July turns up the heat on everything: grill flames, guest lists, and good times. Your backyard becomes the social epicenter, where holiday blowouts and casual hangouts blend into one long, lingering celebration. It’s the perfect time to develop outdoor living space design tips from experts.

At BuildLabs, we believe great outdoor spaces should work as beautifully as they look, especially when you’re entertaining a crowd. 

How to Design an Outdoor Living Space - Best Tips

This guide breaks down how we approach outdoor living design to make sure your summer gatherings feel seamless, stylish, and stress-free.

Flow First

Every great event starts with a plan, and so does every great outdoor space.

A smart layout guides guests naturally from one zone to the next: cooking, dining, lounging, and play. Avoid bottlenecks by creating clear paths and defined areas using landscaping, pavers, and material changes. The goal is space that feels open but purposeful.

‍Design around a few key focal points – a fire pit, water feature, or even an epic view – to anchor the layout and orient furniture. When flow is right, guests know where to go, how to linger, and when to stay just a little longer.

Explore the full article: How to Create a Functional and Beautiful Outdoor Living Space