There’s something special about summer in Idaho.
Long evenings on the patio. Weekend barbecues. Kids running through the backyard sprinkler. After spending much of the year indoors, summer is when your home truly begins to extend beyond its four walls.
Whether you’re building a custom home, planning a remodel, or simply looking for ways to enjoy your current home even more, thoughtful design can help you make the most of Idaho’s warmest months.
From major custom home features to simple weekend upgrades, there are countless ways to make your home more enjoyable during the summer months. Whether you’re planning a new build or simply refreshing your current space, even a few well-planned updates can make a big difference.
Covered Outdoor Living Spaces
A patio is great. A covered patio is even better.
One of the most popular custom home features we see is an outdoor living area that’s comfortable throughout the day—not just after sunset.
A covered patio can provide:
- Relief from the afternoon sun
- Protection during summer rain showers
- A comfortable place for summer entertaining at home
- Space for outdoor dining
- Shade for kids playing outside
To take your covered patio to the next level, consider adding ceiling fans, a misting system, and recessed lighting for added comfort during the summer. If you want to enjoy the space into the cooler months, infrared heaters can help extend your outdoor living season well beyond summer.
Large Sliding or Folding Glass Doors
One of the best parts of an Idaho summer isn’t the middle of the afternoon—it’s the cooler mornings and long evenings that seem to stretch on forever.
Large sliding or folding glass doors create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. They make it easy to open your home to the outdoors when the temperatures are just right. Whether you’re carrying dinner out to the patio, hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a quiet moment before the day heats up, the transition feels effortless.
Even when the doors are closed, expansive glass keeps your backyard, landscaping, and mountain views front and center, making your home feel bright and connected to the outdoors all year long. It’s no wonder this custom home feature continues to be one of today’s most popular home design trends.
RELATED CONTENT: Designing an Outdoor Space Built for Entertaining
A Backyard Landing Zone
Summer means people are constantly moving between indoors and outdoors.
Whether it’s children coming in from the sprinkler, dogs tracking dirt inside, or adults carrying gardening supplies, your home needs a place to catch the mess before it spreads.
Consider creating a landing zone at a secondary entry with:
- Durable flooring
- Bench seating
- Hooks for towels
- Shoe storage
- Utility sink or rinse station nearby
Many homeowners think of mudrooms as a winter feature, but they can be just as valuable during Idaho summers. A thoughtfully designed transition space makes everyday adventures a little easier—and helps keep the outdoors where it belongs.
An Outdoor Beverage Station
Outdoor kitchens receive plenty of attention, but not everyone wants—or needs—a full outdoor cooking setup.
Instead, consider a smaller beverage station that includes:
- A compact refrigerator
- Counter space
- Storage for cups and serving trays
- Ice maker (if space allows)
This summer home feature is perfect for entertaining and keeps guests from constantly walking through the house for refills.
Open Backyard Spaces
Some of the best backyard design ideas aren’t about adding more—they’re about protecting the open space you already have.
Before filling every corner of your yard with landscaping, ask yourself:
- Where will the kids play soccer?
- Is there room for cornhole during family gatherings?
- Could you set up a volleyball net?
- Will grandchildren have space to run?
At the same time, remember that Idaho summers can be hot and dry. If maintaining a lush green lawn isn’t a priority, consider designing your yard with a mix of grass, native landscaping, mulch beds, and gathering spaces. You’ll spend less time watering and more time enjoying your backyard.
Custom Garage Storage
For many Idaho families, the garage becomes summer headquarters.
Think beyond parking vehicles and consider garage storage for:
- Paddleboards
- Camping equipment
- Bikes
- Coolers
- Lawn games
- Fishing gear
Dedicated storage helps keep these seasonal items organized and easy to access without cluttering your home.
Edible Landscaping
One of today’s growing home design trends is landscaping that’s as useful as it is beautiful.
Instead of separating ornamental landscaping from the garden, consider incorporating edible plants throughout your yard. Herbs just outside the kitchen door, raspberry bushes along a fence, dwarf fruit trees sprinkled in the yard. Edible plants can add color while providing fresh ingredients all summer long.
Edible landscaping also attracts pollinators, encourages more time outdoors, and gives kids a fun excuse to pick a handful of berries on their way through the yard.
An Inviting Nighttime Experience
Some of the best moments of an Idaho summer happen after the sun goes down. As you’re planning your outdoor gathering spaces, think about how they’ll function in the evening.
A few comfortable chairs around a fire pit. A porch swing overlooking the backyard. Adirondack chairs beneath a shade tree. A bistro table tucked into a quiet garden corner.
Simple additions like landscape lighting, string lights, outdoor speakers, or a portable fire table help transform these spaces into favorite gathering spots.
Often, it’s these cozy corners—not the biggest or most expensive features—that become the backdrop for your family’s favorite summer memories.
Light & Airy Interiors
One of the biggest home design trends is creating interiors that feel light, bright, and connected to nature.
Simple updates can instantly make your home feel more open and inviting without a major renovation. Try:
- Linen curtains
- Natural wood accents
- Woven textures
- Houseplants
- Light-colored throw pillows
- Fresh-cut flowers from your own garden
A Laundry Room That Keeps Up
Summer often means more towels, swimsuits, dirty gardening clothes, sports uniforms, and camping gear.
Features like extra countertop space, hanging rods, utility sinks, and plenty of storage make it easier to keep up with the extra laundry that comes with busy summer days.
Even small upgrades—like adding wall hooks for damp towels or baskets for outdoor gear—can make a noticeable difference.
Create a Home That Fits the Way You Live
The best summer home design ideas aren’t about checking boxes or following every trend.
They’re about creating spaces that fit your family’s lifestyle.
Maybe that’s a backyard built for neighborhood barbecues. Maybe it’s a quiet porch where you can watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee. Or maybe it’s simply adding a few herbs outside the kitchen door and some comfortable chairs beneath the trees.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or making small improvements over time, thoughtful design helps you enjoy your home in every season—especially summer.
At Pleasant View Construction, we believe great homes aren’t defined by square footage alone. They’re designed around the moments that matter most.
