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Transform Your Backyard into the Ultimate Entertainment Oasis

Updated: 4 days ago

From a Great Design to Accessorizing Your Space- Everything You Need to Know


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A question I get asked a lot is, how do you create the perfect backyard for outdoor entertaining? What would you recommend I include in my space?


Over the course of my 30+ years in the landscaping industry, I've learned that a great backyard entertainment space isn't just about throwing in a grill and a couple chairs. It's about creating a personalized space that flows naturally and keeps you and your guests comfortable, even when the temperature is a little cool and especially when that thermometer hits those triple digits.


Poolside with lounge chairs, a grill under a pergola, and a lake with fountains. Sunny, with modern houses in the background. Relaxed vibe.
Outdoor kitchen with modern counter seating overlooking the pool.

So when a client wants to know my recommendations, the primary question I start asking is how do you envision yourself using the space?


Do you intend to have large family gatherings and meals outdoors or will this space be primarily for your immediate family? Do you want to incorporate fun activities like swimming, outdoor lawn games, and a comfy area to lounge around a Monday night football game or do you prefer more of the intimate dinner party vibe? Who will be enjoying this backyard oasis, children and/or grandchildren or primarily adults?


After working with thousands of clients over the years, I've designed just about every type of outdoor entertainment space you can imagine. I've learned what works really well and in some cases, what doesn't.


In this guide, I'll discuss what I believe are some of the most important aspects to consider to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertainment space.


Transforming your Backyard Starts with a Great Design - Zones That Make Sense And Keep Your Guests Comfortable


In designing spaces for outdoor entertaining, one of the biggest game-changers I've discovered is space zoning. You might think it's as simple as putting the dining area near the BBQ, but there's so much more to consider. Nobody wants to have a heart-to-heart while getting blasted with grill smoke and heat. When I design outdoor entertaining spaces, I like to think in terms of zones.


Here's what I've found works best:


Cooking Zone — Whether your design includes a BBQ grill, pizza oven, smoker, or all of the above, try to keep a little space between the cooking station and your main seating area, but still have it located in a place convenient enough for easy access to the inside kitchen. This gives the cook enough space to move freely and work while allowing guests to chat without getting smoked out. For more of my ideas on designing the perfect outdoor kitchen, check out my full guide here.


Outdoor patio with beige chairs around a stone fireplace. Fire glows warmly. Plants and mountain view in background. Calm, cozy atmosphere.
Outdoor kitchen with bar seating close up.

Dining Area — Depending on how you intend to use your space, this could be a small bistro table and chairs to enjoy morning coffee and breakfast or a wide open gathering place to incorporate multiple tables for big dinner parties and holiday feasts. When planning your dining area or areas, be sure to consider shade needs as well so your guests are comfortable any time of day. For more on some great shade structure recommendations, take a look at my shade solutions article.

David's Two Cents: I get asked all the time whether a pergola or a ramada makes more sense over a dining area. My honest answer is it depends on when you actually use the space. If you're out there for sunset dinners and want that dappled light look, a pergola is beautiful. But if you're hosting midday summer birthday parties, a ramada's solid roof is going to keep your guests a lot more comfortable. I break down the real differences, including cost, in this article.

Lounging Area — The design of your backyard will determine what type of lounging works best and if you are able to incorporate multiple areas. If you have a pool for example, you'll definitely want to think about lounge areas nearby for sunning or drying off. If you plan to have a fireplace or fire pit, you may like to have both built-in bench seating and portable comfy patio chairs for when guests get too hot or cold and want to move closer or further away. If your lounge area looks more like an outdoor family room with a built-in TV and sound system, you'll probably opt for some really comfy outdoor sofas. Don't forget to include a nice side table or coffee table in this area so your guests have a place to hold their appetizers or place cool summer drinks.


Poolside lounging furniture. Photo courtesy of ARMLS. Landscaping courtesy of Oasis Green, Llc.
Poolside lounge area with travertine decking and turf accents

Entertainment Zone — The possibilities here are endless! How do you envision yourself and your family or guests using this area? Do you want a flex space that can be used for a variety of activities like lawn games and nerf gun wars or do you see yourself needing more dedicated places built like a basketball court, pickleball court, or in-ground trampoline? Do you need to have a large covered area to sit and watch the big game or would a TV mounted overhead under the patio be sufficient? This is where a great design can come in really handy so you are utilizing your yard in the best ways possible.


At my own home for example, I have dedicated cooking, dining, and lounging zones but then I've made an area that can be used for a variety of purposes. I installed a basketball hoop in such a way that it can be swiveled around for two different playing surfaces. The bonus is that when my wife wants to take the space over to host a large gathering and needs a place for several tables and chairs, the basketball hoop can be removed completely and stored away.


Whatever you decide, the most important thing to remember when designing the different zones of your outdoor living space is that it's well thought out so you can enjoy your space for many years to come.


Adding in the Finishing Touches — Considerations When Accessorizing Your Yard


So you've come up with a great layout and design for your yard, maybe even started the construction and installation of your patio, outdoor kitchen, or shade structures.


If you haven't already thought about the finishing touches, now's the time! Believe me, the right blend of accessories can make all the difference in transforming your yard into a comfortable and inviting outdoor oasis. I like to tell my clients that when done properly, you can make the outdoors feel just like an extension of your inside space.


There are so many great ways to add warmth, ambiance, and style to your outdoors. I've listed just a couple of my favorites for you to consider:


Lighting — If you do not already have sufficient lighting in place, this is a must to consider. Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and ensuring your space remains usable after sunset. Blending task, ambient, and accent lighting creates an ideal setting for any occasion. Clients are always amazed how much more they use their outdoors for entertaining after I've installed a lighting package than they did before the lights.


Outdoor patio with marble island, grill, and seating. Party lights hang above, creating a cozy evening vibe. Walls have climbing plants. Landscaping and design courtesy of Oasis Green, Llc.
Outdoor kitchen and lounge area.

Pottery — There are so many gorgeous ceramic or composite pots and planters to choose from in a variety of colors and styles. They can be used on the ground, or atop pillars, pony walls, or other structures. For some of my clients (including the Gilbert home pictured below), I've even added an irrigation line under the ground up into the pot so they can be watered automatically with the rest of the yard. I have several of these at my own home in both the front and backyard and we love them. They bring a pop of color to the space and my wife loves being able to use them for her seasonal flowers.



Metal Art and Sculptures — There are a variety of 2D and 3D metal art pieces that can add beauty and dimension to an outdoor space. Whether you choose something that is powder coated to maintain its color or prefer to let your metal develop a natural patina over time, these can definitely be conversation pieces.



Fountains and Other Water Features — Adding a fountain or water feature to your backyard can transform the space into a tranquil retreat. After all, who doesn't like the soothing sound of flowing water? Not only can a water feature enhance relaxation but it also creates a visually striking focal point. They can be incorporated into a pool, spa, or stand-alone structures incorporated into your design. I've built dozens of different styles over the years, some modern, some more natural looking, but with each one, they always bring elegance and a sense of calm. I've also found they are especially nice for blocking out unwanted sounds from noisy neighbors or a nearby busy road.


Custom built modern water and fire feature with stacked stone and travertine decking. For more water feature ideas see our gallery
Custom built modern water and fire feature with stacked stone and travertine decking. For more water feature ideas see our gallery

Heating and Cooling Systems for Better Temperature Control — Depending on where you live, you will probably see quite the fluctuations in temperatures throughout the year. The more that you can plan ahead and put heating and cooling systems in place, the more opportunities you will have to continue entertaining in your space year round. In Arizona it's fairly popular to have fans and misting systems installed overhead on patios but you can also buy portable systems and place them strategically around your eating or gathering spaces.


On the flip side, if your outdoor space was not designed with a fireplace or fire pit, you may enjoy adding in a ceiling or patio mounted infrared electric patio heater for the cooler months. There are also great options for portable propane heaters on wheels which we have personally enjoyed on several occasions. We had about six of these heaters placed around the dining areas for our daughter's outdoor wedding reception recently and between those and the roaring fire in the fireplace, the guests were very warm and comfortable. What my wife especially loves about these heaters is that they come with wheels for easy transport so you can store them in the garage when not in use.


Outdoor kitchen and media will with fire table and bar seating under Alumawood ramada
Outdoor kitchen and media will with fire table and bar seating under Alumawood ramada

Outdoor Media, Sound and Entertainment Systems — While outdoor TVs and sound systems aren't necessarily my forte, I have designed a lot of outdoor entertainment spaces over the years that have incorporated audio and video into them. And let me tell you, this is a trend that is definitely here to stay!


There's truly no better way to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level than when you incorporate sound and media systems. Whether your intent is just to have a place for buddies to come enjoy some smoked ribs and watch a little football or you want to add to the mood and ambiance of the evening with some jazzy background music, outdoor media areas are definitely a great way to expand your living and entertaining space.

Poolside ramada with a modern sofa and TV, set against a vibrant sunset sky. Outdoor Entertaining
Outdoor living space with a two way linear fire feature, media wall, and comfortable seating.

Outdoor Furnishings — The last thing you absolutely cannot forget is the furnishings. There are about as many options for the outdoors as there are for inside your home. In my experience, the two things you want to look out for when selecting furniture are comfort and durability. Your lounge sets, couches, and tables will take much more of a beating when they are continuously exposed to sweaty bodies, harsh sun, dust, and in Arizona, those sudden monsoon storms which seem to come out of nowhere. Selecting comfortable pieces specifically designed for the outdoors may initially seem like a big investment but believe me, after seeing the beating they get in just a summer or two, you and your guests will be glad you did.

David's Two Cents: I can't tell you how many times a client has splurged on gorgeous furniture only to have it fall apart after one Arizona summer because it wasn't actually rated for our sun and heat. My rule of thumb: if a piece looks like it belongs on a covered patio somewhere back east, ask a lot of questions before you buy it for an uncovered Phoenix backyard. Materials matter more here than almost anywhere else in the country.

It's All About Understanding How You'll Use the Space


Remember, creating the ultimate backyard entertainment zone isn't just about following a formula, it's about understanding how you'll actually use the space. I've seen gorgeous designs fail simply because they didn't match the homeowner's lifestyle. Take your time planning, think about how you really live, and don't be afraid to enlist the help of professionals.


My passion lies in designing and building spectacular outdoor entertainment spaces for my clients, so if you're in the Phoenix area and you're ready to work with someone to create that outdoor oasis you've always been dreaming of, click the link below to set up a free consultation with me.


I also understand that selecting the perfect furniture pieces, textiles, pottery, and outdoor art can feel overwhelming. That's why I've partnered with some of Arizona's finest design professionals to ensure your space reaches its full potential. For those looking for some extra design help with their outdoor (or indoor) space, I confidently recommend Design Statements to my clients.


The Design Statements team can elevate your space with their expert eye for outdoor furnishings and decor, creating spaces that perfectly blend luxury, comfort, and style. Whether you need to bounce a couple ideas off of someone or you need a full service decorating team, they are definitely worth a five minute call!


Frequently Asked Questions


How much does it cost to design a backyard entertainment space in Arizona?

It really depends on the scope, whether you're adding a full outdoor kitchen and shade structure or simply upgrading lighting and furnishings. I always recommend starting with a consultation so we can talk through your goals and priorities before putting a number to it.


Do I need a permit to add a shade structure or fireplace to my backyard?

In most East Valley cities, yes, permanent structures like ramadas, pergolas, and fireplaces typically require a permit. This is one of the reasons I recommend working with an experienced local contractor who already knows the process for your specific city.


Outdoor entertainment space with cantilever-style patio, media wall, built-in outdoor kitchen, spa, large format paver, artificial turf.
This outdoor entertainment space features an cantilever-style ramada, full kitchen with BBQ, burner, sink and wine cooler, built-in spa and large-format porcelain paver patio. The homeowners have plenty of space to furnish the area with furniture for seating and relaxing

What's the best way to keep my backyard cool for entertaining during Arizona summers?

A combination of shade structures, misting systems, and thoughtful zoning goes a long way. I also recommend scheduling gatherings around cooking, dining, and lounging zones that stay out of direct afternoon sun whenever possible.


Can I add these features in phases instead of all at once?

Absolutely, and honestly this is how most of my clients approach it. I usually recommend starting with a master plan so each phase, whether it's the patio, the kitchen, or the furnishings, works together instead of feeling like separate add-ons over time.


How do I know if my backyard has enough space for multiple zones?

You'd be surprised how much you can fit with the right layout. I've designed cooking, dining, lounging, and entertainment zones into yards of all different sizes. It's less about square footage and more about smart flow between the areas.


Now that you know how to create the perfect backyard for outdoor entertaining, I hope you'll get to planning your next gathering real soon!




✨ Get the Look


Love this backyard? One of the questions we hear most after completing a project is,

"Where did you find furniture like that?"

While every Oasis Green project is custom designed, we've rounded up furniture, lighting, décor and accessories with a similar style to those featured throughout this entertaining space.


Whether you're furnishing an existing patio or planning a complete backyard remodel, these are products we'd recommend looking at.


Entertain Around the Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen is often the heart of the backyard. Comfortable counter seating encourages guests to gather around the cook, while durable outdoor furnishings help the space stay beautiful through years of Arizona sunshine. These are a few products that capture a similar look and feel to this project. 





Relax Poolside

A great poolside retreat offers options for everyone. Whether you're stretching out in the sun, enjoying a good book in the shade, or watching the kids swim, comfortable seating and weather-resistant materials make all the difference in creating a backyard you'll actually use




Outdoor Living Room

Some of my favorite outdoor spaces feel just as inviting as the family room inside the home. Comfortable seating, layered textures, and durable fabrics create a space where people naturally want to linger long after dinner is over.


       



Cook In Style

Outdoor kitchens work best when they're designed for both function and entertaining. The right accessories not only make cooking easier, they help create a space that's comfortable enough for family dinners and large gatherings alike





Dine Under the Lights

There's something special about sharing a meal outdoors as the sun goes down. Comfortable seating, soft lighting, and thoughtful details help transform an ordinary patio into a memorable place to gather with family and friends.




Finishing Touches

It's often the finishing touches that make a backyard feel complete. Decorative planters, outdoor artwork, and carefully selected accessories add personality, soften hardscape, and help tie the entire design together.






Ready to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis?


These products can help recreate the style, but great outdoor living starts with a thoughtful design.


If you're planning a backyard remodel in the Phoenix area, we'd love to help you create a space that's tailored specifically to your family, your lifestyle, and the way you entertain.




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