5 Outdoor Spaces That Make You Want to Live Outside
From rooftop retreats to backyard sanctuaries, these six outdoor spaces redefine how we connect with nature. Each one blends comfort, design, and emotion — the kind of places that make you want to stay outside just a little longer.
Rooftop Retreat
This Santo Domingo rooftop by ANarquitectura and Laurelen González transforms a city terrace into a serene escape. Wrapped in warm wood and greenery, the design blends indoor comfort with outdoor calm, creating a private “hut in the sky” for relaxation and family time.
Small, but well organized backyard
Designed by Germinate Garden Design, this Notting Hill backyard channels Ibiza’s laid-back spirit with bold colors, organic curves, and lush greenery. A mosaic wall, outdoor kitchen, and bright pink loungers turn the compact space into a lively retreat for family gatherings and relaxed summer evenings.
A Zen Garden Retreat
In Berkeley, California, Mary Barensfeld Architecture transformed a narrow, sloping backyard into a tranquil garden inspired by Japanese design. Featuring layered terraces, a reflecting pool, and sculptural greenery, the space invites calm and contemplation—where concrete, wood, and nature flow together in perfect harmony.
A Modern Backyard
Designed by Brookside Landscape Design in collaboration with Ocotillo Design Group, this contemporary backyard seamlessly blends leisure and function. Featuring a pergola-shaded dining area, elevated fire pit, and lush plantings, the space offers multiple zones for relaxation, entertainment, and outdoor living at its finest.
Minimalist Outdoor Fire Pit
Designed by Hufft Projects in collaboration with 40 North Landscaping, this sleek outdoor fire pit in Springfield, Missouri, redefines minimalist luxury. Centered around a sunken conversation area with custom wood seating, it creates an intimate gathering space where warmth, light, and architecture come together for effortless evening relaxation.