What are the latest trends in year-round pool houses?
Over the years the trends in pool structures have evolved from pergolas that provide partial shade to basic pavilions and then to pavilions with a grill, fireplace and TV. Fully conditioned pool houses complete with a cooking area, ice maker, refrigerator, TV and sound system are also popular. Expandable doors can seal in heating and air conditioning or when weather permits, fully open to connect to the outdoors. —Steve McHale, McHale Landscape Design

Name some plants that boast strong year-round appeal.
Most garden aficionados like plants that have greenery or color during the winter. Mahonia has holly-like leaves, yellow flowers from late autumn through winter and ornamental berries. Nandina comes in several varieties; all have lovely red color. Hellebores remain green all year, with attractive flowers that come out in mid-to-late winter and last for months. And native winterberry shows off bright red berries after its leaves drop, providing a colorful display. —Bernie Mihm, RLA, Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.

How can firewood storage become a design element?
At a Baltimore property, we wanted to create privacy between the parking area and back gardens while providing convenient firewood storage for the owners’ firepit and an indoor wood-burning stove. An untreated cedar structure, well-suited to withstand the elements, extends the strong linear language of the home into the garden, helping merge the architecture with the exterior rooms. As the cubbies are filled with firewood, the irregular shapes and textures of the logs add another natural layer within the otherwise highly ordered grid. They also allow air to circulate around the wood, so moisture doesn’t get trapped.
—Kevin J. Gaughan, ASLA, PLA, Form Garden Design

What are crucial outdoor kitchen do’s and don’ts?
Start out by thinking about the kitchen’s location, how it will be used daily and on special occasions and what features you may want. We’ve installed some functional and unique amenities in outdoor kitchens lately, including hibachi-style cooktops, sinks, range hoods, trash drawers and built-in phone chargers.

One piece of advice: Don’t get so carried away with your choice of appliances that you forget about counter space, which is super-important. For bar seating, you want at least a 13-inch overhang for chair clearance.

Granite, marble, and quartzite are great natural-stone options for hardscape and countertop materials. Dekton is a premium synthetic option with virtually zero maintenance. Stay away from quartz countertops or materials with binders or fillers, as they can yellow in the sun. —Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA, Pristine Acres

What makes for an enticing fire table or firepit?
The first decision is to choose between gas or wood-burning. Gas offers convenience, immediate heat and a more contemporary aesthetic, while wood-burning firepits provide the sound, scent and atmosphere of a real fire. We also consider prevailing winds, proximity to structures and foliage, seating arrangements and how the space will be used throughout the year. Getting these elements right from the outset ensures that a fire feature is as practical as it is visually appealing. The goal is to create an intimate gathering space without making it feel confined or disconnected from the rest of the landscape. —Ed Ball, Ed Ball Designs

How are homeowners using their exteriors for year-round wellness?
We’ve seen a growing interest in wellness features like outdoor saunas and cold plunges. This is particularly interesting on smaller lots, where outdoor kitchens and bars have traditionally been a priority. Saunas and plunge pools can inspire a daily routine, creating a reason to engage with the garden year-round. I think this shift toward wellness-focused outdoor living is an exciting development in residential landscape design. Anything that encourages homeowners to spend more time outside, even during the colder months, is a huge benefit. —Kate Ries, Clinton+Ries Landscape Architects