If you are looking to create a stylish and comfortable patio for outdoor living and entertaining, we have some fantastic ideas to help you get inspired. However, before you get started, you should survey your property and decide what your needs are. You will need to figure out what available space you have and select your scale of furnishings accordingly. If you entertain a lot, you may wish to consider a table that can host large gatherings, or create additional seating areas to be able to expand to your group side.
Garden stools are always a great option, for extra seating and to place or drink. Even storage trunks for cushions can be used for seating in a pinch. Don’t forget your accessories, there is plenty of outdoor art that can be used to decorate your outdoor spaces. Lanterns and candle holders help to create ambiance and extra pillow cushions will give you some added comfort. Have a look below for some amazing ideas and lots of sources. Enjoy and be sure to let us know in the Comments which one you found most inspiring and why!
1. Adirondack lounges are set around a sunken firepit and shaded by a large tree, set in a backyard in Geneva, Illinois. (via Havlicek Builders)
2. This farmhouse style backyard deck in Los Angeles offers a comfortable sectional set around a gas burning firepit. (via NUMI Home LLC)
3. This backyard was made for relaxation, from the redwood deck and hot tub to the lush foilage that creates a tropical oasis. A level change makes this small backyard appear more spacious. The bordering fence is made of cedar but has been stained to look like redwood. Growing against the fence is a hedge of pineapple guavas, while clustered to the left of the deck are Columnar Hollywood junipers. (via Thomas J. Story for Sunset)
4. This backyard oasis in Napa Valley, California offers everything one could need in an outdoor entertaining area. Comfortable seating surrounds a built-in firepit, while a pergola provides shade to dining al fresco. An outdoor kitchen features a pizza oven, grill, sink and more. (via Harrell Remodeling, Inc.)
5. This 300 square foot covered backyard patio in New Orleans, Louisiana features a sofa from West Elm and the Justina Blakeney Cohanga Hanging Chair. The flooring is not tile, it is actually stenciling on a concrete pad… love this idea!! The homeowner DIY’ed this project using the 10″ Moroccan All The Angles stencil from Royal Design Studios. The paint colors are Sherwin-Williams Adriatic Sea and In The Navy. After the painting was complete, four coats of clear matte natural paver sealer was applied. See more pictures at the provided link! (via Old Brand New)
6. A side yard in Los Angeles maximized all available space, featuring built-in seating and wooden swings were sourced from The Original Tree Swing. Ground and wall decking makes the space feel cozy, while wall-mounted planter boxes adds lush greenery to the space. (via K.Fair Landscape Design)
7. This contemporary terrace in Sydney, Australia was designed to cater to large family gatherings. A built-in sectional offers plenty of seating, while potted plants add some texture and color. (via The Designory)
8. An outdoor pavilion provides year round outdoor living and entertaining. The space shades from the hot Australian sun, while also shielding from rain and offering warmth by a fireplace and heaters during the cooler months. The outdoor sofa is by Cosh Living. The tile flooring is bluestone. (via Michelle Walker Architects)
9. A gravel patio in Texas features Adirondack chairs encircling a water garden tub— a sugar kettle cast iron bowl. (via Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro)
10. A covered outdoor deck in Sydney, Australia offers a dining and lounging area to enjoy relaxing and entertaining in style. Concrete seating is decorated with comfy pillows, while stools can be easily maneuvered to where they are needed. A built-in pizza oven makes cooking outside a fun activity! (via Villa and Villa)
11. A small backyard in San Diego, California offers a BBQ Island with a grill, sink, and lots of counter space. The island is clad in a stone veneer (Pearl White Coastal Reef – Eldorado Stone), while the countertops are concrete (Davis Colors-Silversmoke). Furnishings are grouped around a gas-burning fireplace, the perfect conversation spot! FYI: This space cost $25k, which includes demo, new concrete, plants, low voltage lights, fireplace and BBQ island. (via Promised Path Landscaping Inc)
12. A coastal home in Santa Barbara, California offers sweeping views over a canyon from its outdoor terrace. Furnishings are grouped around an outdoor fireplace, while a pergola adds some shading. (via Smith Firestone Associates)
13. A modern outdoor living space in Seacliff Beach, California features areas for cooking, eating and entertaining. The sofa is from Smith and Hawkins. The walls are cedar plank with integrated translucent panels, the flooring is concrete. (via Cayton Design Studio)
14. A wood burning fireplace provides ambiance to this cozy outdoor covered patio. The ceiling is beadboard, painted in a light blue color from Benjamin Moore. The flooring is New York Bluestone. (via Gustavson Dundes Architecture)
15. An outdoor kitchen with a living area features honed granite countertops and marine-grade teak cabinets. (via Fredman Design Group)
16. A romantic outdoor courtyard in Scotland features shabby-chic style. Fairy lights are interwoven through fabric flowers in a pergola. A gravel ground cover keeps things simple, while furnishings includes seating around a fireplace and a dining area. (via Inside Story Photography)
17. A contemporary Louisiana covered patio features walls and ceiling clad in a clear, no knots cypress, painted in Sherwin Williams SW3134-P Weathered Teak. The flooring is travertine. The ceiling fans are Fanimation wet-location Zonix fan. Patio dimensions: 19’6″ W x 46′ L. (via Linda Fritschy Interior Design)
18. A fireplace, grill and fridge offers the ultimate in outdoor entertaining in Seattle, Washington. The fireplace stone is Montana Glacier Stone. The overall post to post is 17′. The stone wall is 15′ and the fireplace is 6′ wide. (via Phase II, Inc.)
19. An outdoor living paradise in Austin, Texas features an Ipe wood deck that steps down to the pool, which is surrounded by concrete tile. A bathroom is on the far right, while a firepit is in the middle, featuring a custom-made octagonal copper hood that provides ventilation. On the far left is a built-in kitchen with smoker/grills from Big Green Egg and a dining area. There is also a hot tub! (via CG&S Design-Build)
20. A custom built arbor like this one in Dallas, Texas is a great way to transform your yard into usable space. They provide shelter from the summer sun and feels cozy in the evenings. Add some lighting, fans, heaters and misters to allow for year-round use of your outdoor living area. The flooring is Oklahoma Chopped Stone (full color/dark). (via Southwest Fence & Deck)
21. This cozy backyard patio in Upstate New York features a fireplace with furniture from the Kingsley Bates Sag Harbor collection. (via Elise Landscapes & Nursery)
22. This covered outdoor living/kitchen offers sweeping views over Lake Travis, Texas. Elegant furnishings and decor are set around a fireplace. An exposed wood ceiling and beams creates the perfect touch. (via Cornerstone Architects)
23. Materials of stone, Ipe and concrete mix beautifully to create this outdoor patio space in San Francisco. Layered walls act as both sculpture and as a way to define gathering spaces. The paving is Bluestone. A gas firepit provides both warmth and ambiance. The metal end table came from Design Within Reach. (via Arterra Landscape Architects)
24. The built-in seating, walls and flooring of this San Francisco, California deck are redwood, while the furnishings are teak. The depth of the bench is 18″. (via Sullivan Design Studio)
25. A contemporary desert home features this cozy patio with a stone fireplace. A 42″ x 82″ mirror is set on a console table, reflecting the home’s beautiful environment. (via Urban Design Associates)
26. A home in Toronto, Canada provides a covered patio to protect from the elements. Comfortable seating is set around a fireplace, while a built-in kitchen wall allows for gourmet outdoor cooking. (via K West Images)
27. This covered porch in Georgia features a hanging daybed from Vintage Porch Swings in Charleston, South Carolina. The ceiling fan is from Casablanca. The curtains are a Perennials Fabric from Restoration Hardware. The wicker furnishings are also from Restoration Hardware. Grounding the space is an area rug from Ballard Designs. (via The Consulting House Inc)
28. The aqua table lanterns were purchased at Home Goods. The tables are teak, purchased at a local store in Palm Beach, Florida. The chairs are from Restoration Hardware. (via Krista + Home Design)
29. A Mediterranean style covered outdoor patio in Dallas, Texas offers two seating areas, one centered around a fireplace with overhead television. The ceiling fans are Minka Aire Gyro Outdoor fan. (via Platinum Homes by Mark Molthan)
30. A shabby-chic style decorates this outdoor space in Missouri. The slipcovered sofas are made by Shabby Chic, while the coffee table was sourced from Restoration Hardware. The flooring is a stone paver called Hickory Star, installed in a random pattern. (via Amy Studebaker Design)
31. A cozy terrace features built-in seating, offering plenty of space for larger gatherings. (via Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design)
32. This outdoor space in Marin County, CA is perfect for entertaining. Protecting from the sun is an awning that is custom made by P.J.’s Canvas in Santa Rosa, California. The coffee tables are Restoration Hardware; sofa and chairs: Terra Patio; console table: Crate & Barrel. (via BK Interior Design)
33. A small outdoor entertaining deck in Sydney is illuminated by lights in the evening. The back wall is an existing industrial brick wall, while the garden bed wall is rendered brick that has been painted white. The bench seat was fixed onto a steel frame . The chairs and tables are from Eco Design. (via On Common Ground Landscapes)
34. A country home in Wisconsin offers cozy seating arrangements for entertaining. The royal blue fabric of the cushions adds a pop of color. The furniture was sourced from the Restoration Hardware-Provence Collection. (via Johnson Design Inc.)
35. An elegant French country garden surrounds this indoor-outdoor loggia in Montecito, California. The furnishings are antiques. The flooring is antique French terracotta pavers from Exquisite Surfaces. The vines are Boston Ivy. (via Grace Design Associates)
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