Outdoor Living Ideas & Advice

Indoor-outdoor living, water-wise planting, shade, fire and flexible entertaining spaces define the modern California backyard. Here are ideas to bring that style home.

Undersized footings, poor attachment to the house, ignoring sun angles and skipping permits are among the most common pergola mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.

An outdoor dining area should be comfortable, shaded, well-lit and close to the kitchen. Here's how to plan size, location, shade, surfaces and lighting for alfresco meals.

Close neighbors and two-story homes are part of Los Angeles life. These backyard privacy ideas, including screens, pergola panels, planting and smart layout, add seclusion without boxing you in.

Aluminum, wood, insulated panels, polycarbonate and louvered systems each bring different strengths. Here's how the most common patio cover materials compare for Los Angeles homes.

Great outdoor parties need great lighting. These ideas help you light dining areas, kitchens, paths and gardens so evenings outside feel warm, safe and inviting.

A little routine care goes a long way. Here's how to maintain wood, aluminum and louvered pergolas, plus what to check each season.

Planning a backyard renovation? These ideas, from zoning and shade to cooking, fire, lighting and water-wise planting, help you create a cohesive outdoor space you'll use every day.

Should your pergola connect to the house or stand on its own? Compare how attached and freestanding pergolas differ in placement, structure, permits, cost factors and feel.

A built-in BBQ island is the heart of an outdoor kitchen. This step-by-step guide covers layout, appliances, materials, utilities and safety so your island works as well as it looks.

String lights, integrated LEDs, pendants and downlights can transform a pergola after dark. Here's how to plan pergola lighting, from power and fixtures to controls and safety.

Louvered pergolas offer adjustable shade and rain protection, but they're not for everyone. An honest look at what they do well, where they fall short and who they suit best.