How To Make the Most of Your Custom Home’s Outdoor Space

Close your eyes and picture your dream home. Most likely, you’re envisioning the interior spaces of your home. You may picture a large kitchen where you can cook delicious meals, which flows into a stunning dining space where you host celebrations. Likewise, you may imagine the cozy living room where you can relax and unwind after a long day.

While the inside of your house is essential, the outside also offers additional living space that you can use during warmer weather. With British Columbia’s stunning landscapes and diverse climate, outdoor spaces provide an incredible opportunity to expand living areas while maximizing the natural beauty of the surroundings. Check out the many ways to make the most of your custom home’s outdoor space.

Design for Your Lifestyle  

We all have a different vision, and working with a custom home builder means getting a property that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Outdoor spaces are no exception since they’re an extension of the home and should add value to your property!

As you envision your custom outdoor space, consider your preferences and how you want to use it. If you enjoy entertaining, include a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, or jacuzzi. However, if you prefer a more tranquil outdoor retreat, consider incorporating lush gardens, water features, and cozy seating areas.

Additionally, consider what would make specific features even more enjoyable. If you want a hot tub, a cover over it allows you to soak and enjoy yourself regardless of the weather.

Add Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Kitchens

When it comes to custom home building, you should consider the specific elements that will enhance your outdoor space. A deck or patio is the perfect spot for outdoor dining and entertaining, as it offers a level area to place tables, outdoor couches, and other furniture.

You may also add essentials such as an outdoor kitchen, especially if you love cooking and hosting company. An outdoor kitchen has more than just a barbeque grill; it can also include a sink, refrigerator, and storage space for cooking essentials.

If you’re unsure what to add, return to that lifestyle question and ask yourself what you’d use most. You can also list the pros and cons of each potential feature to help you decide.

Building Tip

While decks and patios have some similarities, they have different maintenance requirements that should influence your choice. For instance, if you select wood deck, you’ll have to stain it every couple of years. Talk to your custom builder about the maintenance requirements for each option so you make the most informed choice.

Start Landscaping Early  

Landscaping plays a powerful role in the overall look and feel of your home. This is especially true here in the Kootenays, where nature plays a major role in everyday life. The more beautiful your landscaping is, the better your curb appeal becomes as it blends your property with the natural surroundings.

By planning your landscaping early, we have more time to look at different design options together to ensure everything flows together—from plantings to patios to privacy. Knowing what you want from the start also reduces the risk of surprises and unplanned costs, ensuring you can enjoy the perfect home.

Consider the Climate

The Kootenay region has a unique climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. This can make it hard for plants to flourish.

Choosing native or climate-adapted plants ensures your property will thrive with minimal maintenance and irrigation. Some of the best options for landscaping in the East Kootenays include:

• Douglas Fir & Ponderosa Pine – Iconic evergreens that handle drought, elevation, and snow loads.

• Red Osier Dogwood – Hardy and eye-catching, with colourful stems and flowers that attract birds and pollinators.

• Kinnikinnick (Bearberry) – A low-growing groundcover perfect for erosion control and rocky soils.

• Nootka Rose – A rugged wild rose that provides natural beauty and biodiversity.

• Bunchberry & Wild Strawberry – Groundcovers for shady areas that support local ecosystems.

Choosing native species supports local wildlife, reduces water use, and keeps your yard looking great with less effort. It also helps your home feel rooted in its natural environment.

Maximize Natural Elements  

Nature is one of the most beautiful parts of living in the Kootenays, and the best outdoor spaces reflect this beauty. Take advantage of what already compliments the space. Can we frame a view of the mountains? Are there mature trees we can preserve? Likewise, we can work with the natural sloping of the land to create seating areas, pathways, or terraced gardens.

As you imagine your outdoor space, consider elements such as the sun’s path, prevailing winds, and microclimates. If there’s a lot of wind in the area, we’ll want to create an outdoor space that can withstand strong gusts. Similarly, if you want to have a large garden, select a sunny area for it to thrive.

Decide Between Covered and Open Spaces  

In the Kootenays, it’s all about balance. Summers are sunny and dry, but spring and fall can bring rain—and winters can stretch into early spring. The best outdoor living spaces combine both covered and open zones.

Think covered patios, freestanding pergolas, or partially-roofed decks that let in light while offering protection from sun and snow. These flexible spaces let you barbecue in a drizzle, relax in the shade, and enjoy fresh air even when the weather turns.

Blend Indoor and Outdoor Spaces  

You can also make the most of your custom home’s outdoor space by blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Adding large sliding glass doors can give you a clear view outside. A three-season room gives you an additional living and entertaining space you can use year-round.

Whether it’s a hot tub patio with a snow-covered view or a breezy open-air dining area for summer evenings, blending your inside and outside spaces adds value, function, and a wow factor to your home.

Choose the Right Materials for BC’s Climate  

Our climate is tough on outdoor finishes. Rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and dry summer heat can take a toll—so smart material selection is key to long-term durability and beauty.

The best decking materials for homes in the East Kootenay include:

• Composite decking – Moisture- and rot-resistant; great for decks exposed to snow or sun.

• Locally sourced stone or quality concrete – Stands up to freeze-thaw cycles and offers timeless appeal.

• Western red cedar or hardwoods like Ipe – Naturally resistant to rot and weather, ideal for outdoor structures and furniture.

• Fiberglass or insulated planters – Withstand temperature extremes without cracking or fading.

Choosing climate-appropriate materials helps your space last longer, perform better, and look stunning through every season.

Work With the Experts

As a custom home builder, Münter Design & Build works closely with every customer to craft a home that reflects their dreams. We understand that every decision matters and has a major impact on the overall design, and we will work with you through every step, from the initial designs to the finished product. Let us help you create your custom home and outdoor space that’s just as functional as it is beautiful.