Wondering what’s trending when it comes to the best in backyard living?

These days, customized rear porches, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, pools/pool baths, fireplaces and patios are transforming backyards all over East Dallas into more easily utilized extensions of the home.

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These enhancements don’t just elevate the aesthetic appeal—they redefine how you experience your home, creating spaces that invite relaxation, connection, and style. Whether it’s a sleek pergola offering shade on a sunny afternoon or a cozy fireplace for evening gatherings, these outdoor additions can seamlessly blend with your home’s Interior design, ensuring a cohesive look that feels both intentional and inviting.

Bringing the indoors out means more than just furniture placement; it’s about crafting an environment that reflects your personality and meets your lifestyle needs. With professional guidance, you can transform your outdoor area into a space where family dinners, weekend lounging, and casual entertaining all flow effortlessly together.

“Distinctive touches, such as custom lighting, high-end audio-visual and folding door systems can really maximize the utility of outdoor spaces,” says Bella Vista Company partner Sara Haley.

Once you step off the back porch, synthetic turf is beginning to rival real grass as a comfortable-to-walk-on outdoor covering. “It’s easy to maintain and keeps looking good for years, thanks to new turf technology,” she says.
“Mixing in textures of wood, stone, tile and concrete can also create an interesting transition from your interior to your backyard.”

And when it comes to the latest technology to keep out the bugs, almost-invisible retractable screens are a great choice – they’re smartphone controlled and make it easy to live outdoors year-round.

“When it comes to making a home more livable for a family, there’s nothing like adding a custom-designed outdoor living area that can be used year-round.”

— Sara Haley

So now that you know the hottest options for outdoor living: How do you put together a custom plan for your home that will wow friends and give you the biggest bang for your budget?

Bella Vista Company was created in Lakewood in 2006 for exactly this purpose. Their design and construction team works with clients in their homes and at the company’s innovative two-story neighborhood showroom right near the Arboretum on Garland Road to help sort through ideas and bring clients’ visions to life.

Unique among home builders, Bella Vista Company takes a homeowner from start to finish, designing and building plans for outdoor areas, home remodels or entire new-build projects with interior/exterior design work and complete project management.

THE BASICS

FLOORING: There are many great options including stained concrete, hardwood decking and tile.

PARTITIONS:  There’s no reason to contain game day parties inside, thanks to innovative folding doors or glass wall systems.

BACKSPLASH: The options for a stylish backsplash don’t stop with tile. Cast-in-place concrete or custom-designed metal work
great as functional accent pieces for your outdoor kitchen.