Sarasota has enjoyed accolades for decades, extolling our beautiful beaches, vibrant arts community, and thriving business environment. All of the attention has attracted significant amounts of new residents and kept the housing market strong. There is no denying that this is an amazing place to live. And when it comes to our own homes, Sarasotans have figured out myriad ways to integrate the tropical vistas and warm weather into our design, especially when it comes to outdoor elements. In this article, we explore some of the backyard essentials that can make your Gulf Coast home a truly special place.

Design a Standout Backyard

Thoughtful Seating Areas: While growing up, many people simply enjoyed a lounge chair in the grass. For those who want to either enjoy the serenity of their backyard to the fullest or entertain friends, seating areas are key. Creating distinct seating areas for niche purposes, such as for dining, enjoying a firepit, or reading under a trellis – creating comfortable, shady, or functional places to sit and relax is a primary way to create an oasis that inspires you to linger.
Glass Solarium: You might build a sunroom or a freestanding glass room off of the deck – but providing an enclosed area to read, grow orchids or pursue your art is a fantastic way to be surrounded by the backyard vista while not being exposed to heat, bugs or rain.
Firepit or Fireplace: Whether entertaining friends on a summer night or gathering around the fire on a chilly January day, adding a fire feature allows true functionality in your outdoor oasis. Homeowners may choose a large stone fireplace in a gourmet kitchen or a portable fire pit that can be moved around the backyard, but the warmth generated will attract friends and family alike.
Swimming Pools: While a swimming pool is a relatively common backyard feature, Floridians are experts at designing pools that reflect our tropical and natural environment. Consider a saltwater pool surrounded by flagstone, rocks, and a waterfall; or a pool surrounded by a patio set and illuminated by floating lanterns. Staying cool doesn’t have to be boring or traditional, it can be creative, designer and custom.
Pollinator Gardens: If a green home with sustainable elements is important to you, extend that passion to the backyard as well. You can help the Earth and the environment by planting a pollinator garden to attract bees and butterflies while beautifying your landscape. Pollinator gardens are lush and beautiful but can be wonderfully low maintenance. By planting wildflowers and allowing the colorful palette to draw in these visitors, homeowners help the environment, enrich their own natural surroundings, and add an interesting focal point to their backyard.
Water Features: The sound of water is one of the most soothing and peaceful sounds in the world, and adding water features to your backyard can significantly improve your mental health and well-being. Whether a koi pond stocked with fish or a unique fountain sculpture, these elements add a sense of “zen” to every space. You can make your water feature dual-purpose by using it to provide a water source for the pollinators – but don’t forget to add rocks or twigs to give them a place to safely land and rest.
Shady Places: The Florida sun is hot, and it can be difficult to spend time even in the most beautiful backyard without some respite from the sunshine. Retractable awnings over the lanai are a basic but effective addition, but homeowners are getting more creative – adding flowered trellises, charming gazebos, or sitting areas under an oak tree to create cool areas.

JTL Studios design outstanding homes that showcase the creativity and vision of homeowners. If you have a dream of building a Sarasota home, start by calling our team and scheduling an appointment.