Notes From Our Journey

At a lake home, the moments spent outdoors often hold a significance that transcends the time spent in any single room inside. The light carries a unique quality, the air feels crisper, and conversations find a different rhythm under an open sky. Yet, despite this potential, outdoor spaces are sometimes crafted without the foresight that they will truly be lived in.

At Ceci Bates Custom Homes, the design of outdoor living areas is as deliberate and detailed as any interior space. Our approach begins with understanding how you, the homeowner, intend to live and entertain beyond your walls. Take outdoor kitchens, for instance. These aren’t mere fixtures—they are designed with real-world cooking in mind, featuring vents positioned for optimal air flow, ample counter spaces for preparation, and storage solutions that defend equipment against the elements.

Consider the position of a fire pit. It’s not simply an aesthetic addition but rather a carefully situated focal point. We assess wind patterns to prevent smoke from disrupting those gathered around it, and we ensure seating arrangements offer views that make every glance worthwhile. Covered patios are designed with gatherings in mind—not just meeting code with minimal dimensions, but genuinely accommodating social events, big or small.

Lighting schemes extend the usability of these spaces beyond dusk, avoiding the starkness of industrial lights while highlighting the beauty of the setting. From initial concept through each selection, the outdoor elements are an integral part of the design process, with our architect and interior designer working in concert. Their synergy ensures that finishes resonate with the home’s overall aesthetic and the architectural lines remain harmonious and intentional.

Ultimately, an outdoor living space’s true worth is evidenced by how often it draws you outside, away from the confines of rooms, to where evenings unfold in comforting embrace. Learn more about Ceci Bates’ thoughtful approach to designing these crucial areas and how they transform living on cecibates.com.