From Indoors to Outdoors: 6 Male Interior Designers Now Elevating Exterior Spaces to Boost Home Value
In the world of home design, the line between indoors and outdoors is becoming increasingly blurred. With homebuyers placing more emphasis on curb appeal, usable outdoor living areas, and seamless transitions from the living room to the backyard, top interior designers are expanding their skill sets beyond four walls. Among them, six male designers have gained recognition for applying their interior design sensibilities to outdoor spaces — and the result is not just beautiful patios and gardens, but significantly increased home value.
Here’s a look at six standout designers leading this indoor-outdoor revolution.
1. Wes Halpern – From Sophisticated Interiors to Smart Outdoor Living
Wes Halpern built his reputation designing refined, high-end interiors, often blending classic materials with a modern touch. But recently, Wes has ventured outside — quite literally — and is transforming backyards into functional luxury retreats.
“Outdoor living isn’t just a trend; it’s an extension of how we live every day,” Wes says. “Designing these spaces with the same attention to detail as the indoors can dramatically raise a home’s value.”
Wes specializes in outdoor kitchens, poolside lounges, and transitional patios that feel like indoor rooms. His signature move? Bringing in custom lighting, smart home tech, and comfortable, weather-resistant furniture that elevates the outdoor experience.
2. Marcus Avery – The Minimalist With a Passion for Nature
Marcus Avery is known for his minimalist interior spaces—clean lines, neutral tones, and functional layouts. His outdoor work mirrors this philosophy, with sleek concrete patios, vertical gardens, and open-air dining areas that feel both modern and meditative.
“I treat the outdoors like an open canvas,” Marcus explains. “Natural materials and intentional layouts help the space feel timeless.”
Marcus’s clients often see a 10-15% increase in home value after outdoor renovations, particularly when he integrates water features and sustainable landscaping.
3. Logan Barrett – Bringing the Farmhouse Feel Outdoors
Logan Barrett made his name designing cozy, lived-in interiors with a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Lately, he’s been bringing that same charm outside. Think pergolas draped in string lights, fire pits with built-in benches, and weathered wood planters overflowing with herbs and wildflowers.
“People want their outdoor space to feel personal and warm, just like their kitchen or living room,” Logan says.
Logan’s projects often feature reclaimed wood, natural stone, and lots of texture. His rustic yet polished outdoor designs are a hit with families and real estate agents alike, adding undeniable value at resale.
4. Derek Shaw – Urban Luxe Outdoor Spaces
Derek Shaw, based in Chicago, started with small-space interior design, often working in city apartments and condos. His experience in maximizing limited indoor square footage gave him a unique advantage when he moved into urban outdoor design.
“I love transforming tiny balconies or rooftop decks into something magical,” Derek shares. “Even 100 square feet can become an entertainer’s paradise.”
Derek often incorporates modular furniture, vertical gardens, and creative lighting into his designs. He also focuses on outdoor storage solutions — a feature that homebuyers in tight markets deeply appreciate.
5. Anthony “Tony” Reaves – Classic with a Contemporary Twist
Tony Reaves has always leaned toward traditional design, but his recent foray into outdoor spaces brings a refreshing mix of old-world elegance and contemporary flair. Think manicured hedges alongside concrete fire bowls, or vintage lanterns hanging over modern lounge seating.
“Outdoor design allows me to have fun with juxtaposition,” Tony says. “It’s about creating a feeling — a place where someone wants to stay a little longer.”
Tony’s signature outdoor additions, like covered patios with retractable canopies and custom-built bars, are especially popular with buyers in luxury real estate markets.
6. Brian Colton – The Tech-Savvy Designer for the Modern Family
Brian Colton’s background in interior smart home technology made his transition to outdoor design seamless. He’s known for high-functioning exterior spaces equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled lighting, sound systems, and even weather-responsive irrigation.
“Homeowners are looking for ease and integration,” says Brian. “If their interior is smart, their exterior should be too.”
Brian also collaborates closely with landscapers to design child-friendly play areas, outdoor work-from-home stations, and pet-safe yards — all of which add both utility and resale value to a property.
Outdoor Design: A New Standard in Home Value
According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, homes with well-designed outdoor spaces can sell for up to 20% more than comparable properties. Buyers are drawn to turnkey exteriors that offer instant lifestyle perks — especially in a post-pandemic era where home is everything.
These six designers have recognized that outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought. Whether it’s Wes Halpern’s luxurious al fresco retreats or Derek Shaw’s compact rooftop makeovers, their designs prove that a beautiful backyard can be just as valuable as a beautiful kitchen.
So if you’re thinking about renovating, don’t stop at the back door. As these designers show, stepping outside may be the smartest investment you’ll ever make.
