10 Secrets to a Stunning Outdoor Room from Designer Sandy Koepke

Sandy Koepke's outdoor spaces feel like true home extensions—comfortable, inviting, and expertly designed for entertaining. After reviewing her portfolio of backyard kitchens and retreats, we secured her top tips for creating a great outdoor entertaining area.

1. Consider Infrastructure First

Gas lines, water, electrical—address these before anything else. Critical for outdoor kitchens, but even well-lit gardens need energy planning.

2. Layer Your Lighting

Five light sources in one garden: barn lights on pergola conduits, sensor-timer string lights at dusk, rewired vintage lanterns on low voltage. Be experimental—keep adding elements for the right glow at different night hours.

Chandeliers and indoor fixtures rewired to low voltage blur inside-outside lines beautifully. Try Circa Lighting's Star Lantern for a similar look.

3. Maximize Accessibility

Make it effortless to get outside. Lots of windows and doors create flow. Sandy raised a patio to meet lanai doors—access looks completely seamless.

4. Build In a Grill

The #1 way to attract summer guests. Gas line beats propane for convenience. Add a water line (even cold only) for rinsing and drinks without going indoors—runoff can water plants!

5. Create Enclosure

"An enclosure—pergola, walls, salvaged windows and doors—gives a sense of place without losing the outdoors." Fireplace, plush seating, hanging lights create a secret garden room melding indoor comfort with nature's beauty.

Hang things from trees or pergolas—adds enclosure, whimsy, and nature engagement.

6. Establish a Focal Point

A large fireplace centers outdoor activities. On a budget? A fire pit works beautifully.

7. Invest in Outdoor Fabrics

Today's options—sheers, wovens, bright and subtle tones—are vast. Must be solution-dyed acrylic to withstand weather. Vibrant fabrics and punchy paint create dramatic color.

Portola Paints' chalky, stucco-like finish—even on concrete counters for lavender-gray.

8. Lean Toward Local Plants

Succulents and drought-tolerant plants feature in Sandy's designs, but she recommends learning your native species—they'll thrive with little effort. Plant edibles throughout: pluck rosemary for the grill!

9. Mix Your Furnishings

Skip matching sets. Combine pieces from estate sales, flea markets, different sources for a uniquely yours look. Salvaged materials work well outside—you know how they'll weather, no need to be precious.

Inspired by Mexican town squares, salvaged spigots and a horse trough add old charm. Buy what you love—you'll find a place for it. A bench became a perch for potted cacti and succulents instead of people.

10. Most Important: Have Fun

Outdoor entertaining should feel casual and relaxed. Loosen up! Spills get hosed down; the dog eats grill droppings.

Thanks to Sandy Koepke for sharing all the wonderful insight and advice!

Tell us! How are you decorating your outdoor entertaining spaces?

More:
Your Spring and Summer Party Checklist
How to Turn a Carport Into an Instant Outdoor Room
Inspiring Outdoor Kitchens