Outdoor Space Planning & High-End Patio Design

Maximizing Your Outdoor Oasis: Why Professional Space Planning is Your Best First Step

At Casualife Outdoor Living, we believe that a beautiful home happens by design. Just as you wouldn't furnish your living room without a carefully considered floor plan, your outdoor space deserves the same professional attention. To truly make your patio a seamless, high-end extension of your home, we recommend taking advantage of our Space Planning Services. 

A PLAN BENEFITS ANY PROJECT SCALE

As a Toronto-owned-and-operated Canadian business, we’ve spent over four decades helping clients across Ontario navigate the complexities of outdoor design. Our expertise spans every project imaginable, from pre-construction new builds and pool-side landscapes to urban balconies, penthouses, wrap-around porches, and lakeside cottages. We’ve seen it all, and we are ready to ensure you maximize every square inch of your oasis.

HOW WE CREATE A COMPLETE DESIGN FOR YOU

A well-designed patio starts with the "Three Pillars": measurements, architectural harmony, and functional needs. We always emphasize the importance of "measuring twice" to understand the difference between overall space and truly usable space. In the pre-build phase, a few inches can make a world of difference. 

Casualife’s Rule of Thumb:

·        Maintain at least 3 ft of walking space between different "zones" and entry points like patio doors, stairways, side gates and so on.

·        For dining areas, it is best to have min 10ft of depth to ensure guests can pull out chairs comfortably.

·        Plan for or around existing Gas lines for fire pit connections. Although there is a little bit of flexibility for the exactness, keep in mind that a Natural Gas connection will be at the center of a Dekko firepit. 

NOTE: Even if a Natural Gas line isn’t an option, we carry Dekko’s elegant Propane solutions with discrete concrete Tank Covers that blend perfectly into your design.

Interested in Learning More about Dekko? Read our blog: Fire Features Bring Elegance and Warmth to Your Outdoor Space

TELLING YOUR HOME’S STORY

Beyond the measurements, we focus on Architectural Harmony. Your outdoor space should carry the narrative of your home’s façade into the landscape. This doesn't mean everything has to be "matchy-matchy," but it does require a big-picture consideration of finishes, textures, and patterns.

FUNCTION THAT DOESN’T COMPROMISE ON STYLE

From there, we move into your daily needs. A crucial step is to visualize, think “Where will I have my morning coffee, and how many guests will you host during the summer holidays, where will I kick up my feet after a long day?” Our expert reps will help you curate the exact feeling and look that you desire.

EXPERIENCE TRULY EXPERT DESIGN SERVICES

To make this process effortless, we offer tiered design services ranging from Complimentary 3D Mock-ups at one of our showrooms (provided images and dimensions) to Full Space Planning Packages that provide two distinct layout options. For those who want a completely hands-off experience, our In-Home Site Visits bring the experts directly to your door.

HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR COMPLIMENTARY SPACE PLANNING

Should you need quick and simple help deciding the best furniture layout options for your space, come visit 1 of our 3 showrooms in Markham, Mississauga, or Collingwood with the following

• Bring Your Dimensions: Accurate measurements of your patio, balcony, or deck are the foundation of a great layout. 
  • NOTE: If you’re already working with a landscaper or contractor, feel free to bring in the floor plans of your project for us to use. 
• Photos of the Space: Clear images of your current outdoor area help us understand the flow and finishes of your existing space. We want to consider where your entry and walkways are.
  • NOTE: Exterior images are extremely helpful, and so are a few interior ones! This helps us get a sense of your style and make recommendations that will ensure continuity from the inside out 
• Photos of Your Home’s Façade: Remember, we want to ensure your furniture selections create a seamless, cohesive story with your home’s exterior!
• Know Your Hosting Needs: Consider your daily lifestyle versus your maximum hosting goals so we can select the right styles of furniture.
• Bring Your Questions: Our team is ready to walk you through the care, maintenance, and materials so you get the most out of your Casualife Exclusives long-term investment pieces.
• Bring the Decision Makers: If you are designing this space with a partner (or designer/landscaper), it is best to come in together.
  • NOTE: We recommend keeping the group small—too many "cooks in the kitchen" can make it difficult to focus on a design that truly reflects your personal needs!

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A FULL SPACE PLAN PACKAGE?

Our comprehensive $350 design service is the ultimate roadmap for your outdoor project. We take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring every inch of your space is functional and beautiful.

• Customized Layout Options: Receive 2 distinct floor plans tailored to your specific needs, lifestyle, and home’s architecture.
• Finish Visualizations: We typically provide options featuring light finishes, dark finishes, and a curated "perfect mix" so you can see the full aesthetic potential of your space.
• Refined Revisions: We work with you through revisions to ensure the finalized plan checks every box on your Wishlist.
• Risk-Free Investment: Your $350 design fee is credited back toward your furniture purchase of $5,500 or more (this is roughly equivalent to a MED/LG single dining set).
• Dedicated Design Consultation: Enjoy one-on-one attention from a rep who will guide you through the technical and aesthetic details of your project.
• Expert Fabric Selection: With over 150+ Sunbrella options available, we take on the task of narrowing down the perfect textures and tones for your home
• The Finishing Touches: Receive professional recommendations for accessories—including: lanterns, tabletop features like our "forever succulents" and custom pillows to achieve a maximum level of finish.

Should measuring and photographing your space not be a task you're ready to take on, we do offer Home-Visits for $550 accredited back to you at a purchase of over $10,000.

Ready to maximize your space? Visit us in-store or take a look at our Exclusive Collections to start creating THE Outdoor Living area you deserve.