Whether your home sits upon an expansive waterfront lot or offers just a taste of the outdoors via a sky-high terrace, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a bit of fresh air, so long as you’re doing it in style. Outdoor spaces represent an extension of a residence’s interior and a homeowner’s personal aesthetic, and as such they should be approached with just as much care and attention to detail. What do you envision for the ideal sanctuary in the sun? Regardless of size, the opportunities are nearly endless—from a cozy gathering spot with an electric fireplace or fire pit to a water-lover’s paradise with an infnity pool or elements like a fountain and a soaking tub. Furniture pieces for alfresco dining and lounging are a must, while manicured landscaping with the perfect plants sets the overall tone. Here, experts offer their tips for designing your own great outdoors

Landscape architects Steve Shapiro and Blair Didway planted tall evergreens around the perimeter of the back garden of a 1941 Colonial Revival in Portland, Oregon, to ensure privacy. Their other choices veer toward the formal side, echoing the classic lines of the home. The fireplace from Stone Sculptures renders an idyllic spot for the owners and their guests to gather. Jennifer Leonard of Nifelle Design custom-designed the furnishings by the fireplace, made by Terra Furniture.

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