6 Outdoor Upgrades Designers Never Regret in Any Project

When it comes to upgrading your outdoor space, there are endless options. While this presents exciting opportunities and possibilities, narrowing down the ones that will work best can also be overwhelming.

Which upgrades will best suit your lifestyle? Which ones will add the most value to your home? The last thing you want is to invest time and money into an outdoor home upgrade only to regret it in a few years. 

So, which outdoor upgrades are truly worth it in the long run? We turned to three design and home experts to get their opinions on the topic. Here are six outdoor upgrades the pros say they never regret doing.

A Pergola

According to Thea Bloch-Neal, founder and lead designer of Curated by Thea, adding a pergola to your yard is a simple yet impactful addition that you’ll never regret. Not only do pergolas provide shade and a dedicated spot for seating, but they can also be decorated with vines, trailing plants, or string lights for an added level of cottagecore dreaminess.

For a truly customized experience, pergolas can be purchased in many sizes or built for your space (DIY if you’re handy or by a professional).

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A Dedicated Fire Pit Area

Another outdoor upgrade Bloch-Neal says her clients always love is a dedicated fire pit area. Of course, this will depend on your area’s open-fire bylaws, but even in more restricted zones, an outdoor fireplace is a great alternative to a traditional fire pit.

Bloch-Neal says going the extra mile with the details, beyond just a simple fire pit and some chairs, will make the space feel cozy and super functional.

“Taking the time to hire a gardener to level the space, lay down pea gravel, and add cozy seating makes all the difference,” she says. “Being able to enjoy your outdoor space, even in the winter, is such a win!”

A Screened-in Porch

Indoor-outdoor spaces are always a good idea, and Bloch-Neal says a screened-in porch is one of the top ways she loves to create a comfortable and functional transitional zone. 

“It gives you an additional living space to enjoy year-round and adds great resale value to your home,” she says.

Depending on the configuration of your landscape, a screened-in porch can be installed in the front or back of your home. Add an area rug and some cozy seating to create the perfect nook for enjoying your morning coffee.

Built-in Seating

As far as outdoor upgrades go, Alice Moszczynski, interior designer at Planner 5D, says she has a love for all things built into the structure or landscape. One of the simplest and most practical of which is built-in seating. 

“Whether it’s a custom bench, sectional, or even a cozy fire pit area, built-in seating not only saves space but creates a seamless and inviting gathering area,” she says. “It’s perfect for entertaining or just relaxing, and blends beautifully with the landscape.”

An Outdoor Kitchen

Another custom built-in upgrade that Moszczynski loves? Outdoor kitchens. Outdoor kitchens are one of those upgrades that can feel like a hefty investment up front, but experts agree it’s sure to pay off in the long run. 

“An outdoor kitchen is a game changer!” Moszczynski says. “It allows for more versatile entertaining and cooking experiences, especially in warmer months.”

In Moszyzynski’s experience, her clients frequently request outdoor kitchens, although she has yet to upgrade her own outdoor space with one.

The best part is you don’t need an extensive luxury installation to make this upgrade worthwhile. Even a grill, some counter space, a mini fridge, and bar seating will create a functional and inviting outdoor kitchen space that you’ll be excited to use. 

A Simple Patio

As a professional pool builder in Jacksonville, Florida, Rafi Friedman knows a thing or two about outdoor upgrades. However, when it comes to the all-time best outdoor upgrade, a pool actually wasn’t his first answer (although it would undoubtedly be a close second). Rather, Friedman points to a good concrete patio as his top pick for any outdoor space. 

“A simple poured concrete pad outside of a back door can become a focal point for outdoor gatherings, especially if you throw in lawn furniture and landscaping features that add shade,” he says.

It’s functional, requires minimal maintenance, and will boost your home’s resale value. Plus, it can be used in many ways depending on your lifestyle and how you utilize your outdoor space. Sweep it regularly, power wash it once a year in the spring, and seal any major cracks and Friedman says it will last for decades.