Elevated Backyard Ideas: Design Inspiration Gallery

It’s easy to search for backyard ideas. It’s hard to find ones you love. Because most backyard design inspiration online doesn’t offer the one simple thing you need — personal customization.

We’ve transformed over 20,000 backyards into premium outdoor living spaces. We create seamless designs that create cohesive indoor/outdoor spaces, using hand-crafted materials made to match your property’s existing style.

This is your guide to truly elevated backyard ideas. Because if you’re going to spend the money on a custom outdoor space, then make it an investment you’ll love for decades.

• How do you turn a backyard idea into reality? Focus on outdoor living design, blend style with function, and have a deep understanding of local climate, weather and soil.
• Elevate backyard spaces with seamless design. Use premium materials that flow throughout the space, and tie your concepts into your existing home’s architectural style.
• Get inspired by our past outdoor project gallery. See examples of elevated backyard designs with patios, pergolas, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, pools and more.

5 Elements of a Truly Elevated Premium Backyard Idea

You’re looking for the inspiration to turn your backyard idea into the outdoor living space of your dreams. But what truly elevates your backyard into the perfect outdoor retreat?

No matter your home’s aesthetic or personal taste, there are 5 key things that every homeowner should value when building or renovating their backyard space.

Focus on Outdoor Living Design

You want more than a patch of grass and an old deck. You want a place that feels just as much like “home” as the inside of your house.

Outdoor living design achieves just that, with functional and comfortable design concepts that “extends your interior space outside”. Dedicate specific outdoor spaces to aspects of your everyday life — an outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, lounge and entertainment areas, whatever fits your lifestyle.

Effective outdoor living designers do more than provide premium materials and stylish choices. They have the knowledge and experience to account for local weather, sun exposure, privacy, and your own personal design preferences.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Your definition of “fun” is personal — for some, it’s sitting on a cozy chair in the shade with a good book. For others, it’s a block party at your poolside outdoor bar and grill.

Make sure your backyard design concept reflects your entertainment style. Are you an outdoor chef and bartender, a casual entertainer, or calm and cozy?

Work with your outdoor living designer to dream up a backyard that provides dedicated space for what makes you happy.

Functionality and Practicality

You want a garden bed, landscaping, an inground pool, covered pergola, putting green — but does it all make sense in the space you have (and with the design of your home)?

Your outdoor living area has to be functional as well as beautiful. Walk in without a plan, and it’s a recipe for a cluttered yard where clashing elements bump into one another. 

Don’t end up grilling steak with one foot in the swimming pool! Consult an outdoor living specialist to create defined spaces for each of your desired features.

Local Climate and Soil Considerations

Outdoor construction and renovation requires a deep understanding of the local climate, weather patterns and soil.

Here are a few specific examples of local considerations we take for our clients:

• We take extra precautions when curing concrete overlays for Houston homeowners, to account for high humidity off the Gulf Coast.
• Our contractors know how to build sturdy pool decks on the expansive clay soil in Dallas, which shifts and settles with each heavy rainfall.
• The sloped properties in Austin’s Hill Country often require expert installation of retaining walls, terraces, and advanced drainage solutions.

Property Value

Ultimately, your backyard living area should increase your property value. We know you’re going to enjoy your space for decades to come — even so, your investment should reap financial rewards. 

Rate of return varies by location — for example, homes in warmer climates tend to see greater property value increases with a premium outdoor living space. But here are some general estimates for property value increase:

• Mature, well manicured landscaping adds 5-15% to overall property value
• Custom patios and hardscaping improve property value by 8-10%.

Overall, outdoor living areas increase property value by an average of 10-20%.

Elevated Backyard Ideas: Project Photo Gallery

We’ve helped over 20,000 homeowners achieve the outdoor space of their dreams. Now, it’s your turn.

Draw inspiration for your backyard idea from this gallery of past Allied Outdoor Solutions outdoor living projects. We’ve included designs that feature covered patios, pool decks, pergolas, inground swimming pools, hot tubs, fire features and even putting greens.

Want more design examples? Visit our Before & After gallery to see some amazing outdoor transformations.

Cozy and Cohesive

Every element of this premium backyard space flows together. Our outdoor living designers placed every detail thoughtfully to create a seamless path from patio to pool deck to outdoor dining and lounge areas.

Textures, colors and patterns are matched everywhere you look. The natural stone fire pit pairs with the stone hot tub and rear wall of the home. Seating cushions and umbrellas reflect the property fence. And the clean, straight lines of the gable patio cover are seen in the outdoor kitchen, bar island and large exterior home windows.

The whole design is tied together by light, dependable Carvestone that extends from the back door throughout the entire patio and pool deck.

Waterside Escape

The showcase of this Texas outdoor space is the infinity pool that seems to extend out to the riverbank. It’s surrounded by smartly placed circular design features — the stone fire pit and landscape planting bed areas.

The space uses natural elements to create borders and stability. The Carvestone pool deck is styled to mimic natural stone. Large garden areas with bushes and shrubs create extra privacy. 

And there’s enough lawn space left to provide a clear boundary between the pool and boat slips on the river.

Seamless Entertainment

Look carefully on the left, and you’ll notice a lush extended putting green surface. It’s part of the overall commitment this homeowner made to a vibrant outdoor entertainment space for their family and guests.

The fun begins in the center of the home, where a true indoor/outdoor living room offers room for food, games and conversation. Step out onto the pool deck, where there’s ample seating in lounge chairs, tables and pool chairs (even two at the pool’s edge itself).

The design is amplified with twin fire features, a raised hot tub, and outdoor bar and cabinet space.

Tranquil Hillside

We used this property’s breathtaking view to its advantage. Every square foot of this outdoor space provides an opportunity to take in the gorgeous hillside scenery — especially from the pool, hot tub and outdoor dining table.

Cream and blue colors define the space. The large, light tan Carvestone pool deck allows the rich blues of water and plateware to shine. There’s plenty of seating on either side of the pool, whether it’s cozy deck chairs or a chance for outdoor lunch and dinner.

Elemental Spa

Transform your backyard into an elemental spa, where water and custom fire features combine for dramatic effect — especially at sunset (as seen here). The twin torch elements and hand-crafted curved fire pit create a luxurious border around the inground pool.

Unique features are everywhere in this design. The stone rain curtain drips directly into the pool. There’s a large shade umbrella at poolside, mirrored by one that’s embedded in the pool itself over bubbler features.

Sturdy faux brick concrete pool decking material provides stability to this audacious design.

Backyard Retreat

Every square inch of this Texas backyard is utilized — there’s a ton of amenities packed in here, none of which seem overwhelming. This design is a great example of how an expert outdoor living designer can maximize your space without cluttering it.

Cohesive hand-crafted artisanal concrete extends from under the gable patio cover directly to poolside. Enjoy a swim, then dry off at the large seating area at the edge of the pool deck. There’s still plenty of space to play on the lawn or enjoy the garden bed and landscaping.

Aesthetic Terrace

This backyard idea comes alive in the afternoon, as family and guests practice their putting on the golf green that snakes throughout the space. Carvestone patio decking extends from the house down a flight of stairs and throughout the golfing area.

A set of Adirondack chairs provides rustic, comfortable seating around a statement custom fire pit. This elevated fire feature is surrounded by hand-cut natural stone to light up the night.

The circular fire pit’s shape and texture are mirrored in the background.

Classic Comfort

Comfort is king in this backyard design idea. A set of premium outdoor swivel chairs surrounded a handcrafted square fire pit. In the background, another set of premium chairs faces an outdoor entertainment center with TV and storage amenities.

The covered patio feels like a true outdoor living room. The ceiling features recessed lighting fixtures and twin ceiling fans for hot summer nights. And if those nights get too hot, cool off in the swimming pool.

Rounded archways off the patio mirror the shape and size of the home’s rear windows.

Transitional Structure

Clean lines and clear borders define this backyard space. The unique shape and style of the inground pool make its slim dimensions seem larger and more luxurious.

Evenly placed hardscaping squares add a unique look to the yard space. They’re a focus of interest and conversation for guests relaxing on cushioned deck chairs.

The natural stone border walls in the background outline garden beds and landscaping spaces.

Serene and Comfortable

This homeowner truly optimized their outdoor space with a focus on comfortable serenity. The unique custom fire pit is designed to match the rich woodsy red of its Adirondack chairs. It all rests on a circle of durable Carvestone, which extends around the pool to the patio.

The rich red of the fire pit also matches the brick home style and the far border wall. It pairs beautifully with the white painted home features, including the second floor deck off the master bedroom.

Turn Backyard Ideas Into Dream Outdoor Living Spaces

Any backyard idea can be elevated to premium status — no matter the size of your yard, or the age or style of your home. All it takes is a thoughtful, expert outdoor living designer who invests their time, care and focus in your property’s full potential.

That’s why Allied Outdoor Solutions provides an outdoor living desig dedicated Construction Coordinator and Construction Supervisor to your outdoor construction or renovation project. You deserve a partner with the knowledge, craftsmanship and attention to detail to make your backyard a space you’ll truly love for decades.

Love what you saw in this design inspiration gallery? Talk to our outdoor living experts about the backyard space of your dreams — and let’s make them real.