Expert Outdoor Living Space Design & Installation in Minnesota

For homeowners in Minnesota, your outdoor living space is much more than just a backyard; it’s a natural extension of your home and your lifestyle. As you enjoy those warm summer nights hosting BBQs, or cozying up by a warm fire pit on one of Minnesota’s many crisp autumn days, a good design will transform your outdoor living space into a functional and beautiful living space that you’ll be able to use all year round. At Otten Bros., we provide expertise in creating custom outdoor living spaces that combine expert landscape design with durable construction and thoughtful functionality.

Why Does Outdoor Living Space Design Matter?

A well-designed outdoor living space is an extension of your indoor living space and offers:

• Functional entertaining spaces for family gatherings 
• Beautiful transition zones between your home and landscape 
• Low-maintenance landscaping designs that improve your quality of life 
• Increased property value through thoughtful site planning 

At Otten Bros, we marry your individual tastes and preferences with your use of your outdoor space, which means your design isn’t just visually appealing, but also effective.

Patios: The Backbone of Your Outdoor Living

Your patio sets the tone for how you’ll utilize your outdoor space. Whichever type of hardscaping you choose (natural stone, concrete pavers, custom-cut flagstone), at Otten Bros, we create patios that are both functional and reflective of your personality.

We’ll help you with:

• Selecting your materials (from classic pavers to high-end natural stone)
• Planning the pattern and arrangement of your patio to maximize flow and function 
• Determining the best size and location for your patio to maximize views, minimize distractions, and reduce privacy concerns
• Integrating your new patio seamlessly with other structures and elements in your landscape 

A professionally designed patio is the hub of your backyard and perfect for dining, relaxation, and entertaining. Our team values both aesthetics and durability when designing your patio so that it endures the varying seasons that Minnesota has to offer.

Fire Features: Creating Cozy Ambiance

Fire features (whether a cozy fire pit or a modern fireplace wall) are perhaps the most popular element in outdoor living today. They allow you to continue using your outdoor space into the fall and winter months and create a sense of warmth and coziness that draws people together.

From traditional wood-burning fire pits to gas-fired fireplaces with built-in seating, at Otten Bros, we customize everything:

• The shape, size, and type of material used for your fire pit should fit your aesthetic. 
• Safety and building codes for installing your fire feature 
• Accent lighting to create a sense of atmosphere and ambiance
• The way you arrange seating in relation to your fire feature to facilitate conversation and socialization 

A well-designed fire feature creates a comfortable focal point for your outdoor space that encourages you to use your space year-round.

Seating Walls: Function and Form

Constructed from quality materials that complement your patio and fire feature, seating walls add:

• More casual gathering spaces 
• Structural elements to support outdoor conversations 
• Visual interest and texture to your landscape
• Functional seating without having to move furniture 

At Otten Bros, we strategically position seating walls to create a logical flow of activity throughout your outdoor living space, connecting important areas such as patios, fire features, and gardens.

Outdoor Kitchens & Entertainment Spaces

A custom outdoor kitchen transforms the act of entertaining from something you plan for to something you do. Whether you envision a simple grill station or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with counters, storage, and seating, our landscape designers can make your vision a reality.

Consider:

• Built-in grills and cook tops 
• Counter top and bar seating for your guests 
• Weather-resistant materials and finishes to ensure your outdoor kitchen remains durable for years to come 
• Lighting and electrical planning to accommodate evening entertaining 

Ultimately, a custom outdoor kitchen allows you to seamlessly cook and socialize in your backyard, making your backyard the go-to destination for holiday celebrations, parties, and family time.

Plantings & Landscape Integration

While hardscape features (patios, fire features, and seating walls) are essential to your outdoor space, if you don’t consider integrating clever landscape design, your space may seem incomplete. At Otten Bros, we use plantings to:

• Softening the harsh lines and structural elements of hardscapes 
• Adding color and seasonal interest to your space 
• Improving the level of privacy in your space and defining different areas 
• Enhancing the natural beauty of your yard 

Our team takes into consideration the environmental conditions of your yard, such as soil, sunlight, and drainage, when recommending plant species that grow well in Minnesota and require minimal maintenance, providing you with a truly low-maintenance lawn that is also aesthetically pleasing.

A Cohesive Landscape Design Experience

What sets Otten Bros apart as a trusted landscape design company in Minnesota isn’t just technical skill; it’s the way we merge artistry with practicality. Our goal isn’t to build isolated features, but to design and install outdoor spaces that feel integrated, intentional, and tailored to your lifestyle.

From the initial design consultation to the final installation, we collaborate with you every step of the way. Our design process includes:

• Listening closely to your goals and vision
• Creating detailed plans and renderings
• Selecting materials that fit your aesthetic and budget
• Executing installation with precision and care
• Ensuring your outdoor living space performs for years

Ready to Transform Your Backyard?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating your current outdoor space, Otten Bros brings the expertise, creativity, and craftsmanship. Your perfect outdoor living space awaits.