The Entertaining Lifestyle Starts Outdoors
In Austin’s most sought-after neighborhoods, outdoor entertaining has become a key part of everyday living. Whether it’s casual brunches, summer evening dinners, or weekend cocktails with friends, a thoughtfully designed backyard can transform your home into the go-to gathering spot.
For Urban Oasis clients, entertaining outdoors isn’t just a seasonal activity—it’s a year-round lifestyle. They want spaces that are functional, stylish, and comfortable, with high-end features and effortless flow from indoor to outdoor living. It’s about more than hosting—it’s about enhancing how they connect, relax, and enjoy their home.
Our Downtown Austin Project is the perfect example of how to turn even a compact space into a show-stopping destination for guests. This project was designed for a professional couple who loved to entertain but needed a backyard that could keep up with their lifestyle—without requiring constant upkeep or micromanagement.
The result? A modern outdoor oasis complete with a cedar pergola, ambient lighting, custom-built dining area, and lush, low-maintenance landscaping. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how we brought this vision to life—and how you can apply the same principles to your own backyard in Austin.
Designing Spaces with Entertaining in Mind
The key to a successful outdoor entertaining space is thoughtful zoning—creating distinct areas for dining, lounging, and mingling, while maintaining a cohesive visual flow. In the Downtown Project, we divided the backyard into three core areas, each designed with purpose:
1. The Dining Zone
We installed a sleek paver patio to anchor the dining space and added a custom-built dining table with bench seating. Overhead café string lights provided warmth and charm, while a simple pergola added shade and architectural interest. This space was positioned closest to the indoor kitchen for easy access when hosting dinner parties.
2. The Lounge Zone
Adjacent to the dining area, we created a modern lounge zone featuring weatherproof sectional seating, an integrated fire feature, and cozy outdoor textiles. It’s perfect for winding down after a meal or enjoying an evening under the stars.
3. The Greenery Buffer
To soften the structure and add privacy, we installed native Texas plants like dwarf yaupon holly and Mexican feather grass. These species require little water or maintenance and create a calm, organic frame for the space, acting as both a sound buffer and visual separation from neighbors.
We also focused on details like concealed lighting, wireless speaker zones, and high-performance drainage—because real entertaining happens rain or shine, day or night.
By designing with intention, this downtown space became more than just a backyard—it became an extension of the client’s home and lifestyle.
Style, Comfort, and Functionality—The Urban Oasis Way
Entertaining outdoors doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it’s an opportunity to express your personality and create memorable experiences for your guests. At Urban Oasis, we combine elegance with durability, choosing materials and layouts that are as inviting as they are enduring.
In this project—and many others—we use premium elements that elevate the space and require minimal upkeep:
- Custom Cedar Pergolas: Naturally beautiful, rot-resistant, and perfect for Austin’s climate.
- Durable Outdoor Furniture: UV-resistant, moisture-proof, and designed for comfort and sophistication.
- Integrated Lighting: From step lights to pergola-mounted pendants, lighting sets the mood and improves safety.
- Hardscaping with Flow: Clean lines, warm tones, and seamless transitions create an inviting feel from the patio to the garden.
Our approach is always client-focused: we tailor the design to your lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and how you want to entertain. Whether you’re planning a cocktail party for 30 or a quiet dinner for two, your outdoor space should reflect who you are and what you love to do.
That’s the Urban Oasis promise—we create elevated outdoor experiences that bring people together, designed with craftsmanship, care, and a touch of luxury.
Ready to Host in Style?
Let’s bring your dream entertaining space to life. Schedule a consultation with our design team today and start planning an outdoor oasis that’s built for connection, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
