Your backyard should be more than something to mow — it should be a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful seasons. At Urban Design Company, we help homeowners transform their yards into stunning outdoor living spaces.

But where should you start? Let’s break down your options.

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🧱 Patio: The Foundation of Outdoor Living

A custom patio is often the first step toward a complete outdoor space. Whether you're hosting guests or just enjoying the sunset, a patio adds beauty, function, and serious resale value.

Why Choose a Patio?

Great for dining areas, hot tubs, and lounges

Durable, low-maintenance materials like bluestone or pavers

Boosts home value and outdoor usability

> We can also solve drainage or slope issues while we install — giving you a long-term solution, not just a surface.

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🌿 Pergola: Shade, Structure & Style

Pergolas bring visual appeal and much-needed comfort to sunny yards. They create shade, define space, and elevate the feel of your backyard.

Why Choose a Pergola?

Adds vertical interest and elegance

Great for vines, lighting, or hanging plants

Minnesota's fall weather is unbeatable — cool nights, crisp air, and the perfect excuse to cozy up around a fire. But if you wait until the leaves start to turn, you might already be too late. At Urban Design Company, we’re encouraging homeowners to get ahead and plan their fireplace installations now, so you’re not scrambling when the season hits.

Why Plan Early?

1. Beat the Rush

By mid-to-late summer, demand spikes for hardscape features like fireplaces and fire pits. Booking early ensures you’re at the top of our schedule — not stuck on a waiting list while the weather turns.

2. Custom Designs Take Time

We don’t do cookie-cutter installs. From selecting premium materials like natural stone, Belgard or Techo-Bloc, to designing layouts that complement your patio or landscape, creating a fireplace that fits your outdoor space takes thoughtful planning and collaboration.

3. Enjoy It the Entire Season

There’s nothing worse than finishing your fireplace in late October just as the snow starts falling. Plan now, and you’ll actually have time to enjoy your investment all fall long.

Let’s Talk Features

Outdoor fireplaces are more than just functional — they’re statement pieces. Whether you want something sleek and modern, or rustic and traditional, we’ll help design a structure that enhances your backyard and makes it usable well into the cooler months.

June is the sweet spot for outdoor living in Minnesota. The days are long, the temps are just right, and your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home. At Urban Design Company, we’re all about helping you make the most of it — whether you’ve already completed a project with us or you’re just starting to dream up ideas.

Here are a few things to keep in mind this month:

1. Prep for Entertaining

Patio season is here. If you've got a paver or natural stone patio, give it a quick rinse and sweep to clear out debris. Consider adding a few seasonal planters for color and layering in some string lights or lanterns for nighttime ambiance.

2. Check Irrigation Systems

Efficient watering is key in June. Make sure your irrigation system is adjusted for the warmer weather — and if you don’t have one, now’s a great time to explore smart irrigation options that can help you save water and money long-term.

3. Low-Maintenance Doesn’t Mean No Maintenance

We specialize in low-maintenance landscapes, but every space still needs a little attention. A quick mulch refresh, trimming early bloomers, and pulling stray weeds can go a long way in keeping things looking sharp.

Spring is here, and that means Minnesota homeowners are already dreaming about fresh air, backyard upgrades, and maximizing every bit of outdoor living space. At Urban Design Company, we’re seeing some exciting trends take shape for 2025—trends that are not only beautiful but practical and environmentally smart.

Here are the top five outdoor living trends Minnesota homeowners are loving this year:

1. Sustainable Landscaping That Works With Nature

Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s a must. Homeowners are asking for landscapes that reduce water use, support pollinators, and require less maintenance over time. Think native plants, strategic grading for drainage, and eco-friendly materials like permeable pavers. At Urban Design Company, we love designing spaces that not only look great but work in harmony with Minnesota’s unique climate and ecosystems.

2. Native Plant Gardens

Speaking of sustainability, native plant gardens are exploding in popularity. These low-maintenance, resilient plants thrive in our region and attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Whether it’s a small pollinator garden or a full prairie-inspired design, more clients are choosing plants that give back to the local environment while still offering color and texture all season long.

Spring is officially here — at least on the calendar. But if you live in Minnesota, you know we’re still in that in-between season where the snow is melting, the ground is still frozen, and the itch to get outside is growing stronger by the day.

At Urban Design Company, this is one of the most important times of year — because smart landscaping starts before the ground thaws.

Here’s what Minnesota homeowners can do right now to get a jump on the season and ensure their outdoor spaces are ready to shine when the weather catches up.

1. Start Planning Your Landscape Design Now

If you're dreaming of a new patio, fire pit, garden bed, or a full outdoor renovation — now is the time to start planning.

By scheduling a consultation in March or early April, you’ll:

• Beat the spring rush (our calendar fills up fast!)
• Allow time for permitting, design revisions, and material ordering
• Be ready to break ground as soon as conditions allow

Pro tip: Even if you’re not sure what you want yet, our design team can help you explore ideas based on your space, lifestyle, and budget.

Your outdoor space is more than just a yard—it’s an extension of your home, a reflection of your style, and a place where memories are made. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat, a functional entertainment area, or increase your property’s value, professional landscape design is the key to unlocking the full potential of your space.

At Urban Design Company, we specialize in bringing homeowners’ outdoor dreams to life with expert planning, high-quality materials, and a deep understanding of Minnesota’s climate and terrain. Here’s why investing in professional landscape design is one of the best decisions you can make for your home.

1. Aesthetics That Enhance Your Home’s Beauty

A professionally designed landscape brings harmony and balance to your property. Through expert selection of plants, hardscapes, water features, and lighting, a well-planned design complements your home’s architecture and enhances curb appeal. Instead of a random assortment of elements, professionals create a cohesive and visually stunning outdoor space that feels natural and inviting.

2. Maximizing Usable Space

A professional landscape designer doesn’t just make your yard look good—they ensure that every square foot serves a purpose. Whether you want a fire pit for cozy nights, a patio for summer barbecues, or a quiet garden retreat, a strategic design optimizes functionality while maintaining beauty.

Spring is the perfect time to reimagine your outdoor space and enhance your landscape with new design elements, hardscaping, and plant installations. As the snow melts and warmer weather arrives, homeowners in Minnesota can take advantage of the season to upgrade their outdoor living areas for a fresh, modern look.

At Urban Design Company, we specialize in custom landscaping, hardscape installations, and outdoor living solutions that elevate your property’s beauty and functionality. If you're looking to invest in long-term, high-quality landscape transformations rather than seasonal maintenance, here are some expert recommendations to maximize your outdoor space this spring.

1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space

Spring is an ideal time to install or update outdoor features that add comfort and value to your home, including:

✔ Patios and walkways – Create a durable, stylish outdoor surface with pavers, flagstone, or decorative concrete.

✔ Outdoor kitchens and fire pits – Extend your entertaining space with a fully equipped cooking area or a cozy fire feature.

✔ Pergolas and shade structures – Enhance your patio with architectural elements that provide style and function.