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.

A Quick Guide to Outdoor Lighting for the Outdoor Kitchen on Long Island, NY

An outdoor kitchen is often the hub of backyard entertainment and family time. In order for the kitchen to take you from alfresco breakfasts to late-night parties, this hard-working space needs the right lighting. Here’s a quick guide to outdoor lighting for the outdoor kitchen on Long Island, NY.

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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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4 Style Options for the Modern Outdoor Kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, Areas

If one of the activities you’ve been doing more of include cooking outside, and your cooking experience hasn’t been ideal, it could be the ideal time to start planning an upgrade. To inspire you, here are four style options for the modern outdoor kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, areas.

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Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

5 Farmhouse-Inspired Landscape Design Ideas for Backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, Backyards

Sometimes the best place to start when thinking through a new landscape project is the theme. One classic theme that stands the test of time is a farmhouse atmosphere. These five farmhouse-inspired landscape design ideas for backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, will turn your backyard into a comfortable, traditional, and enjoyable space.

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Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov

How to Make Your Swimming Pool Fun and Safe for Your Kids in Southampton and Babylon, NY, Areas

No matter what age your kids are, it’s always fun to gather in and around the pool, but there are also some important safety measures to put in place to make sure that everyone continues to have a good time. Here are some ideas on how to make your swimming pool fun and safe for your kids in the Southampton and Babylon, NY, areas.

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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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The Archive