Design Strategies for Elevated Living
In the realm of home design, the boundary between indoors and outdoors has become increasingly fluid—erased not only by architectural innovation but by a shift in lifestyle that prizes connection to nature without compromising comfort. Nowhere is this more evident than in the art of outdoor entertaining. Far beyond a simple backyard gathering, today’s outdoor living spaces are thoughtfully curated environments designed for conversation, celebration, and quiet moments alike. Through the integration of successful architecture and interior design strategies, the most successful outdoor entertaining areas blend beauty, functionality, and ambiance in equal measure.By Catherine Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED-AP,
Founder and Principal of Purple Cherry Architects
Architectural Intent: Seamless Transitions & Structured Shelters
When designing a new home or the renovation of an existing home, the foundation of creating an elevated outdoor entertaining space lies in its architectural underpinnings. Thoughtful site planning begins with orientation—leveraging solar patterns, prevailing breezes, and views to create moments that feel grounded in their environment. Whether perched along a body of water, nestled into a wooded edge, sitting on a mountaintop, or embracing an expansive lawn, the siting of patios and porches informs every subsequent design decision.
Large-format glass doors that fold away (such as Nanawalls or LaCantina) or disappear into the wall thickness help to dissolve the divide between interior and exterior. When open, they allow entire living rooms or great rooms to spill out onto covered terraces, screen porches, or stone patios. When closed, they maintain visual transparency and preserve a sense of continuity. These operable boundaries foster a dual-purpose environment where entertaining can adapt to both season and mood—either contained inside or allowed to spill over to the outside.
Covered porches and screened-in rooms
provide the structure necessary for nearly year-round use while enhancing intimacy and scale. With vaulted or coffered ceilings, exposed wood
beams, and finishes that echo the architecture of the main residence, these sheltered spaces can take on the feeling of open-air salons—comfortable yet connected. In addition, infrared ceiling-mounted heaters can extend the seasonal use of the space.
Patio spaces (without a roof cover), often rendered in hand-laid stone or oversized concrete pavers, ground the space both physically and visually. When integrated into the topography, they act as subtle outdoor “rooms” that anchor furnishings and define circulation. Gentle elevation changes, such as low steps or built-in planters, can demarcate areas without the need for fencing or walls, thus preserving views and fostering openness.
Outdoor Interior Design:
Textures, Layers, & Intentional Comfort
While architecture provides the stage, it is the layering of interior design strategies that transforms outdoor areas into extensions of the home. The most compelling outdoor entertaining spaces are curated with the same intention as their indoor counterparts—balancing scale, texture, palette, and function to create environments that are as inviting as they are refined.
Furnishings should be selected with both durability and elegance in mind. Gone are the days of plastic patio sets; today’s outdoor seating mimics the silhouette and comfort of interior furniture, with upholstered cushions in high-performance fabrics, sculptural side tables, and woven elements that echo organic forms. Considerations of flow and conversation zones are critical: a grouping around a fireplace or fire pit invites relaxed dialogue, while a long table under a pergola supports formal dinners with ease.
Materiality plays a central role in elevating outdoor design. Wrought iron, teak, stone, and rattan provide tactile richness and contrast beautifully with lush plantings and the softness of textiles. Rugs designed for the outdoors help define areas and add a grounded feel underfoot, while draperies—often overlooked—can provide both sun control, wind protection, and a sense of enclosure when drawn.
Lighting is another pivotal element. Just as interior rooms rely on a hierarchy of lighting, so too should outdoor entertaining spaces. Overhead pendants or chandeliers under covered porches establish ambient illumination, while sconces or lanterns along columns and posts offer architectural rhythm. Layered lighting—accented by candlelight or low-voltage landscape uplighting—ensures that spaces remain atmospheric after dusk.
Entertaining with Purpose: The Role of Atmosphere
At the heart of these curated environments is a desire to entertain with intention. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee on the porch or an evening gathering of friends with cocktails in hand, the space should reflect the individuality of its owners. Incorporating elements such as an outdoor bar, built-in grill station, or wood-fired pizza oven can expand the functional ways the space is used, while still maintaining cohesion with the overall design language.
Ultimately, the most successful outdoor entertaining areas feel as though they’ve always belonged—organically connected to both the architecture of the home and the natural beauty of the surroundings. They are not merely spaces for hosting, but environments for living well—where comfort meets elegance, and every gathering becomes an experience.