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.

Louvered Pergolas vs. Cabanas: Which is Best for Your Northport, NY Poolside?

Picture it: a sunny day in Northport, NY, with your swimming pool sparkling like something straight out of a travel magazine. But there’s just one thing missing—a functional, stylish structure to complete your outdoor paradise. That’s where louvered pergolas and cabanas in Northport, NY step in, offering the perfect blend of shade, privacy, and sophistication. Whether you’re lounging poolside or hosting friends, these additions turn an ordinary backyard into a destination. Let’s explore which is best for your poolside haven.

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Luxury Cabanas in Stony Brook, NY: Retractable Roofs for Versatile Outdoor Use

A luxury cabana in your Stony Brook, NY, landscape incorporates both elegance and functionality with a touch of ingenuity. Take it a step further and add a retractable roof to have even better control over your sunning experience. Let’s get to know this variety of luxury cabanas and what to expect when incorporating them into your unique backyard oasis.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Protect Your Outdoor Kitchen With a Pergola, Cabana, or Gazebo in Port Jefferson, NY

Thinking ahead to the summer entertaining season: Does your outdoor cooking experience usually result in a sunburned neck? Do you have a habit of inadvertently scheduling parties that include rainfall, which leads to a quick scattering of guests toward the indoors? Now is the perfect time to look into adding the finishing touch and protect your outdoor kitchen with a pergola, cabana, or gazebo in Port Jefferson, NY.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

7 Ways You Can Use Your Outdoor Fireplace Year Round in Babylon, NY

An outdoor fireplace is often the centerpiece of summertime outdoor entertaining. Luckily, you don’t have to pack up the fun when summer ends and gaze longingly at your outdoor fireplace from indoors. Here are seven ways you can use your outdoor fireplace year round in Babylon, NY.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Must Have Features When Planning Your Southampton, NY Swimming Pool

In-ground swimming pools conjure memories of backyard parties and happy splashing kids having fun in the sun, or visions of your worries floating away as you relax on a floating lounge. But a swimming pool can remain an attractive focal point in the off season, too. Here are must-have features for your Southampton, NY swimming pool.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Patio Designs for Weatherproof Spaces

Savvy homeowners in Huntington, NY, understand that outdoor spaces require features, materials, and décor that can withstand the elements, as well as facilities to accommodate the use of the patio in different weather conditions. Having a weatherproof space enables relaxation, entertainment and enjoyment of the outdoors throughout the seasons.

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