Imagine walking into your backyard and feeling as though you have arrived at a private resort. The sounds are relaxing, the lighting is inviting, and every detail has been designed around comfort and enjoyment. This is the goal of today’s luxury outdoor living environments.
For many Tulsa homeowners, outdoor living has become one of the most rewarding remodeling investments available. Outdoor spaces are no longer limited to a concrete patio and a grill. Instead, they are becoming extensions of the home that support entertaining, relaxation, wellness, dining, and family life.
The most successful outdoor resorts begin with a master plan. Rather than adding features one at a time, homeowners should think about how the entire space will function. A comprehensive plan helps coordinate traffic flow, sight lines, utilities, landscape features, and future expansion opportunities.
Outdoor rooms are one of the defining characteristics of luxury outdoor design. Just as the interior of a home contains spaces dedicated to different functions, outdoor environments should do the same. Dining spaces, conversation areas, cooking zones, wellness retreats, and entertainment areas can work together to create a complete experience.
Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the most requested features. Today’s outdoor kitchens often include built-in grills, refrigeration, sinks, storage, beverage centers, and seating. The goal is to create a space where the host can participate in the gathering rather than being isolated while preparing food.
Covered outdoor living spaces dramatically increase usability. Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable, making shade and weather protection essential. Covered patios, pavilions, retractable screens, ceiling fans, and heaters help create year-round comfort.
Water features contribute beauty and relaxation. Pools, spas, fountains, and water walls introduce movement and sound while creating a resort atmosphere. Even modest water features can have a significant impact on the overall experience.
Fire features remain among the most popular outdoor upgrades. Fireplaces, fire bowls, fire tables, and architectural fire walls create warmth and become natural gathering points during cooler months.
Wellness spaces have emerged as one of the fastest-growing outdoor remodeling trends. Homeowners increasingly seek places to exercise, meditate, relax, and recover. Yoga platforms, saunas, spas, and garden retreats all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Lighting is often the element that transforms a beautiful backyard into an extraordinary one. Layered lighting improves safety while highlighting architecture, landscaping, and gathering spaces. The best outdoor environments are just as enjoyable after sunset as they are during the day.
Seamless indoor-outdoor design is another hallmark of luxury living. Coordinated finishes, large glass openings, matching architectural details, and carefully aligned views help the home and backyard feel connected.
Ultimately, the most successful backyard resorts are designed around experiences rather than features. Families gather, celebrate milestones, enjoy quiet evenings, and create memories. The design should support the lifestyle the homeowner hopes to achieve.
A thoughtfully planned outdoor living environment can increase enjoyment, improve property value, and enhance quality of life for years to come. For many homeowners, the backyard becomes their favorite destination without ever leaving home.
Outdoor kitchens have rapidly evolved from simple backyard grills into sophisticated outdoor living environments designed for entertaining, cooking, relaxing, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.
For many Tulsa homeowners, an outdoor kitchen has become one of the most desired remodeling projects because it extends the home’s living space while creating an entirely new lifestyle experience.
However, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming that designing an outdoor kitchen is simply a matter of selecting a grill and adding a countertop.
In reality, the most successful outdoor kitchens begin with something far more important: a thoughtful plan.
Start with How You Want to Live
The most successful outdoor kitchens are designed around lifestyle — not appliances.
Every family lives differently. Some homeowners envision large gatherings with friends and family, while others desire a quiet retreat for evening meals and relaxation.
Questions that should guide the design process include: • How many people typically gather? • Will food preparation occur outdoors? • Will the area be used year-round? • Is television or music important? • Should the space connect visually to a pool or backyard?
Understanding these lifestyle goals helps shape every design decision that follows.
Create a Seamless Connection to the Home
One of the most common design mistakes involves creating an outdoor kitchen that feels disconnected from the architecture of the home itself.
The outdoor kitchen should feel like a natural extension of the interior living environment through coordinated materials, cabinetry styles, lighting, colors, and architectural detailing.
Large glass doors, covered patios, and visual continuity between indoor and outdoor finishes can dramatically improve how the entire environment feels and functions.
Weather Protection Is Critical in Oklahoma
Tulsa weather can be beautiful — but it can also be unpredictable.
That is why covered structures and weather protection are some of the most important investments within an outdoor living project.
Depending upon the design, homeowners may wish to incorporate: • covered patios • wood beam structures • retractable screens • outdoor fireplaces • ceiling fans • infrared heaters • pergolas • retractable shades
The ability to comfortably use the outdoor kitchen during multiple seasons dramatically increases enjoyment and long-term value.
Appliance Selection Should Follow the Plan
Many homeowners begin by selecting appliances first. In reality, appliance selection should occur after the overall design and layout have been thoughtfully developed.
The right appliance package depends entirely upon how the family plans to use the space.
The best outdoor kitchens balance functionality, circulation, aesthetics, and entertaining flow without feeling overcrowded.
Storage Is More Important Than Most Homeowners Realize
Without proper storage, homeowners frequently find themselves transporting cooking tools, serving trays, beverages, and supplies back and forth between the indoor and outdoor kitchens.
The cook should never feel isolated from guests, and guests should not interfere with preparation areas. Thoughtful planning creates a balanced entertaining environment.
Material Selection Matters Outdoors
Outdoor environments place significant demands on materials.
Unlike interior kitchens, outdoor kitchens must withstand UV exposure, moisture, heat, seasonal movement, and weather fluctuations.
Popular material selections often include: • natural stone • porcelain surfaces • stainless steel cabinetry • weather-resistant cabinetry systems • sealed stone countertops • composite decking
The best materials combine beauty, durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance.
Infrastructure Planning Is Essential
Outdoor kitchens often require significantly more infrastructure planning than homeowners initially expect.
Potential considerations include: • gas lines • electrical service • plumbing • drainage • ventilation • lighting circuits • audio systems • Wi-Fi access
One of the major advantages of design-build remodeling is that these systems can be evaluated and coordinated early in the planning process.
Outdoor Kitchens Often Expand Into Larger Outdoor Living Projects
Many outdoor kitchen projects naturally evolve into broader outdoor living transformations.
Additional opportunities frequently include: • covered patios • pools • fire features • outdoor dining spaces • landscape improvements • outdoor televisions • pergolas • integrated seating areas
The outdoor kitchen often becomes the centerpiece around which the entire outdoor living environment is organized.
Budget Planning Is Essential
Outdoor kitchens vary dramatically in cost depending upon size, appliances, structural work, utilities, finishes, and site conditions.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the total investment associated with outdoor living projects.
Careful planning helps align project scope with realistic budgeting expectations while reducing uncertainty during construction.
Final Thoughts
Designing an outdoor kitchen involves far more than selecting a grill and adding countertops to a patio.
The most successful projects begin with understanding how homeowners truly want to live, entertain, cook, and relax outdoors.
At The Buckingham Group, we believe thoughtful planning is one of the most important parts of any successful remodeling project.
When the planning is done correctly, an outdoor kitchen becomes more than an outdoor feature — it becomes one of the family’s favorite places to gather.
Most remodeling regrets happen before construction begins, not during construction. Homeowners who invest time in thoughtful planning, professional design, future-focused decision-making, and clear project priorities are significantly more likely to create spaces they love for decades. The key to no-regret remodeling is making informed decisions before construction starts.
Discover how Tulsa homeowners are creating resort-style outdoor living environments with outdoor kitchens, covered patios, fireplaces, wellness spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor design.
There is a reason so many people love living in Tulsa and throughout Green Country. While the area offers beautiful neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, cultural attractions, and outstanding schools, one of the region’s greatest hidden treasures is something many people outside Oklahoma never fully appreciate — the incredible lakes surrounding Tulsa.
Within a relatively short drive of the city, homeowners can escape to crystal-clear water, rolling hills, pine forests, marinas, waterfront dining, boating, fishing, hiking, and some of the most relaxing scenery in the Midwest.
For many Tulsa families, weekends at the lake become part of their lifestyle. Some enjoy boating and entertaining friends. Others prefer fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with family while watching the sun set over the water.
At The Buckingham Group, we have spent more than 44 years helping Tulsa homeowners create homes designed around the way they truly want to live. For many families, that lifestyle includes outdoor entertaining spaces, covered patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, screened porches, and relaxing environments inspired by weekends spent at the lake.
Accordingly, we thought it would be enjoyable to highlight some of the very best lakes surrounding Tulsa and explain what makes each destination unique.
1. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees — Oklahoma’s Premier Recreational Lake
Located approximately 90 minutes from Tulsa, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees — commonly referred to simply as “Grand Lake” — remains one of Oklahoma’s premier recreational destinations.
Grand Lake is known for its boating culture, marinas, luxury lake homes, golf, waterfront dining, fishing, and active summer atmosphere. The lake attracts everyone from fishing enthusiasts to homeowners seeking a luxury second-home lifestyle.
One of the reasons Grand Lake has become so popular is the variety of experiences it offers. Some areas provide highly active boating and entertainment environments, while others offer quiet coves perfect for relaxing weekends and fishing.
Monkey Island has experienced substantial upscale development over recent years. Shangri-La Resort has helped transform the area into one of Oklahoma’s premier resort destinations, offering golf, dining, entertainment, and recreational amenities.
Advantages of Grand Lake: • Outstanding boating and water sports • Large marina community • Excellent bass and crappie fishing • Luxury waterfront homes • Waterfront dining and entertainment • Active social lake atmosphere • Golf and resort amenities
Best For: • Boating enthusiasts • Entertaining and social lake weekends • Luxury lake living • Fishing and water sports
2. Lake Tenkiller — Oklahoma’s Clearest Water
If crystal-clear water and scenic beauty are your priorities, Lake Tenkiller is difficult to surpass.
Located southeast of Tulsa near Cookson and Tahlequah, Tenkiller is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma because of its clear water, wooded shoreline, and scenic hills.
Tenkiller offers a more relaxed and natural environment compared to some larger recreational lakes. Families often enjoy swimming, floating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and scuba diving in the lake’s exceptionally clear water.
Unlike more commercialized destinations, Tenkiller maintains a peaceful atmosphere that many families find highly appealing.
Advantages of Tenkiller: • Crystal-clear water • Outstanding scuba diving • Scenic wooded surroundings • Excellent fishing • Relaxed atmosphere • Beautiful cabin settings • Great swimming coves
Best For: • Families seeking relaxation • Swimming and floating • Nature lovers • Quiet weekend retreats
3. Skiatook Lake — Tulsa’s Convenient Nearby Escape
For many Tulsa homeowners, Skiatook Lake provides the perfect balance between recreation and convenience.
Located just northwest of Tulsa, Skiatook allows families to enjoy boating, fishing, and lake recreation without requiring a long drive.
That convenience becomes especially valuable for busy families who want to spend more time enjoying the lake and less time traveling.
Skiatook continues to grow in popularity because of its clean water, family-friendly atmosphere, and easy accessibility from Tulsa.
Advantages of Skiatook: • Convenient access from Tulsa • Clean attractive water • Excellent fishing • Family-friendly boating • Ideal for day trips • Growing recreational popularity
Best For: • Busy Tulsa families • Day trips • Convenient boating access • Weekend recreation close to home
4. Keystone Lake — One of Oklahoma’s Largest Lakes
Advantages of Keystone: • Large open-water boating areas • Excellent sailing conditions • Convenient Tulsa access • Extensive shoreline • Strong fishing opportunities • Multiple parks and campgrounds
Best For: • Sailing • Recreational boating • Camping • Family outdoor recreation
5. Broken Bow Lake — Oklahoma’s Luxury Cabin Destination
Although located farther from Tulsa than some of the other lakes on this list, Broken Bow has become one of Oklahoma’s premier luxury getaway destinations.
Surrounded by pine forests and mountain-style scenery, Broken Bow often feels more like Arkansas or Colorado than Oklahoma.
The area has experienced explosive growth in luxury cabins, tourism, dining, and entertainment over the past decade. Many Tulsa families now consider Broken Bow their preferred destination for long weekends and family retreats.
Advantages of Broken Bow: • Stunning pine forest scenery • Luxury cabin communities • Crystal-clear water • Hiking and outdoor recreation • Romantic getaway atmosphere • Strong vacation rental market
Best For: • Luxury cabin vacations • Family retreats • Romantic weekends • Hiking and outdoor recreation
6. Hudson Lake — A Relaxed Hidden Gem
Lake Hudson may not receive the same attention as Grand Lake or Broken Bow, but many longtime Oklahomans appreciate its relaxed and less commercialized atmosphere.
Located near Pryor, Hudson Lake offers boating, fishing, and recreation within a quieter environment that many families find highly appealing.
Best For: • Relaxed weekends • Fishing • Affordable lake recreation
7. Fort Gibson Lake — Excellent for Fishing and Family Recreation
Fort Gibson Lake remains highly popular among anglers and families seeking affordable outdoor recreation.
Located southeast of Tulsa, the lake offers fishing, camping, boating, and beautiful wooded scenery.
Advantages of Fort Gibson: • Excellent fishing • Family camping • Recreational boating • Beautiful wooded shoreline • Convenient access from Tulsa
Best For: • Fishing • Camping • Family recreation
Why Tulsa Homeowners Love Living Near So Many Lakes
One of the greatest advantages of living in Tulsa and throughout Green Country is the ability to enjoy both city life and outdoor recreation within a relatively short drive.
Some lakes are ideal for luxury boating and entertaining. Others provide quiet relaxation, hiking, fishing, swimming, and family recreation.
For many families, weekends at the lake eventually begin influencing how they design and use their homes in Tulsa. Outdoor kitchens, covered patios, fireplaces, pools, and entertainment spaces often reflect the relaxing lifestyle homeowners experience during lake weekends.
At The Buckingham Group, we frequently help homeowners create homes and outdoor environments designed around entertaining, relaxation, and family living.
The beauty of Green Country living is that homeowners truly can enjoy both worlds — the convenience and culture of Tulsa combined with exceptional outdoor recreation nearby.
Final Thoughts
Green Country offers an incredible collection of lakes — each with its own unique character and appeal.
Whether your ideal destination involves the social boating atmosphere of Grand Lake, the scenic beauty of Tenkiller, the convenience of Skiatook, the sailing opportunities of Keystone, or the luxury cabin environment of Broken Bow, northeastern Oklahoma provides endless opportunities to relax and reconnect with family and friends.
After all, some of life’s best memories are often created at the lake.
Most remodeling regrets happen before construction begins, not during construction. Homeowners who invest time in thoughtful planning, professional design, future-focused decision-making, and clear project priorities are significantly more likely to create spaces they love for decades. The key to no-regret remodeling is making informed decisions before construction starts.
Discover how Tulsa homeowners are creating resort-style outdoor living environments with outdoor kitchens, covered patios, fireplaces, wellness spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor design.
This fully customized outdoor entertainment hub showcases Tulsa’s finest design, and craftsmanship. This space illustrates the perfect harmony between creativity and functionality, customized for Tulsa living. This outdoor retreat was designed to seamlessly merge comfort, elegance, and everyday usability for year-round use.
Introduction
Imagine stepping out your back door and into a space that feels like a private retreat — one that works as well for a summer cookout as it does for a crisp autumn evening by the fire. A well-planned outdoor living space is more than a patio or deck; it’s a year round extension of your home that adds beauty, function, and value.
At The Buckingham Group, we specialize in helping Tulsa homeowners create outdoor areas that can be enjoyed 365 days a year. Here’s how we recommend turning your backyard into a true all-season destination.
Start with a Thoughtful Design
Every great outdoor space begins with a plan. Before breaking ground, think about how you’ll use the space — intimate family dinners, entertaining friends, quiet mornings with coffee — and what budget you want to invest. A smart design will consider sun exposure, wind direction, privacy from neighbors, and how you visualize moving between the house and yard.
Because we use a design-build approach, our team ensures that patios, kitchens, and shade structures are fully integrated with your home’s architecture. This not only improves functionality but makes the space look like it has always belonged there.
A dramatic cast stone fireplace serves as a stunning focal point for fireside chats and social gatherings. The design celebrates classic architecture, blending elegance with natural surroundings. This backyard embodies the perfect blend of architecture and nature, making it a personal oasis.
Plan for All-Season Comfort
If you want to enjoy your backyard year-round, comfort is key. Shade solutions such as pergolas or pavilions keep the summer sun at bay, while ceiling fans help with airflow. For cooler months, you can incorporate outdoor heaters, fire pits, or fireplaces to create cozy gathering spots. The ultimate design includes a complete roof covering of your outdoor living apace.
Retractable motorized screens add another level of versatility, keeping bugs away in summer and blocking wind in winter. And don’t forget lighting — path lights, sconces, and overhead fixtures can extend your evenings well past sunset.
Every detail of this outdoor kitchen is designed for seamless entertaining and hosting. This outdoor space demonstrates a mastery of form, function, and refined architectural style. This backyard showcases Tulsa’s finest luxury outdoor living with unparalleled attention to detail featuring DCS appliances, Danver Cabinets, Lutron Lighting Controls and Bromic Infrared Heating.
Upgrade with an Outdoor Kitchen & Dining Space
An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a natural gathering place. Consider a built-in grill or smoker, refrigeration, and weatherproof cabinetry so everything you need is at your fingertips. For all-season use, a covered cooking station is essential. Pair it with a dining area complete with weather-resistant seating and, when possible, overhead heaters or fans.
This cast stone courtyard is impeccably landscaped. Lush, layered landscaping creates depth and drama.
Landscape for Year-Round Appeal
Landscaping ties the entire space together. Blend evergreens, seasonal blooms, and ornamental grasses to create color and texture throughout the year. Add structure with stone walkways, planters, and water features that keep the space visually interesting even in the winter.
Our team often integrates lighting to highlight trees, pathways, and architectural details — a simple way to add drama and safety no matter the season.
Integrate Entertainment & Smart Technology
Outdoor entertainment is easier than ever. Weather-rated televisions, Bluetooth speakers, and Wi-Fi boosters let you stream music, host movie nights, or watch the big game outdoors. The key is to choose equipment designed for the elements and to keep controls simple, whether from a smartphone or remote.
A Blaze grill makes this outdoor kitchen a chef’s dream, built for performance.. This space showcases the artistry of design while ensuring practicality and long-term durability. The thoughtful design transforms this space into a sanctuary for family and friends.
Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Oklahoma weather can be tough on outdoor spaces, so material choice matters. Porcelain pavers, composite decking, and natural stones such as granite are excellent options for longevity and style. High-performance outdoor fabrics resist fading and moisture, so your furniture looks great for years.
A patio seamlessly connected to the home through sliding glass doors.
Create a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Large sliding or folding glass doors are one of the best ways to make the outdoors feel like part of the home. Sliding windows between indoor and outdoor kitchens make transferring of food between areas a breeze. Matching flooring materials or color palettes between spaces creates a smooth visual transition, brings the outdoors in and encourages more frequent use.
Why Work with a Design-Build Professional
Bringing all these elements together requires more than a contractor — it takes a team that understands design, construction, and project management. The Buckingham Group’s design-build process ensures that every detail is considered, from drainage and permits to materials and décor. Our integrated approach gives you a guaranteed price, a clear schedule, and a result that feels tailor-made for your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed outdoor living space can change the way you use your home. By planning for all four seasons, selecting durable materials, and working with a trusted design-build partner, you create a place for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining that will serve you for years to come.
When you’re ready to take the next step, The Buckingham Group can bring your vision to life — from first sketch to final construction — with craftsmanship and attention to detail that make every project truly exceptional.
1. Begin with a Vision That Reflects Your Lifestyle
Seasonal outdoor living is a hallmark of Tulsa’s spring and summer and The Buckingham Group has spent over two decades helping homeowners translate those lifestyle dreams into reality. Think through how you entertain: backyard BBQs, family gatherings or cozy evenings by the grill.
2. Collaborate on a Thoughtful, Cohesive Design
Our award‑winning designers blend outdoor kitchens into your landscaping and architecture, creating spaces that feel natural and inviting. Built‑in grills, under‑counter storage, and trash receptacles are seamlessly integrated for both beauty and practicality.
3. Select Durable, Functional Components
Choose smart features: natural gas or propane built-in grills, weather-resistant cabinetry, sinks, fridges, and countertops. TBG ensures each element is both functional and suited to your environment
4. Optimize Layout for Flow and Entertainment
A successful outdoor kitchen requires proper circulation zones and prep areas. Our planners focus on easy movement between cooking, dining, and lounging spaces. This allows the kitchen to serve as a social hub.
5. Embrace the Exterior Living Space
Extend the design with pergolas, built-in lighting, or integrated seating. Whether you envision intimate dinners or festive gatherings, TBG ensures your outdoor kitchen enhances your entire backyard experience.
6. Expect Professional Execution & Peace of Mind
Extend the design with pergolas, built-in lighting, or integrated seating. WFrom initial concept through final build, We manage every detail: permits, construction, material selection, and clean-up. All backed by our trademark design-build system. Enjoy transparency, quality craftsmanship, and a space built to last.
