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.

6 Options for Adding a Rustic Outdoor Kitchen to Your Landscape Design in Deer Park, NY

Even the best outdoor living spaces can be enhanced by an outdoor kitchen that’s designed to address both everyday family activities and occasional outdoor parties. With the right design, your outdoor kitchen can become the hub of outdoor living and the source of incredible al fresco meals. Here are six options for including a rustic outdoor kitchen in your landscape design in Deer Park, NY.

Read More

Ideas for Backyard Designs in Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, Become Limitless When You Consider These Gaming Options

As you think about how to optimize your outdoor living spaces, it’s good to look for some new ideas in backyard entertainment. Here are some backyard designs for Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, homes centered around gaming options.

Read More
Landscape Design, Outdoor Living, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Living, Masonry Katya Pankov

Why Your Choices for Masonry Materials Matter for the Design of a Pool Deck in Old Westbury and Oyster Bay, NY

Making sure that you’re using the right patio pavers and other masonry materials will be the key for enjoying your pool all summer long. Here’s why your choices for masonry materials matter for the design of a pool deck in Old Westbury and Oyster Bay, NY.

Read More

Feature the Chef: 5 Ideas for Putting the Focus on Your Outdoor Kitchen in Southampton and Babylon, NY

Dining outside with friends and family is one of life’s great pleasures, especially outdoors in Southampton and Babylon, NY. Outdoor kitchens provide chefs, both amateur and professional, with the opportunity of showcasing their talents as well as the beauty of the backyard. Building the perfect outdoor kitchen can be a great passion project, so it’s important to start with some solid ideas.

Read More
Pergola, Pergola Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pergola, Pergola Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Make It Yours: 3 Ideas for Including a Pergola in Patio Designs on Long Island, NY

Creating great memories with family and friends often starts on the patio. If this past summer ended up being too hot for comfort sometimes, now could be the ideal time to plan for next summer by installing a pergola. Whether you’re adding a pergola to an existing patio or starting from scratch, here’s how to make it yours, with three ideas for including a pergola in patio designs on Long Island, NY.

Read More

What Type of Outdoor Kitchen Design Would Work Best for a Huntington and Northport, NY, Backyard?

Getting the most out of your outdoor living space means transferring some of your most cherished tasks to the outdoors. An outdoor kitchen enables you or another talented cook in your household to create memorable meals right from your backyard. The promise of one of these delicious meals will be sure to draw friends and family and offers up a chance to make some great memories. Here’s how to decide what type of outdoor kitchen design would work best for a Huntington and Northport, NY backyard.

Read More

3 Backyard Designs That Include Inviting Shade Structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY

As summer transitions into fall, you may be thinking about two things: how your summer backyard fun could have been better, and how you can extend your outdoor living into the cooler months. With a shade structure, you can. Here are three backyard designs that include inviting shade structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY.

Read More
Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov

Backyard Transformations: What Should the Area Around Your Swimming Pool Look Like in Mt. Sinai, NY?

As you build out your backyard oasis in Mt. Sinai, NY, you’ll want to focus on integration between the different parts of your outdoor living space. Focusing on integrating your swimming pool will give you some fantastic opportunities to create a hub for summer fun and making memories with loved ones. Consider these designs and features as you think about the possibilities for your backyard transformation.

Read More

The Archive