Lars Remodeling Project

San Marcos Outdoor Remodel

This San Marcos remodel reworked the backyard around a covered outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge zones designed for longer days spent outside. A Alumawood trellis, built-in cooking area and new entry portico add shade, function and a more cohesive connection between the home and its outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Living San Marcos

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San Marcos outdoor living remodel with kitchen bar, dining, lounge seating, TV wall and pool under a covered patio

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Project Highlights

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The new entry portico gives the front of the home a stronger architectural focal point while reinforcing the homeowners’ preferred modern farmhouse character with crisp white siding, dark trim and a warm wood door. Its covered approach adds practical shelter at the entry and helps the façade feel more intentional and connected to the exterior remodel.

The outdoor kitchen was planned as a dedicated cooking and gathering zone, with the built-in Evo cooktop, sink, stainless storage and generous counter space arranged for extended time outside. Overhead trellis coverage and pendant lighting add shade and usability while maintaining the open connection to the pool and surrounding backyard.

The backyard layout separates cooking, dining and lounging into distinct but connected zones beneath a broad covered structure, directly supporting the homeowners’ goal of spending full days outdoors. Keeping these functions close together improves circulation between the kitchen, seating areas and pool while giving the family flexible space for everyday use and entertaining.

The Project Story

Designed for Daily Life

With a large property and a backyard they liked to use for long stretches at a time, the San Marcos homeowners wanted an outdoor environment that could better support cooking, dining, relaxing and family life. Their existing pergola and concrete patio were not large enough for everything they hoped to include, so the design process focused on making the backyard more purposeful while also giving the front entry a stronger architectural presence. Early planning organized the backyard into two complementary zones: a bar and kitchen area with seating and a TV, and a separate lounge and dining area centered around a fire feature.

The final scope developed that concept into an approximately 525-square-foot outdoor living area with a kitchen, paired with roughly 571 square feet of Alumawood trellis coverage. Shade and low-maintenance materials were priorities, allowing the space to feel comfortable and practical without adding unnecessary upkeep. Kitchen planning centered on the homeowners’ interest in an Evo built-in cooking appliance, with outdoor refrigeration, an ice maker, sink and faucet also specified; outdoor heaters were included in the appliance planning as well.

The site also presented a practical issue that needed to be considered during planning. An existing drain near the pool was noted as clogged, causing water to collect toward the ADU, and the design notes identified possible concrete work to address drainage. The exterior notes also flagged that portions of the eaves and fascia might require repair.

At the front of the home, a new approximately 60-square-foot entry portico was planned to better reflect the home’s modern farmhouse character. Together, the covered outdoor kitchen, defined gathering zones and refreshed entry make the property easier to use for extended time outdoors while giving cooking, dining and lounging each a clear place. The finished concept adds functional living space where the homeowners wanted it most and helps the exterior feel more connected to the way their family uses the home.

Project at a glance

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