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.

Outdoor Living, Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov

6 Ways to Incorporate Masonry in an Outdoor Kitchen With Showstopping Results in Northport and Old Westbury, NY, Areas

One of the best pleasures in life is eating a meal that’s been cooked under the big open sky. Expert masonry in a new outdoor kitchen would add to the overall experience—and encourage more cooking and dining opportunities for your Northport and Old Westbury, NY, area landscape.

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Masonry, Pergola Katya Pankov Masonry, Pergola Katya Pankov

How Masonry Can Be Used to Accentuate a Pergola on Long Island, NY

A pergola is one of those permanent outdoor structures that are beloved all over the world, with good reason. It can be made to match any decorating style and offer a cool, shady spot to relax even on the hottest days. To ensure your new pergola gets the kind of presence it deserves, consider adding masonry to your project. Here’s how masonry can be used to accentuate a pergola on Long Island, NY.

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Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov

7 Design Ideas to Spruce Up a Small Outdoor Kitchen on Long Island, NY

Enjoying special times with family and friends usually means sharing meals, and these days, that means eating outdoors. If you don’t have the space or the desire to have a full outdoor kitchen, you can still have a chic and functional space. Here are seven design ideas to spruce up a small outdoor kitchen on Long Island, NY.

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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Building a Modern Retreat With Masonry in Babylon, NY

A modern landscape design can lead to your own personal retreat that you can escape to anytime. The key themes for a modern design include simplicity, sustainability, and a clean, geometric look. Consider how the use of masonry can go a long way toward achieving all of these themes for a Babylon, NY, landscape that you will enjoy for years to come.

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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Personalize Your Patio or Driveway with Custom Masonry in Port Washington, NY

Do you want your outdoor living space to stand out and express your personality? An artistic combination of design elements and unexpected personal touches can create a unique look that you can admire every time you step outside or return home after a long day. Here’s how to achieve a personalized patio or driveway with custom masonry in Port Washington, NY.

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