Right Design Decisions

A question we hear often is simple but important. How do we know we are making the right decision when investing in a home improvement, especially something as personal as an outdoor living space.



A few weeks ago, during a conversation with a prospective client, he mentioned that he wanted to consult his realtor for advice on the outdoor living portion of the project. There was nothing wrong with the intent. It came from a desire to protect value and make a smart decision.

What it highlighted, though, is a common challenge in residential design. Many professionals speak about value, but value means different things depending on perspective. A realtor is trained to evaluate market trends, pricing, and resale behavior. A designer is trained to evaluate proportion, architecture, materials, and how spaces work together over time. Both viewpoints matter, but they serve different purposes.

Outdoor living is often treated like an accessory rather than a true part of the home. When that happens, the space may be attractive, but it does not fully belong. This is similar to a finished basement. When a basement is designed to match the architecture, materials, and flow of the rest of the home, it feels intentional and holds value. When it is treated as an afterthought, it becomes just another room. Nice, but disconnected.

Outdoor spaces follow the same rule. When the design mimics the architecture of the home, respects scale and proportion, and uses materials that feel intentional, the result feels permanent. It feels like it was always meant to be there. That is where real value is created.

As outdoor living continues to mature as a design discipline, the conversation around value will become clearer. More specialized professionals will lead to better education, better execution, and better advice for homeowners. Value will be measured not just by features or price, but by cohesion, longevity, and how seamlessly the space integrates with the home.

The right decision is rarely about what adds the most immediate resale appeal. It is about choosing the right expertise for the right question and designing spaces that belong, not just exist.

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