At Purlieu, we spend a lot of time walking properties with homeowners who know they want something better out of their outdoor space, but are not always sure where to start. Over the years, we have noticed a pattern. The same few mistakes tend to show up again and again, and they are usually what hold a space back from really working. Our goal here is simple. Help you think clearly about your space before you build.
​
1. Starting with looks instead of function:
It is easy to begin with inspiration photos. Everyone does it. But the best spaces are not built around what they look like. They are built around how they are used.
Before anything else, we encourage our clients to answer a few simple questions:
How do you actually want to spend time outside?
Do you host often?
Do your kids need room to play?
Do you want quiet mornings or larger gatherings?
When the function is clear, the design follows naturally and works long term.

2. Not thinking through the layout:
A great outdoor space has flow, just like a well-designed home. We often see patios placed without connection to the house, walkways that do not lead anywhere meaningful, or spaces that compete with each other instead of working together. Good layout is not always obvious, but you feel it when it is right. Movement becomes easy. Spaces feel connected. Nothing feels forced. This is one of the biggest differences between something that looks good and something that lives well.​

3. Piecing things together over time without a plan:
We understand that not every project happens all at once. But building in phases without a clear long term plan almost always leads to compromise. Materials do not match. Elevations feel off. Opportunities get missed. Even if you plan to build over time, having a complete vision from the beginning allows each phase to build on the last instead of working against it.

4. Overlooking the groundwork:
Drainage, irrigation, lighting, and electrical are rarely the exciting part of a project, but they are what make everything work. We have seen beautiful projects struggle because water was not managed correctly or lighting was added as an afterthought. When these elements are planned well from the beginning, the space feels effortless. When they are not, they tend to show up as problems later.

5. Designing for trends instead of longevity:
There is no shortage of ideas online, and a lot of them look great at first glance. But not everything ages well, and not everything fits your home or environment. We always encourage clients to think beyond what is popular right now and focus on what will still feel right years from now. Materials, layout, and features should be grounded in your home, your lifestyle, and the way you want to live outside.

A well-designed outdoor space is not just something you look at. It is something you use, consistently and comfortably. If you take the time to think through function, layout, and long term vision from the beginning, everything else becomes more straightforward. And if you ever want a second set of eyes on your space, our team is always happy to walk it with you.

​

At our core, we believe thoughtful design and craftsmanship can shape how a space is used and experienced. One of our current projects in Templeton, California is a great example of that - a custom, three-tiered cylindrical water feature that’s been designed and built in-house.

This feature sits in a shaded redwood garden, surrounded by ferns and filtered light. It was intentionally placed near a custom fire pit, and its cylindrical form mirrors the shape of that fire element to create visual balance and cohesion between the two.
The structure itself is made from integral colored concrete, giving it a clean, natural tone that complements its surroundings. We’ve lined the lower basin with natural stone and pencil tile, which brings subtle texture and movement once the water is flowing.

​This project is part of a full design-build scope we’ve had the opportunity to lead, from early layout studies to detailed construction. We’ve also implemented a custom pergola and planted garden spaces that work together to ground the water feature within the site. While the project is still in progress, this piece is already helping to define the space in a quiet, intentional way. We’ll be sharing more soon as the finishing touches come together! Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. ​