May 21, 2026
Shot of a mature couple enjoying breakfast together outdoors

By Alicia Wanek

In Texas, we’re fortunate to enjoy our outdoor spaces throughout the entire year, making now an ideal moment to craft your dream backyard retreat. As you envision this space for your family, consider the long-term enjoyment it can provide—be it a pool, an outdoor kitchen combined with a living area, a sports court, or any feature that will bring lasting joy and excitement.

Searching for a perfect spot to soak in the great outdoors? Your own backyard is the answer!

Trinity Fireside

Trinity Fireside specializes in enhancing the atmosphere of your exterior spaces with beautifully crafted fireplaces tailored to suit your individual taste. According to Fredy Mize, president of Trinity Fireside in Grand Prairie, TX, fireplaces have significantly advanced in design, with numerous styles, shapes, and heating capabilities that many may not realize exist. The newest trend is the so-called “linear” fireplaces. “Linear designs are sleek and modern yet maintain a cozy ambiance,” Mize describes. “They feature elongated designs with smooth lines and can also be see-through.” These fireplaces are versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor settings, don’t require a mantel, and use gas for energy efficiency. They replace traditional logs with crushed clear glass and can integrate LED lighting for a colorful glow.

For outdoor settings, Mize explains that linear fireplaces can be installed vertically along a wall, in a corner, or as part of a peninsula. These installations are typically finished with stone or similar materials and vent from the front, eliminating the necessity for a chimney or flue.

As fall approaches, it’s an ideal season for alfresco dining, and Trinity Fireside offers an impressive assortment of outdoor grills that elevate the cooking experience. The popular Kamado Joe ceramic cookers are an excellent choice, designed to make grilling enjoyable for everyone from novices to seasoned chefs.

If you feel you’ve delayed creating a custom outdoor cooking area, don’t fret. Trinity Fireside presents their custom outdoor grill islands, known as 240Fire. These islands come equipped with an exquisite grill and accessories from Delta Heat, along with your selection of granite countertops and stone facades from their stunning collection, all installed and ready to use in just 240 minutes (4 hours).

“We all cherish the outdoors and strive to design a perfect venue for connecting with family and friends, a space ideal for entertaining and creating lasting memories,” states the Trinity Fireside team.

Trinity Fireside | 972.215.7675 | www.trinityfireside.com

Starpower

In today’s world, if it’s available indoors, it can likely be replicated outdoors. Thanks to modern advancements, Starpower and Ed Kellum and Sons can help you create an outdoor haven equipped with all essentials for entertaining, or simply relaxing in an extended living area. Given the challenges posed by extreme heat and unexpected rain, incorporating an outdoor television—safely housing all electrical components—is a smart choice. For avid film enthusiasts, Starpower can even set you up with a massive 180” video wall! As you kick back to watch a movie, you won’t have to compromise on audio quality either. Outdoor speakers designed to endure diverse weather conditions and resistant to rust will immerse you in the experience. Some even blend seamlessly into your landscaping, mimicking the appearance of rocks. Additionally, many sound systems can be controlled via smartphone.

While Ed Kellum and Sons boast a range of premium grills suitable for outdoor culinary masters, outdoor cooking has expanded beyond just grilling. You can now craft a comprehensive outdoor kitchen featuring refrigerators, pizza ovens, warming drawers, wine coolers, and a lot more.

Finally, as you work towards finalizing your ideal backyard, don’t overlook the importance of a security system. For over two decades, Starpower has been licensed to sell security solutions, offering cameras that allow remote monitoring of any movements around your property and review stored footage from months prior. Cutting-edge night vision capabilities enable nighttime surveillance, accessible remotely from your devices so you can stay informed about activities at home even when you are away.

Starpower | 972.503.6005 | www.star-power.com

“Outdoor TVs are fully enclosed and weather-resistant; they’re easy to clean, and the picture remains clear even under direct sunlight.” -David K. Pidgeon, CEO, Starpower

Patio Works

Contemporary landscaping designs incorporate a variety of textures and features. If you seek innovative ideas that merge aesthetics and practicality, the landscape designers at Patio Works stand ready to help you reinvent your yard. “The only boundary to transforming your outdoor patio is your imagination,” says Mark Sorenson, owner of Patio Works.

Choosing the right materials is crucial when designing an outdoor patio that meets your vision. It’s essential to evaluate the available choices to ensure they harmonize with your home’s style. You should also assess existing hardscaping in your yard, as the color, shape, and size of the stones you select will significantly influence the overall ambiance. The skilled architects at Patio Works can present various options and assist in bringing your vision to life.

With the coming months promising outdoor leisure time, you’ll want your backyard to be warm and inviting. Your ideal retreat is waiting for you.

Patio Works, Inc. | 214.956.7801 | www.patioworksinc.com

(Free consultation/estimate)

Texas Mosquito Control

Nothing ruins an outdoor gathering or pool day like a swarm of mosquitoes. These pesky insects not only cause discomfort but can also pose serious health risks. As suggested by Mark Kellner of Texas Mosquito Control, a mosquito misting system can provide effective relief. “This system offers thorough protection for the outdoor areas around your home; it sprays automatically at scheduled times to eliminate mosquitoes present and deter them from returning,” Kellner explains.

The system disperses a fine mist on and beneath the foliage throughout your yard via strategically placed nozzles, operated from containers that automatically activate during peak mosquito activity times—early mornings, dusk, and evenings—creating a barrier that is lethal to these insects and other flying pests. Mark will personally evaluate your yard to determine the best placement for the system and provide maintenance during the busy summer months to ensure ongoing efficacy. Without the worry of pesky insects, you and your guests can focus on enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family.

Texas Mosquito Control | 972.248.3373 | www.texasmosquitocontrol.com

(Free consultation)

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