Warm weather has a way of drawing us outside to savour slow mornings with coffee on the deck, family dinners under string lights, and late-night conversations gathered around the glow of a fire feature. Today’s outdoor spaces have evolved far beyond a simple lawn chair and barbecue, becoming a real extension of the home itself.
If you build it…
A well-designed deck creates the foundation for outdoor living, seamlessly connecting indoor comfort with open-air entertaining. “Homeowners should first consider their intention for the space and how much value it will add to the way they use their home,” says Stan Weiland, President of The Deck Store. “Next, establish a realistic budget.”
Practicality matters just as much as design features. “While multi-level layouts can create visual interest, they often break up the usable living space and reduce flexibility for entertaining and furniture placement,” Weiland explains. “Built-in seating has become less popular because high-quality patio furniture offers greater comfort and versatility as homeowners’ needs change.”
As for material, he says the right choice ultimately depends on the budget, design goals, and expectations for long-term performance. “For durability and low maintenance in the Canadian climate, composite and PVC decking are by far the most popular choices today.”
Weiland recently completed a standout project where his team incorporated a wide range of features like louvered pergolas for adjustable shade and protection from the elements, motorized screens, integrated lighting, heaters and fans. In addition, a custom-designed wall incorporated a television and fireplace for a highly personalized outdoor environment that blended comfort, technology and modern design.
Escape with hardscapes
Hardscaping and landscaping help shape the overall atmosphere of an outdoor space. Stone patios, pathways, and gardens create structure while adding visual interest. Homeowners are increasingly looking to design individual zones dedicated to dining, lounging, and entertaining.
“Homeowners want a true extension of their living space,” says Alex Lukas, Manager of Operations at Precision Landscaping. “Right now, backyard stone patios are absolutely leading the conversation.”
Creating a cohesive outdoor space starts with intentional planning. Lukas says features like hot tubs and fire elements work best when integrated into the design from the beginning rather than added later.
For homeowners looking to make a statement, Lukas says craftsmanship and material selection should be top of mind. “We work extensively with large-format patio stones, and what makes them so striking is the contrast between their sleek, refined appearance and the sheer technical skill required to install them properly,” he says. Intricate geometric patterns, mixed textures, and inlaid borders continue to stylize the patio aesthetic.
All decked out
Once the larger elements are in place, décor brings a space to life. According to Jennifer Klassen, Manager at Centro Garden and Centro NOCA, planters and accessories are key to ensuring a welcoming vibe.
“Planters and decorative accents can really add some personality to your space,” says Klassen. “You can add a splash of colour with flowerpots, throw pillows and blankets, which are easy to change every season.”
She notes that live plants instantly make outdoor spaces feel more inviting and says colourful planters in yellow, green, and pink hues are trending this season. Customers are gravitating toward low-maintenance plants like succulents, which are a great choice for a tabletop arrangement, and tropical plants like palm trees, hibiscus, and birds of paradise that add scale to your space.
When it comes to creating ambiance, Klassen recommends keeping things cohesive with just one or two accent colours. “Choose items you like when you’re selecting lighting, rugs, and accessories to add personality to your space,” she says.
By Nicole Hilton
LOCAL LINKS
The Deck Store
deckstore.ca
Precision Landscaping
precisionlandscaping.ca
Centro Garden and Centro NOCA
centrogarden.com
