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Looking Beyond the Front Door ~ 7.14.2026

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 410939

Designing a Backyard That Fits Your Life

When people think about a backyard, it's easy to focus on the features.

A sparkling pool.

An elaborate outdoor kitchen.

A fire pit.

Beautiful landscaping.

The latest trend.

But over the years, I've learned that the most satisfying outdoor spaces aren't necessarily the most impressive.

They're the ones that reflect the people who live there.

Before spending thousands of dollars creating an outdoor space, I encourage homeowners to pause and ask themselves one simple question:

"How do I want to live?"

Do you picture yourself sitting outside with a cup of coffee each morning, listening to the birds and enjoying the quiet before the day begins?

Would you rather have a shaded patio where family gathers for Sunday dinners and grandchildren have room to play?

Maybe your favorite evenings are spent watching the sunset with friends, sharing laughter around a fire pit.

Or perhaps your idea of the perfect backyard is something simple...a peaceful garden, a comfortable chair, and a place to reflect after a busy day.

None of those choices are better than another.

They're simply different expressions of the lives we want to live.

I've learned that the most beautiful backyards aren't designed to impress the neighbors.

They're designed to serve the people who call that house home.

When your outdoor space reflects your lifestyle instead of someone else's expectations, it becomes more than landscaping.

It becomes your sanctuary.

Because creating a home isn't about following trends...

It's about creating a place where life feels exactly the way you want it to.

"Because real estate is never just about a home...it's about the life it makes possible."

Dorie Dillard
Your Trusted Resource for Real Estate & Community

Question of the Week

If you could create your perfect backyard retreat, what would it include, and more importantly, how would you spend your time there?

I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments.

 

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Comments(9)

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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. Your outdoor space should reflect your personal feeling about comfort. One man heeds an outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator and large TV. Another man a small pad with couple of chairs with a view of his manicured garden. Eachserves a purpose. You nailed it. Enjoy your day.

Jul 14, 2026 05:11 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Its important to understand your own lifestyle needs for your backyard it helps when you go to create your outdoor space. It should be tailored to your needs not your neighbors.

Jul 14, 2026 05:57 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Dorie... you've made such an important point about outdoor living. My first two homes in Charlotte were both on two thirds of an acre for me to build a pool. Twice I ended up asking myself why I would build a pool when I didn't even own a bathing suit and didn't want the maintenance a pool required. And I never sat outdoors in the sun. Third time around I built on a very small lot with very little land... I have enough space for the dogs and a large covered front porch, which is where I like to relax outdoors. Dogs have been happy to go to the neighborhood dog park and I'm happy to know we have a community pool... not that I've ever used it or bought myself a bathing suit!

Jul 14, 2026 05:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

There you go Nina Hollander, Broker ..you followed through on taking the time to understand what you really wanted and then you knew exactly what to do!

Jul 14, 2026 05:58 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Dorie Dillard Austin TX of course, sometimes we (and our clients) think we know what we want to do and then realize later "not so much."

Jul 14, 2026 06:01 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have to laugh when I think about designing a backyard since when I bought my home a long time ago, I had big plans for the backyard that have yet to come to fruition, haha.

Jul 14, 2026 05:15 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Many people Brian England  have had big plans for their backyard but then never took the time to think about how to incorporate it in their lfestyle.

Jul 14, 2026 06:00 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Tuesday morning, Dorie. We have not created a retreat in our back yard. Our next door neighbor has a large patio under construction and we might need to follow their ideas.

Jul 14, 2026 05:36 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

It always boils down to how you want to spend your time outside Roy Kelley. Is it outside in the morning? Evening? What do you like to enjoy when you are out there?

Jul 14, 2026 06:04 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

It is funny, I can't tell you the number of times people have given me a list of must haves...only to buy something 100% different. Once they picture themselves in a home that truly fits...they are home.

Jul 14, 2026 07:17 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Buyers sometimes don't really know what they want Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty until the see it!

Jul 14, 2026 08:44 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie I agree.  For me a backyard is not for display, but to enjoy.

Jul 14, 2026 04:24 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Amen George Souto 

Jul 14, 2026 06:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dorie- I think that since 2020 when we had to stay home, many of us have taken a harder look at our outdoor spaces. My favorites were our two homes on the water in Delray Beach. It was peaceful being able to sit outside all year in our lanai and feel the breeze from the ocean that was nearby. 

Jul 14, 2026 05:20 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thant would be a perfect way to enjoy your home Kathy Streib 

Jul 14, 2026 06:11 PM
Carmelo Ginés
CKM Team Realty - Albany, NY
Broker / Owner -Albany, NY & surrounding Towns

Beautiful perspective. The best outdoor spaces aren't the ones with the biggest budget, they're the ones that support the way we truly want to live. Designing for your lifestyle will always outlast designing for trends.

Jul 18, 2026 06:24 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

We did exactly as you outlined, Dorie. From the garden to the silo to the stage for live bands, that's how we choose to live. Vegetating and Silobrating!

Jul 19, 2026 11:56 AM