The outdoor living season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor spaces and getting them spruced up for this wonderful season. We have put together a collection of inspiring porches, decks, and patios that are surrounded by beautiful landscaping to help get you started. If you are just looking for some new ideas, adding to your outdoor spaces, or are in need of a major overhaul, we have some fantastic ideas for you.
This includes some inviting outdoor dining and kitchen areas, comfortable furnishings set around fire pits and toasty fireplaces, porch swings, ambient lighting, and even some amazing flooring ideas. We hope you get some great ideas to bring spring and summer outdoor enjoyment to your home. Readers don’t forget to let us know which one of these outdoor living spaces most inspired you and why in the Comments below!
1. A Boho-chic backyard patio in Warsaw, Poland features a wood deck with comfortable seating to enjoy outdoor movie watching. Inflatable mattresses are covered with sheets and hand-knit throws for cozy warmth. A hammock provides a restful spot for a nap under the shade of the trees. (via Instagram user Marzena Marideko)
2. A pergola is covered by a climber that is evergreen to be enjoyed throughout the summer. This helps to provide shade and added beauty from the greenery of the plants. Strings of lights and lanterns add ambiance. A basket can be filled with extra pillows or throws. See the full home tour here: Dreamy home surrounded by nature in the Spanish countryside. (via El Mueble)
3. Dining under a trellis can be very romantic with the addition of outdoor string lights, these are Costco LED. The table and chairs are from Restoration Hardware. The screen panels used as a backsplash at the grill are Parasoleil panels. The built-in outdoor kitchen cabinets were designed by John Michael Kitchens. (via Hanomoco Design)
4. A previously unused backyard in Austin, Texas was transformed into an outdoor dining room. Vintage chairs surround a table composed of salvaged wood. On the ground, stone pavers and gravel makes this outdoor space low maintenance. The patio string lights help to add ambiance to this outdoor living space in the evening. (via Kakar House Of Design)
5. A cozy patio shaded with a pergola covered in bamboo, and vines for a filtered lighting effect. Mirrors on the stone walls add decorative accessories to this outdoor space. A wall with built-in seating is covered in comfortable cushions and the layering of pillows. (via Pinterest)
6. This bright and colorful home in New Orleans features this eclectic 300 square foot covered patio. The sofa is the Tillary Outdoor Modular Seating from West Elm, while the rattan hanging chair is from Justina Blakeney’s Selamat collection. For the paint, the homeowners used Sherwin William’s porch and floor enamel paint. The blue shades are “Adriatic Sea” and “In The Navy”. The flooring was done using a Moroccan All The Angles stencil from Royal Design Studios. Boston Ferns hang from the ceiling. (via Old Brand New)
7. Patio furnishings are from Rich’s Home in the Seattle area. The fire bowl is an Eldorado Stone Fire Bowl – the Infinite model. The patio flooring features bluestone cut into Texada pavers. Dimensions of the roof, bar, and sitting area: 20′ off the house and 30′ across the house – the bar is roughly half that 30′ dimension. One key is that the deck allows the counter to be 36″ high under the roof but 42″ high (bar height) on the outside. (via Urban Oasis Design & Construction)
8. An outdoor patio in Southern California features a series of cast-in-place concrete rectangles that are separated by small strips of turfgrass. Each square was poured individually into formwork on-site. A water fountain provides a tranquil oasis to this garden patio design. See the full home tour here: Contemporary resort-style living in Laguna Beach. (via Prestige Builders)
9. We are loving the simplicity of this outdoor design. If you have a space on your property, you can line it with paver stones, add some gravel or pea stones, a fire pit, and some outdoor furnishings — bench seating just like this photo or even some Adirondack chairs. (via Duet Design Group)
10. An outdoor refuge of relaxation in a San Francisco Bay Area backyard. The light gray color of the wood from this pergola looks really nice against the backdrop of leafy green plants. Paper lanterns and string lights add ambiance to this outdoor space. Grass helps to soften the concrete pavers on the ground. (via Imprints Landscape Architecture)
11. A detached covered patio in Houston, Texas is composed of custom milled cypress which is durable and weather-resistant. Amenities to this fabulous outdoor space include a full outdoor kitchen, an outdoor dining set, a masonry wood-burning fireplace, and a porch swing. (via Remodelers of Houston)
12. A Chicago-area backyard features a cozy corner area surrounded by mature shade trees and green leafy plants. Paver stones create a circular patio where flagstone fills the center. A sunken firepit allows for wood-burning and roasting marshmallows and s’ mores for plenty of family enjoyment. Peacoat Blue Wood Adirondack Outdoor Chairs encircles the firepit, which can be found here. (via Havlicek Builders)
13. A traditional-style patio in Charlotte, North Carolina features a romantic outdoor seating area. The fireplace surround is a Pennsylvania Fieldstone Thin Veneer, while the insert was purchased from a local Hearth and Patio store. The fireplace measures approximately 5′ wide x 10′ tall with two (2) 4′ wide seat benches on each side. The hearth measures 8″ off of the patio surface, and the seats measure approximately 16″ high with 30″ tall seatbacks. (via Overstream)
14. This cozy outdoor living space in Redwood City, California features a space to entertain family and friends. This Napa Style space features poured concrete flooring in a smooth trowel finish with cut lines. A full built-in outdoor kitchen comes complete with a wood-fired pizza oven. Custom stone-clad cabinets are topped with countertops in Namibian Marble in the color Mystery White. Outdoor seating comfortably surrounds a built-in natural gas firepit. (via Harrell Remodeling)
15. This cozy outdoor living space has been designed as an outdoor living room. A metal pergola with translucent glass inserts helps to filter the sun. Comfortable rattan furnishings offer a seating arrangement with plenty of space to enjoy the company of family and friends. A layering of pillows adds cozy comfort, while a woven outdoor rug helps to ground the space. For a similar rug, try World Market. (via El Mueble)
16. A Lake Minnetonka home features an inviting covered patio with breathtaking water views. The fireplace surround features a blend of Chilton weather edge and Fond du lac bed-faced limestones. A wood mantel features a television above to enjoy sporting games while cozying up to a warm fire. The pavers on the floor are bluestone. (via Sharratt Design & Company)
17. We are loving this cozy farmhouse-style home’s backyard patio in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the perfect refuge for entertaining, with a fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating options. A pair of porch swings are ideal for curling up with a good book or enjoying some star-gazing. (via Jackson & LeRoy)
18. In Sydney, Australia a beachside style home offers this stunning resort-like outdoor space surrounded by established gardens. A wood pergola shades from the elements, while comfortable furnishings invites long conversations with family and friends. (via cm studio)
19. A contemporary patio in Palo Alto, California offers a kitchen, dining area, and fire feature. The pizza oven is from Fontana. Geometric concrete pavers frame the gravel patio, which is decomposed granite. The olive trees are Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill Fruitless’ (a slow-growing evergreen tree with little or no pollen). String lights add ambiance overhead. (via Randy Thueme Design)
20. This charming space mixes wood, iron and “very lounge” details like the table lamp, by Teklassic. The chairs with iron and wood painted white are from Habitat. And the old tocinera table and the wooden benches, by Jaume Rocamora. (via El Mueble)
21. A lakeside home in Boston features this outdoor dining area shaded underneath a classic white wood pergola. The pergola is composed of pressure-treated wood framing with Azek composite veneer and cross members. The entire dining set was purchased from Janus et Cie. (Pergola Design: Timothy Lee landscape design Pergola Construction: New England Woodworkers, Inc. Landscape Construction: RP Marzilli, Inc. Photographer: Brookes + Hill Custom Builders)
22. A Mediterranean-style patio in London offers a protected outdoor courtyard complete with a trellis. Growing vines and plants make this space feel very Zen. A graphic area rug adds warmth and texture… a great pop of design! Comfortable furnishings are set around a wood-burning fire pit. Hanging lanterns helps to add ambiance in the evening. (via Helen Green Design)
23. A front porch swing is ideal for enjoying some fresh air and sunshine while being shaded. The extra depth of the swing allows you to curl up with a good book or perhaps take an afternoon siesta. The swinging daybed was sourced from Southern Komfort Swings, while Sunbrella fabric was used for the pillows. The floor is BlueStone, Thermal. (via Designstorms)
24. The depth of the patio/verandah from the french doors to the first step is 6′-6″. The hanging lanterns are from Steven Handelman Lighting in Santa Barbara, called the “Catalina Pendant”. They are hardwired into the pergola structure and operate on a switch in the house. The distance for a hanging light over a patio table is 34-38 as a standard range. The pergola was constructed by Matthew McBurney Construction. The teak furnishings are from Smith and Hawkin (now found at Target), while the cushions are from Restoration Hardware. The patio is approximately 10×20. (via Carol Abbott)
25. In this outdoor living space, a cast-in-place concrete fire pit provides warmth and ambiance to this backyard patio in Seattle. The fire pit is wood-burning, the bottom is concrete and is about 18″ deep. The flooring is concrete precast 24″ x 24″ pavers. The pavers are set in 3/4″ clean crushed granite, with a 2″-3″ spacing between. The fencing is cedar with a light stain. (via Coates Design Architects)
26. A stacked-stone retaining wall is brimming with succulents, flowers, and ferns. This outdoor space provides a cozy little nook to enjoy evenings around the fire pit. Flagstone flooring provides a very natural aesthetic to this space, with grass trimming the edges. This outdoor space feels like a secret garden, all that is missing a trickling water feature. (via Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association)
27. A farmhouse-style patio in Santa Ynez, California features a beautiful trellis covered with blooming wisteria vines. What a perfect spot to enjoy a lazy afternoon catching fresh breezes on a hammock. A dining table provides an ideal spot for dining al fresco while enjoying the picture-perfect views. (via Going Home To Roost)
28. A brand new deck was built to face into the back garden, providing direct access to the main floor living areas. The trellis provides shade and privacy from neighbors. It also creates an intimate space for enjoying time outdoors whether alone or with friends. Design & Construction by Cederberg Kitchens and Additions. (via Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography)
29. An outdoor space surrounded by greenery provides a private oasis. Built-in bench seating surrounds a coffee table made from palettes. Hanging from the trellis are string lights and a lantern for ambiance. A graphic area rug adds a pop of color and grounds this space. (via Mon Jardin & Ma Maison)
30. This patio features a large cozy built-in wood bench to gather family and friends. Loads of cushions were added for comfort, making this a great spot to enjoy breakfast or intimate dinners (there is a small table in the corner). This fantastic space is surrounded by plants adding a feeling of warmth and decoration at the same time. Cushions were sourced from Maison de Vacances. (via El Mueble)
31. A spacious multi-level deck in Sydney, Australia overlooks the tropical forest. The bamboo screen adds privacy, sourced from the House of Bamboo. There is so much to love about this deck, a hammock above the trees, a hot tub and a sun lounger for relaxation. (via Creative Nature Landscape Services)
32. This beautiful Mediterranean-style patio in Woodside, California features a pergola with plants draping over it. A stone-clad wall with a fireplace offers warmth and ambiance. Curtains are drawn to the side but can be used for added shelter from the elements. (via Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design)
33. A hilltop backyard retreat in San Francisco features this outdoor living room with an Ipe deck. The upper portion of a multi-tiered, pergola provides shade to the built-in bench seating. A fire pit adds warmth in the evenings while creating an inviting outdoor living space to entertain family and friends. (via Sue Oda Landscape Architect)
34. This iron gazebo can you enjoyed throughout the year in the backyard garden of a California home. This cozy sheltered living space is surrounded by beautiful vegetation including colorful bougainvillea. (via This Old House)
35. A country house in Russia features this beautiful outdoor living space. The use of black adds a modern edge. A fireplace brings warmth and ambiance for seasonal enjoyment. (via Architectural Digest Russia)
36. Create an oasis of serenity with a lush garden where you can retreat when you want to relax and entertain. Furnishings tucked into the foliage provide a cozy spot for conversation. The addition of a porch swing creates a fabulous spot for reading or taking a nap! (via Garden Design)
37. This fabulous outdoor living space was designed by German design studio Dreimeta. The design and decoration were inspired by nature, with trees integrated into the bar countertop. Enjoy a cocktail under a carob tree surrounded by tranquil countryside. (via Elle Decoration)
38. A charming Brooklyn, NSW, Australia cottage features French doors off the bedroom opening onto a beautiful deck and a lush west-facing garden. (via Home To Love)
39. The rustic-looking flooring and built-in seating are in sync with the natural elements and add a distinctive touch of unpretentious and genuine beauty. (via Casa y Diseno)
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