin Falls. “What’s the goal for the space? What’s the vision?”

The answers shape the landscape plan and ultimately lay the groundwork for a custom outdoor living space designed as a natural

continuation of the home’s living space. Drake says, “There has been a huge push to spend more time outside with spaces you can enjoy on a daily basis.”

Upscaling the Outdoor Kitchen

Redefining what it means to “throw on some burgers” or host a lowkey BBQ are today’s stepped-up outdoor kitchens that are highly custom, span a range of cooking setups and are every bit as equipped as what’s happening in the interior version.

Outdoor kitchen used to mean built-in grill. The fixings have expanded to generous proportions. And much like inside the home, the outdoor kitchen often becomes a focal point where most of the gathering happens.

“Outdoor kitchens are a huge part of what people are asking for,” Drake says. “It can be anything from a built-in grill to smokers, flattop griddles, refrigerators, lighting and sound systems.”

For home cooks who are all in, pizza ovens and custom bar areas make the priority list.

“If someone enjoys cooking, we might incorporate a pizza oven or full grill station,” Drake relates. “That way they’re not running back and forth inside while hosting. Everything they need is right there.”

For many homeowners, the investment pays off not just in functionality but in how the space brings people together. “It really becomes the hub of the outdoor living area,” Barker says.

Structures to Extend the Seasons

Weather or not, we push the outdoor living seasons as far into the spring and fall shoulders as possible, with eyes on winter opportunities, too. Cue fire features, covered structures and conveniences such as heated walkways.

Mini rooftops in the form of pergolas and more substantial covered structures are an effective way to extend the usability of a space beyond the summer months. Barker says the demand for covered structures is consistently increasing. “Sometimes they’re attached to the house; sometimes they’re freestanding,” he relates.

These features provide shade during hot days and shelter from rain while helping define the outdoor space architecturally.

Some systems incorporate retractable canopies or screens, allowing homeowners to adjust for sun or weather, Barker adds.

Designers are also integrating heating elements and fire features to make outdoor spaces comfortable later into the fall. “Infrared heaters, fire pits and fireplaces are all very popular,” Barker says. “People want to be able to use these spaces as much of the year as possible.”

Fire features that warm up cooler Ohio seasons are evolving as well. Rather than a simple backyard fire pit, landscape designers often create statement pieces that anchor the entire outdoor room. “A fire feature becomes a gathering place,” Flory says. “It gives the space a focal point.”

And once the sun goes down, lighting is integral for transforming patios and gardens into inviting nighttime environments. “You want a space that works day or night,” Barker says. “Lighting really brings that to life.”

A Seamless Transition, Inside and Out

The architecture of the home often sets the tone. Traditional houses tend to pair with natural stone patios and layered planting beds, while modern homes lean toward larger pavers, restrained palettes and crisp, structured landscapes.

While outdoor living spaces are becoming more elaborate, the design should complement the home. “We always look at the architecture first,” Barker says. “Is it traditional? Modern? That helps guide the materials and plant choices.”

Manufacturers are responding to those shifts in design.

“Outdoor spaces today are feature-rich environments. People aren’t just saying, ‘I want a patio.’ They want a living space.”

“Outdoor spaces today are feature-rich environments,” says Chad Flory, who works with contractors across Northern Ohio on hardscape materials as Northeast Ohio’s Techo-Bloc sales lead. “People aren’t just saying, ‘I want a patio.’ They want a living space.”

Materials have evolved alongside that demand.

Years ago, many patios used rustic, tumbled pavers designed to mimic Old-World stone, Flory says. Today, designers are working with larger formats, more refined slabs and architectural paving systems that mirror finishes used inside the home.

“The line between inside and outside is being blurred,” Flory says.

That shift shows up in everything from color palettes to surface patterns. Warmer tones like beiges, creams and natural stone hues are replacing the cooler gray palettes that dominated the last decade. At the same time, larger-format pavers and slabs are creating cleaner lines and more contemporary layouts.

“Years ago, it was all smaller stones and rustic looks,” Flory says. “Now we’re seeing bigger pieces, simpler palettes and more architectural designs.”

Designers are also paying closer attention to subtle details that elevate a space. Inlays, geometric patterns and mixed materials allow patios to feel more intentional without overwhelming the landscape.

Even the inspiration behind outdoor surfaces is shifting. Terrazzo, a material long used in interior flooring, has recently made its way outdoors in polished pavers made with recycled stone and marble aggregates, creating a softer, more contemporary look underfoot.

Another growing priority is permeability — paving systems designed to allow water to filter through the joints in the surface rather than run off. These permeable pavers help manage stormwater while maintaining the durability and clean appearance homeowners expect.

At the same time, designers are experimenting with shapes and patterns that bring a sense of artistry to outdoor surfaces. Hexagonal and patterned pavers can introduce subtle visual texture, while raised walls and planters help define space and guide movement through the landscape.

All of this reinforces a shift in how outdoor spaces are designed. “It’s really about creating an experience,” Flory says.

Chad Flory Northeast Ohio Techo-Bloc Sales Lead

Larger format pavers and slabs are creating cleaner lines and more contemporary layouts.

Native Picks

If you want plants that actually thrive in Northeast Ohio, start with the ones that already belong here. Native trees, shrubs and perennials are adapted to the region’s clay soils, lake-effect weather and shifting seasons — which often makes them easier to grow and more resilient once established.

Native plants are increasingly finding their way into Northeast Ohio landscapes, offering beauty along with ecological benefits. Because these species evolved in the region, they tend to adapt well to local soils, weather patterns and seasonal changes.

“A lot of the perennial natives are very popular right now,” says Joe Vasel of Davis Tree Farm & Nursery in Valley City, a wholesale grower that supplies landscape contractors and garden centers across the state. “They work well in our conditions and fit naturally into the landscape.”

Vasel says native plantings can complement a variety of landscape styles — from more natural garden beds to structured designs that incorporate evergreen hedges and traditional elements.

“Every application has its place,” he says.

Here are several native favorites landscape professionals often recommend:

BUTTERFLY WEED (Asclepias tuberosa): Bright orange blooms attract butterflies and pollinators throughout summer. Drought-tolerant and well suited to sunny garden beds.

OAK TREES (Quercus species): From red oak to swamp white oak, native oaks support hundreds of insect species and provide long-term shade and structure in the landscape.

PURPLE CONEFLOWER (Echinacea purpurea): A hardy perennial with long-lasting blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Coneflowers thrive in full sun and tolerate a range of soils.

LITTLE BLUESTEM (Schizachyrium scoparium): This native ornamental grass adds texture and seasonal color, turning copper and rust tones in fall.

SERVICEBERRY (Amelanchier species): An adaptable small tree or large shrub that produces early spring flowers, summer berries and vibrant fall foliage.

“Sustainable landscapes are really the future of outdoor living.”

Brandon Barker General Manager of J. Barker Landscaping Co.

Landscapes With Purpose

Another growing priority is sustainability — not as a passing trend but as a long-term design philosophy.

“Sustainable landscapes are really the future of outdoor living,” Barker says.

After all, landscaping has always been the “green industry.”

Homeowners increasingly ask about reducing water use, minimizing maintenance and creating landscapes that support pollinators and biodiversity.

Design solutions include native plant selections, reduced turf areas, smart irrigation systems and improved soil preparation.

“Reducing turf is a big one,” Barker says, pointing to modern artificial turf as a permeable, real-looking and feeling upgrade from what many might remember as the old Kelly green bristly indoor-outdoor carpet.

The bottom line: “Less mowing, less fertilizing and less water use,” he says.

Also, many homeowners are also rediscovering the appeal of kitchen gardens.

“We’ve created raised beds where people grow their own tomatoes and peppers,” Barker says. “There’s a lot of interest in that.”

Drake notes that naturalistic plantings can require careful planning to look their best.

“What people see online can sometimes look easy,” he says. “But landscapes evolve over time. Nature has its own rhythm.”

Still, the desire for environmentally thoughtful landscapes continues to grow. “It’s not just environmentally responsible,” Barker says. “It can be financially responsible, too, because it reduces maintenance and water use.”

Planning for the Long View

Big ideas but limited budget? There’s a solution for that. Designers say the most

successful outdoor living projects often begin with a comprehensive plan, even if construction happens in phases.

“We highly recommend creating a master plan,” Drake says.

That approach allows homeowners to build the space gradually without undoing earlier work.

“If someone wants a patio now but plans to add an outdoor kitchen later, we can run gas lines and electrical during the first phase,” Drake says. “Then when the time comes, everything is already in place.”

In many projects, the visible elements like pavers, seating walls or plantings are only part of the story. Much of the planning happens below the surface. “If we know the long-term vision, we can install the infrastructure from the start,” Drake says. “That way you’re not tearing things out later to add utilities or features.”

Phased projects have become even more common as homeowners take a long-term approach to outdoor living spaces. Some start with a patio and seating area, then expand to include kitchens, pergolas or fire features in later seasons.

“The key is thinking about the entire space from the beginning,” Drake says. “Even if you’re building it over time.”

For Barker, those early conversations are essential to getting the design right. “We start by learning about how people want to live in the space,” he says. “Do they host large gatherings? Do they want a quiet place around the fire? Do they travel a lot and need something low maintenance?”

Understanding those priorities early helps designers shape spaces that evolve naturally with the homeowner’s lifestyle.

“When you plan it properly,” Barker says, “everything works together.”

“So much of plant health comes down to what’s happening in the soil.”

Eric Bishop founder of Deep Roots Living Soil

What Lies Beneath

Why healthier landscapes begin below the surface.

// By Kristen Hampshire

When gardeners talk about successful landscapes — vibrant hydrangeas, productive vegetable beds or perennials that come back stronger each year — the conversation often turns to sunlight, watering and plant selection.

But before the icing comes the main ingredients, and that includes healthy soil.

“So much of plant health comes down to what’s happening in the soil,” says Eric Bishop, co-founder of Deep Roots Living Soil and a second-generation member of the family behind Sweet Peet, an organic composted mulch and soil amendment.

Healthy soil is more than just dirt.

It’s a complex system of organic matter, microbes, minerals and structure that work together to support plant growth. When those elements are balanced, plants tend to grow stronger roots, retain moisture more efficiently and better resist pests and disease.

“If the soil biology is working properly, the whole system becomes stronger,” Bishop says.

Good Food for Plants

Interest in soil health has grown in recent years. That curiosity often leads to a simple discovery: many soils need improvement.

In Northeast Ohio, native soils are often dense clay that drains poorly and can be difficult for roots to penetrate. Over time, adding organic material — compost, mulch and soil amendments — helps improve structure and fertility.

Composted mulches can play an important role in suppressing weeds and conserving moisture. Plus, they break down and feed the soil with organic matter.

“When you add compost or organic mulch, you’re improving the soil,” Bishop explains. “You’re feeding the system not just the plant.”

Soil ‘Supplements’

Bishop’s family has been working with compost for more than two decades through Sweet Peet, a mulch and soil amendment made from composted horse bedding and plant fibers sourced from local farms. The product has become common at garden centers and landscape supply yards across Ohio .

More recently, Bishop launched Deep Roots Living Soil, a related venture focused on soil biology and soil amendments designed to support microbial life.

Instead of relying primarily on fertilizers and chemical treatments, more gardeners are looking at the underlying health of their soil.

“There’s definitely more awareness now,” Bishop says. “People want to know what they’re putting in their gardens, especially if they’re growing food or have pets and kids in the yard.”

One approach gaining attention is the use of worm castings, the nutrient-rich material produced by earthworms. Often described as a natural soil conditioner, worm castings contain microbes and organic compounds that can help support plant health.

“It’s like adding probiotics to the soil,” Bishop says.

For home gardeners, improving soil health does not require major changes. Small steps can make a noticeable difference over time.

Adding compost to garden beds each season, using organic mulch to retain moisture and avoiding over-compaction of soil are among the simplest ways to help build healthier growing conditions, Bishop points out.

A Fresh Approach

After starting with smart soil, keep in mind plant size, Bishop says. Understanding how large

a plant will become and choosing varieties suited to the site’s sunlight and drainage can prevent many common gardening frustrations.

Bishop encourages homeowners to think of their yard as a small ecosystem where soil, plants, insects and weather all interact. “When the soil is healthy, the landscape tends to take care of itself better,” he adds.

This perspective is increasingly shaping how people approach outdoor living. Alongside patios and outdoor kitchens, homeowners are also adding raised beds, pollinator gardens and edible plantings.

For Bishop, the appeal is as much personal as practical. “There’s something really rewarding about growing something yourself,” he says. “Even if it’s just a few tomatoes or herbs.”

Sweet Peat is made from composted horse bedding and plant fibers sourced from local farms

Outdoor Living by the Numbers

Where should homeowners invest their outdoor living dollars to get the most enjoyment — and the strongest return?

A 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers some insight. The Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features evaluates common landscape upgrades based on cost recovery at resale and homeowner satisfaction, known as the “Joy Score.”

Curb appeal plays a major role in that equation. Nearly 97% of realtors say a home’s exterior creates the first impression for potential buyers, underscoring the importance of well-designed landscapes and outdoor spaces.

The report examines why homeowners undertake outdoor projects, typical project costs reported by landscape professionals and how much of that investment can be recovered when the home sells.

COST RECOVERY AT RESALE:

OUTDOOR UPGRADES THAT DELIVER STRONG RETURNS

100% — Overall landscape upgrade

100% — Outdoor kitchen

95% — New patio

89% — New wood deck

87% — Tree care

83% — Irrigation system installation

59% — Landscape lighting

56% — Fire feature

56% — In-ground pool installation

HOMEOWNER JOY SCORE

The report also measures homeowner satisfaction after completing projects, ranking upgrades on a scale of 1 to 10. Outdoor improvements consistently rank among the most enjoyable home upgrades, with every project scoring 9 or higher.