How to Use Your Outdoor Space in Every Season: Design Tips from the HGTV® Dream Home 2023

Let's take a closer look at Brian Patrick Flynn's stunning design and see how he crafted a relaxed, yet refined outdoor space ready for every season.

Spring & Summer Outdoor Design Tips

Homeowners tend to use their outdoor spaces the most in the spring and summer months. Flynn incorporated a variety of elements into the design of the HGTV® Dream Home 2023 to bring purpose to the outdoor space and beat the heat.

Weather-resistant Decking

To start, Flynn opted for a durable, low-maintenance, and heat-mitigating composite decking board from Trex. Ideal for al fresco dining, outdoor yoga, and soaking up the sunshine, this innovative decking won't splinter, fade or stain under the intense western sun.

Cozy Seating

Flynn chose to enhance the deck with ample seating. By selecting furniture with both comfort and durability in mind, he extended the living space of this year's HGTV® Dream Home across the threshold. To take this outdoor space over the top, Flynn accented the space with two inviting day beds, perfect for an afternoon nap or stargazing at night.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen makes the perfect addition to any backyard barbeque. Not only does this kitchen come fully stocked for all your outdoor dining needs, but it is also located under a covered roof to protect your guests and burgers from any unexpected storms.

Shady Spaces

Incorporating shade into a deck design is crucial if you want to enjoy your deck in warm weather. From the roof covering a portion of the deck to a covered outdoor kitchen to the contemporary pergola, Flynn used a variety of elements to create shady respites throughout the yard.

Fall & Winter Outdoor Design Ideas

Deck enjoyment doesn’t have to be limited to spring and summer. They’re a great way to take in the beauty of fall and winter months, too. Flynn enhanced the outdoor living experience during colder weather with a few thoughtful features.

Exterior Lighting

As the days get shorter, lighting is essential to creating a liveable space in the fall and winter months. Flynn incorporated lighting into the deck design, creating an effortless solution. Recessed deck lights installed into the deck boards add wayfinding to the space. Aluminum post cap lights enhance the subtle glow of the recessed lights. These illuminated post caps fit seamlessly with the Trex Signature® Rod Rail used on this year's HGTV® Dream Home. To complete the space, Flynn adorned the cladding wall with design-forward sconces.

Fire Features

Heating is another key element required to extend the use of your outdoor space year-round. No one wants to sit outside in the crisp winter air for too long without a consistent source of heat. Enter the fire pit. On the patio of this year’s HGTV® Dream Home, Flynn added a fire pit to keep friends and family warm outdoors. A fireplace, fire table, or outdoor heater would also be a great alternative.