Designing the Perfect Outdoor Living Space For Sarasota

Designing the Perfect Outdoor Living Space For Sarasota

Florida’s Gulf Coast offers something few places can: the freedom to live outdoors year-round. Imagine hosting friends in a breezy outdoor kitchen, enjoying golden sunsets over Sarasota Bay, or relaxing by the fire on a cool winter evening. These aren’t just luxuries—they’re part of daily life when your outdoor space is designed for both beauty and function.

At Murray Homes Remodeling, we blend high-performance design with the relaxed elegance of Gulf Coast living—bringing together craftsmanship, comfort, and enduring style to create outdoor environments as beautiful as the scenery that surrounds them.

What Does Your Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Look Like?

What Does Your Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Look Like?

An outdoor kitchen isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the heart of your home’s outdoor lifestyle. With Murray Homes Remodeling, your vision is brought to life through a seamless blend of beauty, durability, and purpose-built design—perfectly suited to Florida’s year-round climate and coastal charm.

Our in-house designers collaborate closely with you to create a space that not only complements your home’s architecture but enhances how you live, entertain, and relax. Picture stepping outside to a refined outdoor retreat that includes:

  • A custom grilling station equipped with top-tier appliances, tailored to your cooking preferences—whether that’s searing steaks, smoking seafood, or firing up gourmet pizza.
  • Generous counter space, made from weather-resistant stone or porcelain, ideal for both meal prep and effortless serving.
  • Stylish marine-grade cabinetry that stands up to humidity and salt air while adding architectural polish to the space.
  • Built-in refrigeration and an ice maker, keeping refreshments chilled and always within reach.
  • An integrated sink and prep zone, making cleanup as easy as the setup.
  • Optional features like a wood-fired pizza oven, wine storage, or a teppanyaki grill that elevate your entertaining to a whole new level.

Every element is chosen not just for appearance, but for performance in Sarasota’s climate—from materials that won’t fade or corrode to layouts designed for shade, airflow, and connection to the rest of your home.

At Murray Homes, we transform outdoor kitchens into experiences—crafted for comfort, curated for style, and built to last.

Backyard Entertainment Features That Impress Guests Year-Round

Great design doesn’t just look beautiful—it creates memorable experiences. When your outdoor entertainment area is thoughtfully designed, it becomes a natural gathering space that welcomes guests, sets the mood, and offers comfort no matter the season.

At Murray Homes Remodeling, we help clients across Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Lakewood Ranch design outdoor entertainment spaces that feel like a private resort—elegant, functional, and seamlessly integrated with your home’s architecture.

Picture stepping into a space that includes:

  • Luxe lounge seating, crafted from weather-resistant materials, where guests can unwind in comfort and style.
  • A custom-built pergola or shaded pavilion, offering sun protection while maintaining open-air ambiance.
  • An integrated sound system, professionally installed to deliver clear, immersive audio without visible wires or hardware.
  • A sleek outdoor bar, complete with beverage coolers, bar seating, and elegant finishes that invite easy conversation.
  • Ambient lighting design, from soft path lighting to architectural uplighting that transforms your backyard after dark.
  • Signature fire features, such as a sculptural gas fire bowl or stone fireplace, to extend usability into cooler evenings and add visual drama.
  • Soothing water features, like a reflecting pool, wall fountain, or integrated spa spillover, which introduce movement, sound, and a calming atmosphere.
West Of The Trail Luxury Whole Home Remodel Sarasota Florida

Whether you’re hosting a sunset cocktail party on Siesta Key or a casual poolside brunch in Lakewood Ranch, your outdoor space can be tailored to fit any occasion—with features that impress guests and elevate everyday living.

Let Murray Homes help you create an entertainment area that draws people in—and makes them want to stay.

Fire Features That Add Warmth and Style to Your Outdoor Living Space

Sarasota Modern Home

A fire feature can turn an outdoor space into a true year-round retreat. Fire features create a warm inviting atmosphere—casting a soft glow, encouraging conversation, and anchoring the space with an irresistible focal point.

At Murray Homes Remodeling, we design and install custom fire features that are as beautiful as they are functional, tailored to your home’s style and the way you entertain. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening under the stars or hosting guests on a breezy Sarasota night, a fire feature brings warmth, elegance, and timeless appeal.

Popular options include:

  • A grand stone or brick fireplace, framed by deep seating and styled like an outdoor living room—ideal for larger gatherings or dramatic design statements.
  • A modern gas fire pit, enhanced with glass pebbles or lava rock for sleek, low-maintenance ambiance.
  • A classic wood-burning fire pit, perfect for homeowners who love the nostalgic crackle and aroma of real wood.
  • Contemporary fire bowls, often placed poolside or along a patio wall, adding sculptural interest and a resort-inspired feel.

With the right materials and design elements, your fire feature becomes more than just a seasonal addition—it becomes the heart of your outdoor space.

Your Outdoor Retreat Awaits

Murray Homes is delighted to have earned a prestigious second-place award for complete remodeling excellence on projects exceeding $1 million at the Tampa NARI Coty Awards 2024. This recognition highlights the company's dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovative design, which is showcased in its stunning transformation of a canal-front property on Siesta Key. The recognition honours the Murray Homes team's hard work and creativity and celebrates their dedication to providing clients with beautiful, functional spaces. An Owner’s Vision Brought to Life The owners of the Siesta Key property had a clear vision for their home: they wanted a space that adhered to modern design standards while also serving as a gallery-like setting to showcase their impressive collection of artwork. Additionally, they wanted to maximize the natural light available in the home, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that would highlight both the art and the architectural features of the newly designed space. The owners were savvy enough to understand that remodelling an entire home - especially one along the water or within wind velocity zones - is unlike other renovations and that many older Sarasota homes are not up to current structure or safety standards. They chose Murray Homes because of their decades of experience dealing with waterfront properties and working with the Sarasota city and county, understanding all the aspects required to create a beautiful home in keeping with the lasting legacy of successful remodels across the region. A Comprehensive Transformation Murray Homes understood the brief and was up for the challenge, involving an extensive renovation of both the home's exterior and interior. The goal was to breathe new life into the property, transforming it into a contemporary coastal retreat that embraced modern design principles and reflected the owners' unique aesthetic vision. Exterior Revamp The property's exterior underwent a complete overhaul, starting with the fundamentals - replacing all windows and doors. These upgrades improved the home's energy efficiency and durability and positively contributed to its fresh, coastal contemporary style. The design transformation was in complete harmony with the natural beauty of the Siesta Key waterfront, creating a striking first impression for visitors and passersby alike. Interior Innovation The remodelling efforts inside the home were equally ambitious and extended to every corner of the property. The team at Murray Homes stripped out all existing ceilings and columns, opening up the space to allow for a more modern, airy, and open living environment. This reconfiguration laid the groundwork for a seamless flow between the home's various living spaces, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal. The bathrooms were completely remodelled, featuring sleek fixtures and contemporary designs that complemented the home's overall modern vibe. New flooring was installed throughout, providing a unified, sophisticated look that tied the spaces together. Additionally, updated lighting, automation, audiovisual, and a new air conditioning system were integrated to enhance the home's comfort and function. A significant highlight of the interior remodel was the kitchen, which featured a redesign and installation of professional-grade appliances. This upgrade transformed the kitchen into a chef's dream, offering a functional and stylish space for cooking and entertaining. The new layout also created a more open environment, making the kitchen a central hub of activity in the home. Harmonious Home The owners of the Siesta Key property were thrilled with the results, as their vision of a dream home was brought to life in every sense. The project is a shining example of what can be achieved when expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and a clear vision come together. On-Time and On-Budget Success One of the most impressive aspects of the project was its completion within the expected time frame and budget. The team at Murray Homes worked diligently to ensure that every detail was executed to perfection while adhering to the project's schedule and financial plan. This commitment and professionalism set Murray Homes apart as they continue to deliver the gold standard for luxury remodeling and custom home building in Sarasota, and their latest award-winning project is yet another milestone in their legacy of excellence.
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At Murray Homes Remodeling, we believe your backyard should be more than just a beautiful view—it should be a true reflection of your lifestyle. From custom outdoor kitchens and elegant fire features to stylish entertainment areas and curated materials, every detail is designed with intention and built to the highest standard.

Our team brings decades of experience transforming outdoor spaces across Sarasota, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, and Lakewood Ranch into refined extensions of the home—tailored to how you cook, relax, entertain, and live.

Ready to create your own backyard oasis? Let’s bring your vision to life with a space that feels effortless, luxurious, and uniquely yours.

Contact Murray Homes Remodeling today and take the first step toward designing the outdoor living space you’ve always imagined.