Photos by Spacecrafting/Rob Grosse & Michael Green
Hosting your family and friends in high style is about far more than just sitting among good company; it’s about fashioning an outdoor oasis that enhances the overall experience, making every gathering feel like the party of the year. Beyond the mouthwatering smell of burgers on the grill and shouts of “cannonball!” above the water, thoughtful outdoor design ups the ante. Whether it’s a pool that catches just the right sliver of sunshine, an intimate fire pit for late-night laughs, or an outdoor kitchen that keeps the host submersed in the action, the right setup—with the right amenities—makes all the difference.
Landscape designers like Clayton Johnson of Yardscapes bring these spaces to fruition. For an Edina client who wanted areas to gather, lounge, swim, and relax, Johnson designed a rear tupelo stone terrace that overlooks a 20-by-40-foot pool with a sun deck for chaise lounge chairs—perfect for post-swim sunbathing. But while pools are a common backyard feature, their placement can often be overlooked.
“It’s important to take into account sight lines from the house, as well as the sun angle,” Johnson advises. “In some instances, designing the pool on axis view lines with the house works really well, but other times, designing [it] to have reduced visibility from the house is a better solution due to the pool being unusable for a number of months.”
Farther south, Becca Bastyr, senior landscape designer at Mom’s Design Build, created an outdoor retreat with a circular hanging bed, seating area around a concrete gas fire pit, and open space for kids to run and play in a Lakeville backyard. “The clients wanted to be able to enjoy [the yard] as a family or have big parties, so it needed to feel welcoming for groups of people but also intimate and not out of scale,” explains Bastyr, who says the design includes dedicated areas for dining, lounging, swimming, and games—giving kids and adults their own spaces while keeping everyone connected.
With summer temperatures, she stresses the importance of shade. “People like to sit outside, but they don’t always like to sit in the sun,” she says. “I like to accommodate the sun lovers and the shade lovers.” She also suggests placing relaxation spaces close to the home, with recreational areas farther out. “You would be surprised how often people want a patio or outdoor kitchen removed from the home and then never use it.”
Speaking of, Heather Sweeney, another senior landscape designer at Mom’s Design Build, recently crafted an outdoor dining area for local interior designer Bria Hammel. This specific project features a lattice panel backdrop that “acts as a fun detail” but also “functions to hide utilities and hoses,” Sweeney says. It also allows Hammel to host family and friends outdoors without the need to run multiple trips inside and out. A grill on the back bar promises convenience when cooking, while an open countertop makes grabbing fresh-cut watermelon and ice-cold lemonade convenient for all.
Finally, Sweeney suggests prioritizing a dedicated area for trash, opting for easy-to-clean countertops, and avoiding dark surfaces because “they can get hot in full sun, and they tend to show a lot of dirt.”
The Poolside Edit
Stylish picks to make every pool day feel like a resort getaway
Pack It Up
Carry everything you need for a day by the water in a durable, washable Bogg Bag—a viral sensation for good reason. Available in nearly 80 colors and patterns, including solids and shimmer finishes, these roomy totes come in three sizes—the largest of which easily fits five pool towels. $55-$90, boggbag.com
Float Away
Designed for lounging and fun, this handmade floral pouf float is filled with eco-friendly polystyrene beads, making it as sustainable as it is stylish. Crafted from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber, it’s durable, comfortable, and fade-resistant. Available in two sizes and three summery hues. $530-$1,200, shopbotanik.com
Plush & Playful
Dry off in style with the Cabana Stripe Beach Towel, woven from Turkish cotton using an advanced spinning technique for superior absorbency. Quick-drying and plush, the towels are available in more than a dozen playful colorways, with optional embroidered personalization. $219/set of four, markandgraham.com
