Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling
Your backyard should feel like a natural extension of your home—both stylish and functional—creating the ideal setting for relaxation and entertaining. From chic multi-seasonal rooms to statement-making outdoor kitchens, here are seven trending ways to transform your space and add lasting value to your home, with examples of recent local projects completed by the Advance Design Studio team.
1. Screened Porch Addition
A screened porch is a fantastic addition to any home, offering the perfect blend of outdoor enjoyment and indoor comfort. It allows you to experience fresh air and scenic views without the hassle of bugs, pests, leaves, or harsh weather elements. Screened porches provide shade and protection from the sun, making them an ideal retreat during hot summer months. Whether used for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or entertaining guests, a screened porch enhances your home’s livability while adding value and charm. By including fans, heaters, or fireplaces in your design, you can use your screened porch for multiple seasons.
2. Outdoor Kitchen
To maximize warm weather and extend your entertaining space, consider adding an outdoor kitchen with weather-safe cabinetry to add counter/storage space for your grill area. Having a dedicated outdoor kitchen will provide an amazing outdoor oasis for cooking and grilling. Wet bars and entertainment centers can be included as well for additional entertainment space. This outdoor cabinetry is part of a beautiful covered outdoor kitchen we completed for a family in St. Charles.
3. 3-Season Room Addition
If you’re looking for something a bit more weather-adaptive but still want the option for screens, a 3-season room is a fantastic solution. These versatile rooms utilize sliding sash windows with screens that help transition from spring, summer, and late fall weather. They also protect from bugs, pests, leaves, and direct sunlight. These spaces are highly customizable depending on how you wish to use the space. Fans, heaters, fireplaces, heated floors, or ambient lighting are often designed in 3-season rooms to keep the space comfortable for family, friends, and even pets to enjoy for longer throughout the year.
4. 4-Season Room Addition
A 4-season room is a fully enclosed, insulated, and climate-controlled space designed for year-round use, regardless of weather conditions. Unlike a 3-season room, a 4-season room is fully enclosed with glass or solid walls and is typically integrated with your home’s HVAC or regulated with a mini-split. These rooms are a true extension of your home’s footprint and often feature large windows or skylights to flood the room with natural light. This Hawthorn Woods 4-season room was designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home but feel more connected to the outdoors with large windows and access to the patio.
5. Covered Patio or Deck
If you’re looking to extend your living space outdoors without screens or windows, a roof extension or pergola with custom millwork details may be the best fit for you. Pergolas offer partial sun protection and are highly customizable in shape and material. A covered porch provides full sun protection and can double as an outdoor mudroom whether it is located at the front or back of your home. Patios can be built with a variety of materials, including pavers, concrete, natural stone, brick, gravel, tile, or stamped concrete. Each of these materials has pros and cons depending on where you live and what you need your patio for, and price ranges will vary depending on the amount needed, quality of material, and availability.
6. Landscape Redesign
Thoughtfully designed landscaping enhances curb appeal, increases property value, and adds natural texture, depth, and color to your home’s exterior. Consider investing in lush garden beds, strategically placed trees for shade and privacy, and a well-manicured lawn. Adding stone walkways or retaining walls can further define spaces and improve usability. Elements like outdoor lighting, built-in speakers, and water features allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces in the evening. If you want to elevate your landscaping or redesign your yard around your new porch or deck, we recommend our friends at Schmechtig Landscapes.
7. Deck Addition
Adding a deck to your property is a great solution for additional outdoor seating space and can be customized in size, shape, and material. Decks can be built to match your home’s elevation and designed in tandem with covered porches, pergolas, or screened porches.
8. Outdoor Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace adds a cozy focal point to your outdoor living space and keeps your patio enjoyable even on cooler evenings. It creates a natural gathering spot for entertaining, roasting marshmallows, or simply unwinding. Whether built from stone, brick, or modern materials, it enhances both comfort and style while providing a timeless, inviting atmosphere.
9. Exterior Refreshes
Elevating your home’s outdoor potential includes the appearance of your home itself. This includes lighting, siding, doors, windows, and decor. The exterior of your home deserves attention, especially if you’re looking to elevate the value of your home through stunning curb appeal. Our exterior remodel in Lake Zurich gave this home a modern update from top to bottom, and we would love to help you transform your home’s exterior too!
Our team can help you create the outdoor living oasis your home has been missing. Our design team works with you to determine the best size, scope, and materials to complement the aesthetic of your home, available yard space, and hosting goals. From design and material selections to permitting and construction, we handle it all with our Common Sense Remodeling approach. We’ll take care of the details, and soon enough you’ll have an elevated outdoor living space to enjoy for many years to come. Schedule your complimentary consultation now to get started and achieve your outdoor oasis.