WHERE CHAOS MEETS CALM

Parents, we see you. Creating outdoor spaces that support both adult relaxation and child play doesn’t have to be a trade-off. The secret? Parallel play. With smart design, adults can sip and snack while kids run, climb, and explore — all within easy sight.

A well-designed backyard can change right along with your plans. Reconfigurable zones let your space evolve throughout the day. Lightweight furniture, modular seating, and portable shade structures can be moved around to accommodate everything from morning yoga to afternoon playdates or evening cocktails. When your space adapts, so can your time together.

Outdoor rugs or strategically placed planters can help define areas for lounging and play, so everyone can enjoy their own space in harmony. Toss in a hammock, string up a few lanterns, or scatter floor pillows to turn a simple yard into your favorite summer lounge spot. Bonus: You might even have time to finish your drink while it’s still cold.

A BACKYARD BUILT FOR IT ALL

A good design allows you to be in two places at once (well, almost). Want to cook dinner without running inside every five minutes? Add an outdoor kitchen or a small modular cooking station. You don’t need a full chef’s setup —just a grill, countertop, and cabinet space from your favorite big-box store can make a world of difference. Want to turn dinner into an event? Get a portable pizza oven and invite friends over for build-your-own pizza night. Adults love it. Kids love it. And no one’s complaining.

Creating spaces for cooking, dining, and socializing in one spot makes it easier to connect with your guests and family. Grill burgers and catch up with your best friend while keeping an eye on the kids as they enjoy their own activities nearby. Or teach the kids to make their favorite pizza using veggies from the garden. These shared moments help create memories and strengthen bonds that will last long after the sun sets.

As dinner winds down, transition into a backyard movie night to keep the gathering going. Set up a projector facing a blank exterior wall or portable screen, then invite everyone to settle in. Let the kids build forts out of outdoor cushions while string lights and lanterns set the mood. Offer popcorn and candy, and set up a cozy drink station with lemonade for the kids (or something a little stronger for the grown-ups). Pile on the blankets and pillows and let the storytelling continue under the stars.

Want to keep the magic going even longer? Pitch a tent or unroll some sleeping bags and turn your yard into a mini campsite. Stargazing, flashlight tag, and s’mores by a fire pit add just the right dose of adventure without leaving home. For kids, it’s unforgettable. For parents, it’s easy, contained, and filled with memory-making moments.

SUMMER STARTS WITH CONNECTION

This summer, let’s make room for connection! Design outdoor spaces that welcome chaos, creativity, and companionship. Whether you’re chasing toddlers or raising teens, your outdoor space can be more than just a backyard. It can be the setting for shared meals, spontaneous games, deep conversations, and those little everyday moments we remember most. Cheers to a summer of connection. We’ll see you outside!