11 Outdoor Living Space Ideas to Inspire Your Backyard Oasis

Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass. With a little inspiration, you can transform it into a space you’ll never want to leave. Brainerd summers were meant to be spent outdoors with family and friends — create your ideal outdoor living setup with help from the pros at Schroeder’s. We bring our 60+ years of local experience to your outdoor plumbing and gas line projects so you can enjoy outdoor kitchens, entertainment zones, and more.

Check out these outdoor living space ideas for inspiration, then contact us at Schroeder’s to get started.

A large, landscaped backyard

Stunning Landscaping Design

Make the most of a large backyard with this well-groomed outdoor living space. There are multiple distinct features dotted with a walking path, giving the impression that they’re individual “rooms” without feeling disconnected.

Plant-Filled Oasis

No sprawling acreage needed to create an outdoor living room that leaves an impression. With a furniture set, shady umbrella, and plenty of plants, you can create a cozy outdoor patio enclosure without maxing out your budget.

A paved outdoor space with a full outdoor kitchen, fire ring, and seating areas.

Envy-Worthy Entertainment Space

Become the home every neighbor is dying to visit. This space is designed for entertaining, with plenty of spots for friends and family to gather around. There’s even a well-stocked outdoor kitchen, so the host doesn’t miss a moment while preparing the meal.

Outdoor BBQ Kitchen

Small spaces can still enjoy a full custom outdoor kitchen. This one is outfitted with a complete outdoor grill station, including multiple built-in grills, a sink, granite countertops, and simple, shaded seating.

An outdoor kitchen with a seating bar, built-in grill, and sink.
An outdoor kitchen with a grill and sink and a covered outdoor dining area with a TV.

Mid-Century Modern Glamour

With this outdoor kitchen and dining room combination, complete with an outdoor TV, why would you ever need to go inside? The tasteful design choices like black paint, a glowing chandelier, and modern barstools make the space feel like a luxury hotel instead of your own backyard.

Outdoor Grill Island

Take the indoor kitchen island concept, move it outdoors, and you’d get something like this. This outdoor kitchen design combines cooking, cleaning, and eating in a compact space without feeling crowded.

An outdoor kitchen with a sink, grill, and dining area.
A backyard patio with seating, a fire table, and a TV.

Cozy Outdoor Entertainment Zone

It doesn’t take a major patio renovation to create an outdoor living space with all the amenities. This indoor/outdoor living space concept feels like an extension of the home, with a cozy living room setup complete with a TV to make an ordinary space feel luxurious.

Practical Covered Outdoor Kitchen

It’s no secret that Brainerd’s winter snow and freeze can take a toll on outdoor appliances, furniture, and decor. That’s why we like this covered outdoor kitchen. The roof protects the space from harsh weather, and you can still comfortably grill while it’s raining in the summer.

A covered outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, sink, and dishwasher.
A modern-style backyard with an outdoor kitchen and a pool.

Modern Luxury Backyard

This outdoor living space design has it all: an outdoor kitchen complete with a built-in grill and dishwasher, a covered outdoor living room, an inground pool, and a guest house. For a more accessible yet sophisticated version, take inspiration from the clean lines and simple colors.

Private Paradise

Take advantage of a high privacy fence by creating a cozy, tucked-away space. The combination of an outdoor couch and a heater prioritizes comfort, while flowers and greenery keep the backyard feeling fresh and lived-in.

A small backyard living area with a tall fence and outdoor furniture.
A backyard patio with a pergola, string lights, and outdoor furniture.

Simple Patio Upgrade

Level up a simple concrete pad by adding outdoor rugs, seating, string lights, and a fire pit. A crafty DIYer can create the pergola and trellis as part of a summer project.

Ready to Start Creating Your Custom Outdoor Living Space?

Turn the inspiration into reality by choosing a trusted outdoor living space contractor. At Schroeder’s, we’re happy to help Brainerd area residents and cabin owners create their ideal space, complete with outdoor plumbing, gas lines, grills, and more.