For many homeowners, working from home has become part of the routine. And while there’s convenience in skipping the commute, there’s also a downside—day after day spent in the same indoor space. The kitchen table. The home office. The same four walls.
But what if part of your workday didn’t have to happen inside? Stepping outside—even for an hour or two—can completely change the feel of your day. A patio isn’t just a place to unwind at the end of the day or gather on weekends. With the right setup, it can become a comfortable, refreshing place to work.
A Simple Shift That Changes Your Day
There’s something about fresh air and natural light that helps you reset. Tasks feel a little less repetitive. Your mind feels clearer. Even a short stretch of time outdoors can make your workday feel more balanced. It’s not about replacing your indoor workspace—it’s about giving yourself another option. One that feels a little less structured and a lot more enjoyable.
Why Most Outdoor Spaces Don’t Get Used This Way
The idea sounds great in theory, but in reality, many patios aren’t designed for this kind of everyday use. Too much direct sun makes it uncomfortable by mid-morning. A lack of privacy can make it hard to focus.
And without a defined space to settle into, working outside can feel more like a hassle than a habit. That’s why most people don’t do it—not because they don’t want to, but because their space doesn’t support it.
Designing a Patio You’ll Actually Use During the Day
When a patio is thoughtfully designed, it naturally invites you so spend more time there – not just on weekends, but throughout the week. A few key elements can make all the difference.
Key Elements that Make a Difference
COMFORTABLE SHADE – Whether it’s a pergola, a covered patio, or strategically placed shade, protection from the sun is essential. It allows you to use the space longer and more comfortable throughout the day.f
A SENSE OF PRIVACY – Landscaping plays a big role here. Layered plantings, evergreens, or natural screening can create a quiet, enclosed feel without making the space feel closed off.
A DEFINED SPACE TO SETTLE IN – You don’t need a full outdoor office—just a place that feels intentional. A small table, a comfortable chair, or even a tucked-away corner can make stepping outside feel easy and natural.
EAST ACCESS – If stepping outside feels effortless, you’re much more likely to actually go out. When there’s a smooth direct transition between indoors and outdoors, it removes the friction that often keeps people inside. Good design also considers things like doorway placement, walkway flow, and how naturally the space draws you out.
DON’T OVERLOOK THE VIEW – One of the biggest advantages of working outdoors is what you see when you look up from your screen. Instead of a wall, imagine your eye landing on something thoughtfully designed—a flowering garden bed, an ornamental tree moving gently in the breeze, or even the subtle sound and movement of a water feature. These small details don’t just make your space more attractive—they make it more enjoyable to spend time in. They give your mind a place to wander for a moment before returning to the task at hand.
A Few Simple Additions
What initially prompted our thought process of the need to thoughtfully design a space that fits for working outside, was the article in the N.Y Times about How to Move Your Home Office Outside – and Make the Most of It. This article focused on features you could purchase to make sitting outside comfortable. Of course, a comfortable chair or a small outdoor table can help make the experience easier. But those are finishing touches—not the foundation. If the space itself isn’t inviting, those additions won’t change how often you use it.
A Different Way to Think About Your Patio
A well-designed patio isn’t just for entertaining or relaxing at the end of the day. It can become part of your everyday routine—a place you naturally drift to when you want a change of pace.Even an hour outside can shift your mindset and improve how your day feels. And that’s often the difference between a space you have… and a space you truly use.