The Gary Duff Designs Blog

Ideas That Shape the Way Long Island Lives Outdoors

Design is always evolving, and so are the ways we live outside. The Gary Duff Designs Blog shares expert insight, creative inspiration, and time-tested advice from fifty years of landscape design and construction on Long Island, NY.

Outdoor living space with custom pergola, stone patio, and waterfront views in Port Washington, NY
Landscape design featuring layered plantings and a curved stone walkway beside a historic home in Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Explore Our Outdoor Living Insights

  • Create spaces that bring comfort, beauty, and purpose to everyday life.

  • Stay ahead with fresh perspectives from our design team.

  • Discover ideas that reflect the Long Island lifestyle.

  •  Learn how to prepare, plant, and maintain for year-round impact.

  • Practical ways to protect and preserve your investment.

Every article reflects the same principles that define our work: intentional design, enduring craftsmanship, and local expertise.

Where Inspiration Meets Expertise


From patio ideas that make entertaining effortless to seasonal landscaping tips that keep your property thriving, our team brings clarity and creativity to every topic. Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or maintaining, you’ll find guidance rooted in experience and love for the craft.

Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Consider These Cabinetry Styles for an Outdoor Kitchen in Setauket, NY

Whether you are opting for a polished and refined look or prefer a rustic and shabby chic style, there is one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing cabinets for your outdoor kitchen area—the building materials must be able to withstand the elements of the great outdoors. This is especially true with the extreme temperatures during the winter months. Here are some cabinetry styles to consider for your Setauket, NY, outdoor kitchen.

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Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov

Revitalize your Two-Dimensional Deer Park Landscape Design using Retaining Walls

A flat expanse of grass, concrete, or stone can sometimes waste the full potential of an outdoor space. Regardless of how many square feet you own, there is virtually limitless vertical space available for you to wonder at and enjoy. Investing in tall structures like pergolas and pillars will go a long way in giving your Deer Park, NY, landscape a professional look while making it more interesting and unique.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Tired of Minimalism? More is More with these Traditional Patio Designs

For years, design has been dominated by minimalism and the use of understated shapes and materials. While this trend often results in elegant, sophisticated spaces with a distinctly modern appearance, they can also lack the personality and rich character that many Setauket, NY, homeowners prefer. That’s why many homeowners are turning back to traditional patio designs, full of the color and textures that make an outdoor space warm and one-of-a-kind.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Your Outdoor Fireplace as a Focal Feature of Your Oyster Bay Landscape

The focal point of an outdoor room determines its function and atmosphere. By choosing a fireplace as the focal point of a particular corner of your Oyster Bay, NY, landscape, you can transform it into an inviting, cozy getaway perfect for sundowners and conversation. Here are a few ways in which you can transform your fireplace into the focal point of your landscape.

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