6 Outdoor Living Rooms That are Perfect for a Minnesota Yard

With all the different weather we experience here in Minnesota, it's important to get outside and enjoy the outdoors whenever we can. Having an awesome outdoor living space will elevate your space year-round and help you enjoy the nice weather whenever we have it!

Not sure where to start? Leave it to Dundee's landscape design team to make your dreams a reality with our landscape and hardscape design services. Read on for our designers' top six picks for outdoor living rooms in Minneapolis and other Minnesota areas.

Outdoor Patio with a Pergola

A pergola is an outdoor structure that stretches over a seating, dining, or entertaining area. This structure adds partial shade and coverage to an outdoor living space, making it easier to avoid sunburn during our MN summers. This is a great way to also add some protection for your patio from the elements.

Adding a pergola will create a warm home-y feeling in your backyard and upgrade your entertainment space as the perfect location for hanging any sort of decorations, or for installing an outdoor speaker system. These structures are extremely customizable—you can even build one on your own! Though, we recommend working with professionals to ensure the design and build is exactly what you hoped it would be.

Outdoor Dining Area

Outdoor dining is one of the best feelings on a nice summer, spring, or fall day. There's something luxurious about eating out on a patio, no matter the season. With your own outdoor dining area, look no further than your own backyard for a luxurious dining experience. All you really need is a table, chairs, and your favorite dinner pals.

Maybe you want to elevate your experience further; luckily for you, there are tons of unique and creative ways to spruce up your outdoor dining area. Whether you like a comfy courtyard vibe, charming cobblestone details, an old-world kitchen garden, or whatever your style is—Dundee can help.

Outdoor Kitchen/Bar

There's nothing like eating outside when the weather's nice, but imagine if you could take full advantage of the weather and cook outside too? With an outdoor kitchen, you can!

If you have a large yard with lots of space, good design ideas would include a backyard bar, extra seating areas, and grills.

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Small Spaces

You can still prepare your meals under the sun or stars if you have a smaller outdoor space. Here are some ideas to maximize your small outdoor kitchen space:

• Compact Grilling Station: Opt for a sleek and space-saving built-in grill with side burners, perfect for cooking up delicious meals without taking up too much room.
• Vertical Storage Solutions: Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or cabinets above your prep counter to store cooking utensils, spices, and other essentials.
• Portable Kitchen Island: Invest in a portable kitchen island with wheels that can be moved around to accommodate different activities and provide additional workspace when needed.
• Fold-Down Table: Install a fold-down table attached to the exterior wall or railing for a convenient dining area easily tucked away when not in use.
• Modular Components: Choose modular outdoor kitchen components that can be customized and rearranged to fit your space perfectly, allowing for flexibility and versatility.

Elevate Your Outdoor Experience with Modern Covered Living Spaces

Modern covered outdoor living spaces offer the perfect solution for enjoying outdoor activities while staying protected from the elements. With sleek design elements and contemporary comforts, these spaces seamlessly blend style with functionality. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, a modern covered outdoor living space provides the ideal setting for relaxation and entertainment.

Dundee Landscaping specializes in creating modern outdoor living spaces tailored to your preferences and lifestyle. From sleek pergolas to minimalist pavilions, we can help you design a space that reflects your unique taste, enhances your outdoor experience, and increases your backyard privacy.

Screened porch

If you're looking to expand your living space, a great way to do so is by adding a screened 3-4 seasons porch. A porch is a perfect space to enjoy the unique seasons of Minnesota while remaining protected from the outdoor elements. Dundee Landscaping specializes in outdoor living design and can help you create a porch that seamlessly integrates with your existing outdoor space.

There are lots of things to keep in mind when designing a porch area, and Dundee has you covered. Depending on the layout of your space, it might make the most sense to build your porch right off your house or to have it as a standalone structure. No matter what route you go, a porch will make it easy for you to get some fresh air during any season.

Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace

Who says you can't enjoy the outdoors of Minnesota all year? With a traditional fire pit, fire pit table, or fireplace on your patio, you can extend your outdoor living space to the winter months as well. Dundee can help you with a custom design for your specific warmth needs based on your outdoor space.

Under-Deck Living Room

So you've got a great deck, but underneath is just wasted open space. Make the most of that under-utilized area by creating a backyard living room. We know under-deck living space is often overlooked because it lacks the views offered by the upper deck. However, why waste a perfectly good space with a roof already over it? With the proper design, an under-deck space can become one of the coziest places on your property.

Under-Deck Bar Ideas: Your Hidden Oasis Awaits

Transform the under-deck area into a captivating oasis with these under-deck bar tips:

• Embrace the cozy vibe of this shaded space by stringing up bistro lights and adding comfortable seating like plush armchairs or a built-in banquette.
• Maximize the space with a simple bar cart setup or a more elaborate built-in bar, complete with cabinets or drawers for storage.
• Ensure durability by choosing waterproof materials and consider adding weatherproof curtains or shades for additional protection.
• Illuminate the bar area with recessed lighting or strip lighting for a stylish touch.
• Personalize your under-deck bar with decorative elements and amenities such as a small fridge or beverage cooler.

With careful planning and creative design, your under-deck bar will become the ultimate hidden hangout for entertaining or relaxation.

Dundee has Design Ideas for any Space

Our awesome team of hardscape & landscape designers has all your outdoor design bases covered. Ready to elevate your outdoor space? We'd love to work with you. Give us a call at 763-559-4004 or schedule a design consultation with our team.