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In a Manhattan Beach home, homeowner Matt Jacobson and architect Michael Lee designed the long steel-and-Ipe bench surrounding a square, concrete outdoor fire pit, which suspends from the low concrete wall in their outdoor space. Dukes relaxes on a Willy Guhl Loop chair with her German Shepherd, Major.

Cool air from the gardens flows into the rooms through sliding doors and windows.

The 400-square-foot outdoor space, a rarity in New York City, was designed to feel like a California oasis. "It's the perfect spot to kick back and entertain," Becky says.

A roof terrace provides ocean views. The Spectra umbrella is by Umbrosa.

"Passive cooling became another key sustainable strategy—an evaporative cooler was used in lieu of air conditioning, which works well with the open plan and desire to keep doors open," says the firm. "This uses significantly less energy than air conditioning and works well in the dry climate of Colorado."

If you already have a projector, white sheets and some popcorn are all you need to create your own outdoor cinema. Alternatively, you can set up a backyard screening with a monitor, TV stand, and an extension cord.

Whitney created an outdoor dining area on the porch just outside the kitchen.

The purple flowers of sage and succulents are part of a landscape that reflects seasonal changes. Blu Dot Hot Mesh Lounge Chairs are on the main bedroom deck.

Tiered plantings embellish a courtyard that encloses a sunken portion of the front facade.

The Ebels have outdoor living and dining rooms. The Span Small table is composed of stone composite and natural fibers and designed by Mermelada Estudio, available at CB2.

The living room sports original tiling, the Bizerte sofas from CB2, LED string lights from Costco, and a fresh coat of Backdrop’s ‘Supermoon’ exterior paint.

Protected with landscaping, the cozy ipe deck and fire pit is an inviting space Melanie and Todd frequently find themselves gravitating toward. "It essentially acts as an extension of our living room," says Todd.

The renovated deck stayed true to the original design.

A sunken courtyard at the front of the home provides a private lounge space that connects to the dining room.