Spring Into Outdoor Living

As spring arrives in earnest, April invites us to turn our attention outside — beyond the walls that surrounded us in winter. It’s time to look forward to sunny afternoons on the patio, dinners on the deck and evenings gathered with family and friends under the open sky. So start thinking about how your outdoor spaces can work harder for you, turning everyday moments into something special.

Homeowners and prospective buyers are placing more value than ever on these spaces. In a national survey, 75% of home buyers reported they’d prioritize homes that have outdoor living spaces over those without, highlighting how outdoor projects enhance both lifestyle and property values.

With thoughtful upgrades — whether a full backyard transformation or well-chosen improvements — your outdoor areas can become a place to relax, entertain and invest in your home at the same time. Read on for inspiration from local experts to help you create your outdoor oasis.

Outdoor Living

Today’s homes are increasingly blurring the line between indoors and out, transforming patios, decks and backyards into stylish, functional extensions of the home. A well-designed outdoor living space can be both a place to reconnect with nature as well as an investment in your home. In fact, Realtor.com found that indoor-outdoor spaces were the second fastest-growing home trend of 2025, with a 163% increase in listing mentions and a median listing price of $859,000 — evidence that buyers place a premium on homes that embrace outdoor living.

“Upgrading your outdoor spaces creates the perfect blend of enjoyment and long-term value. Beautiful patios, decks, gardens and pools extend your living area, offering a place to relax, entertain and create lasting memories,” said Dewson Construction’s John McMahon. “At the same time, well-executed improvements boost curb appeal and strengthen property value, making every upgrade a smart investment in both lifestyle and your home’s future. Simply put, thoughtful outdoor improvements deliver both immediate enjoyment and measurable long-term equity.”

In Landenberg, Dewson Construction created a backyard oasis that combines everyday pleasure with lasting value. Terraced flagstone on both the patios and the pool deck unifies the outdoor spaces, and a timber-framed pool cabana provides interior and exterior living areas, indoor-outdoor eating areas and seasonal storage — plus shade from the sun, of course.

Consider your outdoor spaces an extension of your home — a setting where daily rituals, from cooking and dining to relaxing with family and friends, unfold in the open air. “We believe exceptional outdoor living should feel like a natural extension of the home, not an afterthought,” said Bob McComsey of McComsey Builders. “The result is more than a backyard. It’s a refined outdoor oasis that enhances lifestyle today, while strengthening long-term property value,” McComsey said.

A McComsey-built waterfront retreat at a home in Cecil County, Maryland is a perfect example. The custom pool and expansive paver terrace invite relaxation and entertainment, while the fully furnished covered living area beneath the home includes an outdoor kitchen, bar seating, dining space and comfortable lounge areas. Architectural details — warm wood ceilings, arched openings, thoughtful lighting — add both character and year-round comfort.

“We love encouraging clients to extend their living space outdoors, creating dedicated areas for hosting, relaxing and spending quality time together,” added Seth Windle of Windle Design & Construction. “Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces are a worthwhile investment — they not only elevate everyday living but also add long-term value to the home while making room for meaningful moments with family and friends.”

At a West Chester home, Windle Design & Construction created a dream outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining as part of a comprehensive first-floor renovation. They added a covered porch with an outdoor fireplace, a dedicated outdoor bar, plus a custom pool featuring a tanning deck, in-pool table and bar seating — creating a seamless transition between outdoor and indoor living.

Pools & Pool Houses

For many of us, the ultimate outdoor luxury is a pool, especially when paired with a stylish, well-appointed pool house. Imagine long afternoons spent swimming and sunbathing, then retreating to a shaded space outfitted with a kitchen, bath or even a full living space for effortless entertaining. Plus, Realtor.com reports that homes with a pool carry a 54% higher median list price than those without, making your backyard oasis a smart investment as well as a warm-weather escape.

A custom designed pool, complete with special features like waterfalls, tanning ledges and integrated spas, can turn your backyard into an at-home resort. At a property in New London, DiSabatino Inc. created a striking pool that’s the perfect backdrop for a serene outdoor oasis. A raised stone water wall with warm, textured masonry anchors the space, while sculptural glass spheres atop sleek basins shimmer in the sun and reflect the cascading waterfalls.

“Together, these elements transform the pool into a living focal point — equal parts art installation and tranquil retreat,” said DiSabatino’s Maura Slovin. An outdoor living area and kitchen underneath a black steel pavilion add functional spaces for relaxing and entertaining by the water.

But while the pool may be the centerpiece, a luxurious pool house can elevate the entire outdoor space — adding both everyday livability and long-term value to your home. For a client with a large family and well-loved dogs, Ranieri & Kerns reimagined a Haverford home’s backyard. “An existing pool and modest pool house set the stage, but their vision called for something more expansive: layered outdoor living and a fully reimagined, year-round pool house designed for every season,” said Thorne “Greg” Ranieri.

“This project was designed and built to endure — an investment meant to serve year after year and more,” said Andrew Kerns. New hardscaping frames the fully renovated marble pool deck and restored pool. The pool house was thoughtfully designed as a four-season structure, with a full kitchen, full bath, open living and dining spaces, and dual fireplaces to anchor both indoor and outdoor living spaces.

More Projects

Not every outdoor upgrade requires a major renovation. A well-chosen project or two can quickly enhance how your home looks, feels and functions — while also adding lasting value. From refreshed landscaping to architectural accents and cozy gathering spots, smaller improvements can make a big impact on how you enjoy your outdoor spaces.

One of the simplest ways to elevate both the beauty and value of your home is through landscaping. Planting shade trees and gardens, adding stone paths or installing outdoor lighting can boost curb appeal while creating your own personal sanctuary. The payoff can be significant, too. According to the National Association of Realtors, landscaping upgrades can deliver up to a 100% return on investment, making them one of the smartest home improvement projects you can do. Best of all, the transformation is immediate — no lengthy construction timeline required.

If you’re looking to add structure and style, pergolas and gazebos are other appealing options. These architectural features create welcoming spots to gather, dine or simply relax in the shade. A pergola, with its open-beam roof and airy structure, is perfect for defining a patio or deck and can be enhanced with flowering vines, retractable canopies or outdoor lighting. Gazebos, typically freestanding and roofed, offer more protection from sun and rain, making them ideal for gardens or backyard retreats.

For an upgrade you can enjoy all year round, consider adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. “Fire is primal — it anchors us to the present moment and provides a refuge from the noise beyond the fence line. A beautifully designed outdoor fireplace transforms a backyard into a year-round living room, offering a rare balance of personal comfort and lasting property value,” said Patrick Ryan of The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts. “For my own family, our fire pit keeps us outside long into the night. There’s truly nothing better than sharing s’mores and conversation in the warmth of your own backyard.”

Ultimately, the best outdoor spaces are the ones that invite you to slow down and savor the season. Whether it’s a fully realized backyard retreat with a pool and pool house or a simple gathering spot around a fire pit, thoughtful improvements can transform your yard into a place where everyday life feels a little more special.

As the days grow longer and warmer, there’s no better time to step outside, imagine the possibilities and create an outdoor space that brings beauty, enjoyment and lasting value to your home.