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.

Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Make a Splash in a Stunning Swimming Pool in the Southampton and Northport, NY Areas

For so many in the Southampton and Northport, NY areas, the pinnacle of summertime fun is spending time in a swimming pool. Whether you tend to be the hotspot for the neighborhood barbecue, the host of kids’ birthday parties, or an area for adults to unwind after a long week, a swimming pool can bring so much enjoyment to every group that wants to use it.

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Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Dive Into Luxury With Your Dream Swimming Pool in the Southampton and Huntington, NY Areas

A swimming pool tends to serve as the central feature when it’s added to an outdoor living space, by contributing to the overall beauty, functionality, and luxuriousness of a home. Here are some ideas for creating a dream swimming pool that combines beauty and functionality in the Southampton and Huntington, NY areas.

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Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

Landscaping Ideas That Encourage Hosting in the Port Washington and Huntington, NY Areas

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways to make your home the perfect spot for hosting your friends and family in the Port Washington and Huntington, NY areas. Whether you’re interested in adding a louvered pergola, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, or a fire feature, here are some ideas for creating a backyard oasis that is perfect for hosting.

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Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov

Host an Annual Late-Night Swimming Pool Party by Installing Outdoor Lighting in the Dix Hills, NY Area

What does it take to create the perfect late-night swimming pool party in Dix Hills, NY? The right ambiance, among other things. A variety of outdoor lighting, featuring both natural light from fire pits and carefully placed light features, can create a dream resort setting in your own backyard.

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