Common Types of Outdoor Space Upgrades
Great Lakes Landscape Design November 26, 2025
Great Lakes Landscape Design November 26, 2025
When it comes to your outdoor living space, the possibilities are truly endless, which means you can create a backyard that is uniquely yours, one that perfectly matches your aesthetic preferences and supports your lifestyle habits.
But with so many options, where do you start? If you’re planning for a backyard makeover, you should consider these highly popular and valuable upgrades that consistently delight homeowners and add significant appeal to any property.
A patio is often the centerpiece of a backyard design and creates a defined area for everything from a dining table and lounge chairs to a fire pit. The beauty of a patio installation lies in its versatility. It can be crafted from a wide array of materials, including classic flagstone, modern concrete pavers, rustic brick, or elegant stamped concrete. The shape and size of the construction can also be customized to fit any yard. The end result is a stunning outdoor living space that increases property value while being incredibly low maintenance.
For the homeowner who loves to host, an outdoor kitchen is the pinnacle of backyard upgrades. This feature can range from a simple, built-in grill station with a bit of counter space to a fully-equipped kitchen with sinks, mini-fridges, dedicated burners, pizza ovens, and ample storage. No matter what you have in mind, you can trust that the outdoor kitchen will help your backyard become the primary gathering spot for family and friends. Add a bar area or dining table nearby, and you’re all set to cook and socialize simultaneously.
A pergola is a brilliant architectural addition that adds definition and privacy to an outdoor area without completely blocking the sky. It can be built over a patio, deck, or walkway to filter the harsh afternoon sun while still feeling open and airy. You can even choose to hang string lights, outdoor fans, or climbing vines like wisteria or clematis on the structure for added depth and beauty.
Adding a fire pit or a more formal outdoor fireplace creates a natural, cozy gathering spot where family and friends can chat, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the outdoors, even on cooler evenings. This single outdoor space upgrade can extend the usability of your patio or deck well into the spring and fall.
Landscape lighting is an upgrade that is often overlooked but has a transformative impact. For example, the right lighting design adds a dramatic effect to your yard at night. You can use uplighting to highlight the beautiful texture of a mature tree, wash lighting to showcase your home’s facade, or path lighting to create a welcoming glow. No matter which option you choose, you can rest assured that the lights will allow you to enjoy your landscape from dusk to dawn.
Never underestimate the power of plants. Softscaping (the living elements of your landscape design) is what brings everything together and can include a mix of perennial and annual flowers for seasonal color, shrubs for structure, and trees for shade and privacy. You might also consider a dedicated vegetable garden for a farm-to-table experience or a pollinator garden to attract butterflies and bees.
Professional landscape designers can help you choose plants suited to your soil type, sun exposure, and aesthetic goals and ensure your garden thrives year after year.
While the numerous possibilities for enhancing your outdoor living space allow for wonderful creativity, they can also be incredibly overwhelming. Instead of asking yourself when you’ll invest in an upgrade, you’ll be left wondering whether you should build a patio or deck, what types of plants you should include in your landscape, and if installing a pergola could help you achieve the aesthetics you desire.
Thankfully, our landscape designers are here to break down the process for you. Whether you have a specific vision in mind or just have a general idea of how you want your space to feel, we can help you craft a space you’ll be proud to show off and use for years to come.
Get started planning your outdoor living space by contacting Great Lakes Landscape Design in Oak Park, MI. We look forward to showing you all the viable upgrades for your property.
