31 Inspiring and stylish outdoor room design ideas

By One Kindesign June 7, 2013

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Outdoor Rooms-01-1 Kindesign

Been longing to design your own stylish outdoor retreat but have no idea where to start? Whether you have a porch, pool, or patio, take advantage of the warm summer weather and create your own stunning outdoor space with our inspiring collection of outdoor spaces that will help guide you in creating a luxurious outside lounge. To create a truly functional outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining requires some careful planning. Just like you would design an indoor space, you will need to consider such design aesthetics as architectural style, color harmony, good traffic flow, space requirements and comfort. An outdoor room has its own special challenges, including designing for privacy and creating shelter from the elements.

You will need to determine both the size and layout of your outdoor space, which will depend mainly on the activities you wish to accommodate as well as the size of your property. Whether your outdoor room is cozy and intimate or large and spacious, you will want to consider creating separate zones for various activities—such as cooking, conversation and relaxation—while ensuring there is good traffic flow throughout the space. When situating your outdoor room, also consider the natural elements such as prevailing winds and sun orientation.

We have more design tips suggested for you as you look through our collection of 31 simple ways to create a stylish, inviting outdoor room.

Complement your home’s architectural style. The patterns and colors possible with decorative concrete are unlimited. Narrow down the options by choosing a design scheme that harmonizes with your home and landscape and echoes the design of your indoor rooms.

Create a room with a view by orienting seating areas to overlook flowerbeds, water features and other attractive scenery.

Plan for privacy. Your outdoor room won’t have walls, so if privacy and noise are concerns, you’ll need to install a fence or tall landscaping plants between you and the neighbors. For design continuity, consider installing a precast concrete fence or screening wall with a decorative stone or brick pattern that complements your concrete patio.

Consider convenience. Your outdoor room should be easily accessible from the house, with food preparation areas located near your indoor kitchen to reduce trips back and forth. Also consider access to power and water.

Provide a sheltered retreat. Awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, and pergolas supported by decorative concrete columns are all ways to shelter your outdoor guests from harsh sunlight and light rain while creating intimacy.

Take it in stages. If you’re on a tight budget, you can build your outdoor room in stages, starting with a decorative concrete patio and a concrete countertop for serving food. You can install other features later, such as an outdoor fireplace, a decorative concrete fountain, landscaping and lighting.

Get help pulling it all together. Work with a landscape architect and decorative concrete contractor to make your design ideas reality. These professionals can help you plan an outdoor room that matches your budget, aesthetic and functional requirements.