Outdoor Living Design in Orlando: Turning Everyday Backyards into Private Retreats

For me, outdoor living design in Orlando is all about transformation — taking an everyday backyard and turning it into a private retreat that feels intentional, calm, and deeply connected to nature. When I walk onto a property, I don’t just see open space; I see potential. I imagine the sound of palms swaying in the breeze, dappled light moving across tropical foliage, and the sense of relief that comes from stepping outside and feeling like you are somewhere special, not just “out back.”

In Central Florida, not every home sits on a lake or backs up to conservation. Most Orlando backyards are compact, bordered by neighbors, and shaped by our climate — intense sun, heavy seasonal rainfall, and sandy soils that drain quickly. Outdoor living design in Orlando has to respect all of that. The goal is to create a space that feels luxurious and immersive, while still being practical, low-maintenance, and aligned with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

What Orlando Homeowners Really Want from Outdoor Living Design

Most homeowners I work with in Orlando tell me some version of the same story. They’re busy, their lives are full, and when they’re finally home, they want their outdoor spaces to feel:

• Relaxing — a place to breathe and unwind.
• Beautiful — layered plantings and textures that look curated, not random.
• Usable — areas for morning coffee, reading, dining, or evening gatherings.
• Low-maintenance — landscapes that thrive naturally in Central Florida.

Outdoor living design in Orlando is about orchestrating all those needs into one unified, climate-aware plan.

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces That Work with Central Florida’s Climate

In Orlando, our heat, humidity, and seasonal storms are realities we design around. Warm temperatures let us enjoy outdoor living nearly year-round, but they also ask more of the landscape. NOAA climate data shows that Central Florida receives more than 50 inches of rainfall annually, which makes thoughtful drainage and stormwater design essential. NOAA U.S. Climate Normals

That’s why my design process starts with the site: sun patterns, existing views, privacy needs, drainage patterns, and how your family uses the space. From there, we bring in Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles like “Right Plant, Right Place,” ensuring plantings match your property’s soil, light, and water conditions for long-term success.

If you’re curious about how sustainability fits into outdoor living design, explore our post on sustainable landscape design in Orlando.

Layering the Landscape: Trees, Palms, and Plants that Create Depth

When I walk a property, I think in layers. These layers make a flat backyard feel deeper, more immersive, and more like a private resort.

We often begin with structure trees and palms — the backbone of the design that defines height, shade, and scale. From there, we build mid-layer shrubs and grasses for texture and movement, and then finish with groundcovers and accent plantings for softness and color.

Using climate-adapted plant selections ensures your landscape grows with you, looking better each year instead of fighting constant maintenance issues.

To see examples of layered, resort-style landscapes, view our feature on luxury landscape design in Orlando, Florida.

Creating Outdoor Living “Rooms” Around Pools, Patios, and Fire Features

Great outdoor living design doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from planning spaces the same way you design rooms in a home. I think in terms of “moments” within the landscape: a shaded reading nook, a dining terrace, a lounge by the pool, or a cozy fire feature.

Typical outdoor living layouts in Central Florida may include:

• A shaded seating area near the pool with layered plantings for privacy.
• A dining space connected to the kitchen or living room for easy flow.
• Gathering areas anchored by lighting, fire, or water elements.
• Natural transitions between hardscape and plant material.

To see how we create unified pool and patio environments, visit our post on Orlando patio landscape design.

Lighting Design: Extending the Magic into the Evening

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in outdoor living design. In Orlando, where evenings are warm most of the year, lighting transforms a space from something you look at to something you can truly enjoy.

Thoughtful LED lighting helps:

• Highlight palm textures, canopies, and architectural features.
• Create depth between foreground and background plant layers.
• Improve safety along walkways, steps, and transitions.
• Extend outdoor living well beyond sunset.

If you want to explore lighting design more deeply, we have an in-depth guide here: Landscape Lighting Company in Orlando, Florida

When lighting is done well, it feels natural and inviting — turning your landscape into a nighttime retreat.

Drainage, Stormwater, and Protecting Your Investment

In Central Florida, outdoor living design must plan for heavy seasonal rainfall. Without proper drainage, even the most beautiful landscape can suffer from standing water, erosion, root rot, or damage to surrounding hardscape.

We study how water moves through your property and use a combination of grading, planting, and collection points to manage stormwater effectively. The St. Johns River Water Management District emphasizes how essential well-designed stormwater systems are to protect landscapes and waterways.

The EPA also highlights that efficient irrigation and outdoor water practices can reduce water waste by 20–50%, helping landscapes thrive while protecting Florida’s water resources. EPA WaterSense

This approach ensures both beauty and performance — especially during Orlando’s summer storms.

To explore how drainage and design come together, see our overview of being a full-service Orlando, Florida landscape company.

One Vision, One Team: Our Orlando Design-Build Approach

When I design an outdoor living space, the process is fully integrated — from the first sketch to the final lighting adjustment. Our One Vision, One Team approach means design, installation, irrigation, planting, and lighting all move together seamlessly.

This ensures consistency, reduces delays, and creates a finished outdoor living space that feels intentional and cohesive.

For additional inspiration, explore:

• Best Orlando Landscaping Solutions with BLG Environmental
• Best Landscape Orlando, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

What is outdoor living design in Orlando?

Outdoor living design in Orlando is the process of transforming a backyard into a cohesive, climate-smart outdoor home, blending plant layering, lighting, and drainage planning so the space functions well in Central Florida’s heat, humidity, and rainfall patterns.

Do I need a large backyard to create a luxury outdoor living space?

No. Many Orlando homes have modest backyards, and thoughtful outdoor living design often makes the biggest impact in smaller spaces. By layering palms, trees, shrubs, and lighting, compact yards can feel deeper, more private, and more luxurious.

How does Central Florida’s climate affect outdoor living design?

Orlando’s intense sun, humidity, sandy soils, and seasonal rainstorms require climate-adapted plant selection and drainage planning. A well-designed outdoor living space must account for shade, stormwater movement, and year-round usability.

Can BLG incorporate my existing pool or patio into a new design?

Yes. BLG frequently designs outdoor living spaces around existing pools and patios, using layered plantings, walkways, and lighting to create a unified and purposeful layout.

What makes BLG’s approach different?

BLG uses a One Vision, One Team design-build process. Robert Burns personally designs each outdoor living project with Central Florida’s climate in mind, and the same unified team manages installation, irrigation, lighting, and finishing details.

How do I get started with an outdoor living design consultation?

To begin, schedule a private consultation using BLG’s online form. You’ll be able to discuss your goals, explore what’s possible, and review a custom outdoor living plan tailored to your Orlando home.

Ready to Transform Your Backyard into a Private Resort?

If you’re ready to transform your Orlando backyard into a private resort retreat, I’d be honored to help. We’ll look at how you live, how your property functions, and what’s possible when outdoor living design is approached with both artistry and environmental insight.

Schedule a private consultation with BLG Environmental Services to get started.

Robert Burns, FCLD

Founder & Lead Designer
BLG Environmental Services
FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer
Orlando, Florida