Aerial view of a large modern house with drought-tolerant xeriscape, rock retaining walls and hardscaping, designed and built by Peacock Landscaping in Vernon, BC.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Spaces Designed for Gatherings and Everyday Use

Outdoor living spaces give homeowners more ways to enjoy their yards. They create places to gather, relax, and spend time outdoors, whether that means hosting friends for dinner, sharing a quiet drink at the end of the day, or spending time together as a family.

These spaces come together through a balance of built features, planting, and careful layout. When planned well, they feel like a natural extension of the home rather than an afterthought.

We look at how people naturally move through the yard, where they tend to gather, and how the space will be used over time. Layout, access, elevation, and materials are considered together so the finished space feels comfortable, functional, and well-connected.

Outdoor patio with a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, a woodpile, a grill, a covered dining area, and lush greenery, with a red-leafed tree on the right and a field and trees in the background.

Outdoor living spaces change how a yard is used day to day.

They’re commonly designed to:

  • Create comfortable areas for gathering and hosting

  • Provide seating and dining spaces that feel inviting

  • Extend usable living space beyond the home

  • Support cooking, relaxing, or entertaining outdoors

  • Bring order and meaning to larger or more open yards

In practice, that might look like adults relaxing with a drink while kids roast marshmallows at the firepit, or a quiet seating area set slightly apart from a dining space so different moments can happen at once. The goal is to create spaces that feel easy to use and natural to spend time in, not areas that look good but sit empty.

Building Spaces People Actually Use

Planning Outdoor Living Areas for Your Property

Outdoor living spaces work best when they’re shaped around everyday use. We help homeowners plan areas that feel natural to spend time in, balancing built features with planting and softer elements so the space feels comfortable and complete.

Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas

Outdoor kitchens and dining areas often become the heart of an outdoor living space. These areas are planned so that cooking, serving, and seating work together comfortably, making it easy to host everything from casual weeknight meals to large dinner parties.

Firepits and Gathering Spaces

Firepits create a natural gathering place. Seating layout, spacing, and proximity to other features are carefully considered so people can relax, talk, and enjoy the space without interrupting movement through the yard.

Pergolas and Shade Structures

Pergolas and shade structures help define outdoor living areas while giving relief from the sun and heat. They’re often used to frame seating or dining spaces, adding a sense of comfort and enclosure without closing the space in.

Multi-Level Outdoor Spaces

Where elevation changes are part of the property, outdoor living spaces may be arranged across multiple levels. These layouts help define different areas of use while maintaining a strong connection between spaces. Supporting structures, such as retaining walls, are often part of this type of design.


A 3D rendering of a landscape design featuring an outdoor patio area with a black pergola, outdoor seating, surrounded by purple, yellow, and white flowering plants, designed by Peacock Landscaping for a property in Vernon, BC.


“Peacock Landscaping has transformed our outdoor space from an embarrassment to something that we are proud of. It frames our view of Kalamalka Lake to something in which we take pleasure during our quiet time and share with our friends. We can unreservedly recommend the services of Peacock Landscaping.”

— Bruce & Gayle

What Our Clients Are Saying

Featured Projects

A selection of projects showing how outdoor kitchens, firepits, seating areas, and multi-level spaces come together across a variety of properties and site conditions.

A multi-level backyard patio with tiered flower beds filled with purple and white flowers, green shrubs, and pink flowers. Designed for a sloped backyard in Vernon, BC.

Tell Us About Your Project

Not every project needs the same starting point. Choosing the right first step helps set expectations and keeps the process moving smoothly.

Start Your Design

Best for full yard transformations, new builds, or projects that benefit from a clear design and construction plan.

Start Your Estimate

Best for smaller projects that do not require a full design. We provide an on-site consultation to review the scope, cost, and recommendations.