Outdoor Living Spaces: Designing for Michigan’s Beautiful Seasons

When you think of home, you might picture the living room, kitchen, or primary suite, but what about the space just outside your doors? At Buffum Homes, we’re designing more and more outdoor living spaces for our homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. Michigan gives us beautiful spring and summer seasons, and those crisp fall evenings are hard to beat. Outdoor spaces are the perfect way to enjoy fresh air, natural light, and a sense of calm, all without leaving home.

Let’s walk through the types of outdoor spaces we’re building and the value each one adds to your home and lifestyle.

◦ Decks: A Classic Way to Connect With Nature
Decks are one of the most popular outdoor features we design. They offer a seamless transition from indoor living to the outdoors, perfect for morning coffee, a casual dinner, or entertaining friends. Whether it’s a modest platform or a multi-tiered build, decks give you a dedicated space to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the green views of your backyard.

◦ Covered Decks & Screened-In Spaces: Enjoy the Outdoors Without the Bugs
Michigan summers are incredible, but let’s be honest, mosquitoes love them too. That’s where covered and screened-in decks come in. These spaces give you all the benefits of a traditional deck with added protection from the elements.

We’re seeing more homeowners request screened-in options for reading, relaxing, or dining outdoors without interruption. Covered decks also extend the life of outdoor furniture and offer shelter during light rain or strong sun, helping you get even more use from your space throughout the year.

◦ Front Porches: Curb Appeal Meets Community Connection
Front porches aren’t just charming, they’re purposeful. They offer a warm welcome to guests and create a quiet place to unwind at the end of the day. In our custom home builds, we’ve found that front porches often spark neighborly conversations, front-yard playtime, and that comforting feeling of home.

Whether it’s a cozy porch with space for a couple of rocking chairs or a large wraparound layout with room for seasonal décor, front porches are a timeless way to blend curb appeal with real-life function.

◦ Patios: Ground-Level Comfort With Endless Possibilities
Patios are a great low-maintenance option for homeowners who want a grounded and flexible space. Because they’re built at ground level, they pair well with landscaping features like garden beds, retaining walls, or fire pits.

We love incorporating patios into home designs for casual outdoor dinners, bonfire nights, or simply stretching out in the sun with a good book. Whether poured concrete or decorative pavers, patios can be customized to match your home’s style and your family’s lifestyle.

◦ Outdoor Living Is Part of the Plan
At Buffum Homes, outdoor spaces aren’t just an afterthought. They’re part of the full home design. As time goes on, we’re seeing more and more clients prioritize outdoor living in their custom builds. These spaces are peaceful, practical, and a great way to enjoy the Michigan seasons to their fullest.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy screened-in nook, a sun-drenched patio, or a covered deck that flows from your kitchen, we’ll help design an outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of your home.

Ready to design your own indoor-outdoor lifestyle?
Let’s talk about how to bring it to life, whether you already have a lot or want to explore our available homesites in Byron Center and Grandville school districts.

Get some fresh air. You’re going to love it out there.
Reach out to us anytime at luke@buffumhomes.com or check out our current builds to see how outdoor spaces are elevating everyday living.