Creating an outdoor living space can transform your backyard into a serene oasis, offering the perfect retreat for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are an abundance of ways that you can design your backyard to feel like a stay-cation, this includes the addition of lush gardens and beautiful outdoor furnishings. fire and water features, dreamy hammocks, and ambient lighting.
From cozy garden rooms to covered patios, we have put together a collection of amazing backyard living spaces that inspire tranquility and comfort. Continue below to get some inspiring ideas to create a fabulous backyard for lounging and entertaining. Underneath each of the images, you will find further resource details and links to the designers or architects of the project.
Tel Us: Which one of these backyard living room ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!
1. Garden Hideaway.
This backyard oasis features two distinct seating areas for entertaining. French bistro armchairs with a bent rattan frame and handwoven seat and back, paired with a white oval cafe table help bring the look of a charming Paris cafe to this backyard. A blue and white striped outdoor rug defines an inviting living area adorned with all-weather wicker furnishings. Lush gardens surround this outdoor patio scape. (via Molly Ray Young)
2. Artistic Retreat.
Create a cozy nook in your backyard, surrounded by potted plants. Add a comfortable seating area for entertaining. Personalize your outdoor oasis with a unique art piece or even a sculpture as the backdrop. (via NEST Interior Design Group)
3. Fairytale Garden.
This cozy and whimsical backyard garden features a pergola with a bed swing. Inspired by nature, this Instagrammer layered in large wood stumps, flowers from @markprielippgreenhouseandmohr, and a bounty of mushrooms (a hot trend right now). On the bed swing, the mushroom pillows are from @hobbylobby, while the other pillows were sourced from @target. The green throw is from @antiquefarmhouse, while the white blanket is from @tjmaxx. (via @rusticwildarrow)
4. Romantic Setting.
This incredible backyard sanctuary provides a romantic mood for outdoor dining in Southern California. Conveniently located just off the kitchen, it seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The outdoor dining set is teak wood, which naturally resists moisture and decay. (via Brandon Architects)
5. Mediterranean Retreat.
This gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired patio of a home in Northern California features a ground cover of decomposed granite and a pergola draped with climbing vines for shade. Outdoor chaise lounges from Summer Classics underneath the pergola offer the ultimate relaxation. A stone fire pit is encircled by wicker furnishings, offering the perfect spot for warmth during cooler evenings. Potted plants, shrubs, and lush vegetation add to the intimacy of this backyard sanctuary. (via Chris Merenda-Axtell)
6. Alfresco Dining.
A cozy respite in the Santa Ynez Mountains, this alfresco lounging area is the personal getaway of designers Suzanne Tucker and Timothy Marks. California live oaks offer shelter to this romantic outdoor dining area. The dining chairs were sourced from Murray’s Iron Works, while the woven pendant light is from Hollyhock. (via Roger Davies for Suzanne Tucker Home)
7. Install A Fountain.
This enchanting patio is located on the back side of a solarium addition to a home in Atlanta, Georgia (the other side is a fireplace). Creating a feeling of intimacy in this outdoor haven is a curved stone retaining wall. Flagstone pavers with lush greenery surrounding the edges and a blissful water fountain add to the tranquility. (via Innovative Design Build)
8. Enchanting Courtyard.
This interior courtyard was created as a space to get away from it all, a backyard retreat. Plantings offer a tropical feel, with a striking fireplace for ambiance and warmth. Comfortable furnishings positioned in front of a stone fireplace provide a sophisticated aesthetic, outfitted with plush cushions from Perennials Fabrics — Go To Stripe. (via Tim Clarke Design)
9. Coastal Escape.
Soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals evoke a coastal vibe in this backyard deck of a home in Cape Cod. Incorporate weathered wood furniture and nautical accents for a breezy, beachy feel. On the wooden bench, the sheepskin throw is from @overlandsheepskin. The outdoor cushions are from @perennialsfabrics. Adding warmth and ambiance is a fire table from @prism_hardscapes. (via @oldsilvershed)
10. Rustic Pergola.
Called “The Snug”, this cozy and inviting backyard patio features a rustic pergola that offers shelter and an opportunity for a magical ambiance with string lights. A comfortable sofa from @snugsofa accented with a velvet giraffe cushion from @fig_lemon_interiors. The pop of gold from the embroidered giraffes on the cushion looks stunning with the wood and green tones. This space is defined by floor tile from @hardwoodfloorstore. (via @designermumetc)
11. Outdoor Living Room.
Repurposed shipping pallets are used to create an outdoor sectional sofa for lounging, complete with daybed cushions with waterproof covers. A pallet coffee table is used to serve beverages and snacks. This space is defined by a rustic wood fence and a pergola. An elegant clear glass hand-crafted Moroccan lantern hanging from the pergola offers romantic mood lighting in the evening time. A similar light fixture can be found on Chairish. (via 365Architecture)
12. Clematis Covered Pergola.
The terrace of this backyard garden has a pergola covered with pretty blue flowers. The Clematis Vine offers a shady spot for breakfast or lunch and an intimate atmosphere at night. (via Aiken House & Gardens)
13. Hang A Hammock.
A hammock can be hung between two trees, from a pergola for shade, or a vine-covered post. This one is covered with Clematis (the queen of flowering vines), which blooms best in full sun but prefers afternoon shade in hot climates. From early summer to fall, they bloom in a dazzling array of colors. This compact plant is also ideal for small spaces. The hammock is draped with a crocheted throw and some pretty pillows with floral designs for added comfort. (via Aiken House & Gardens)
14. Alfresco Dining Elegance.
A Southern California home features this inviting backyard with a beautiful dining area sheltered underneath a large tree. The turquoise blue dining furniture is from @munderskiles, while the pink tablecloth and tableware were sourced from @marigoldliving. (via Palmer Weiss)
15. Patio Garden.
A pergola-covered seating area enjoys views of a wood-burning stove on this backyard patio. The stove is nearly 20 years old! It is a brand called Harrie Leenders Stoves. The tall sleek design of the stove allows the smoke to just go up. Hang unique lighting such as these lanterns sourced from @clausdalby to add romantic vibes to your backyard living space. (via @designermumetc)
16. Garden Dreams.
Create a cozy, inviting outdoor dining atmosphere with a beautiful dining table, comfortable chairs, and ambient lighting. The outdoor furnishings and light fixtures are from @westwingde. The same lighting can be found by searching “Positano Portable LED Hanging Lamp by NewGarden”. (via @b__living)
17. Create Levels.
This amazing backyard living space features different living zones with border walls and steps defining the spaces. A “sitting pit” features a built-in bench seat with plenty of space around the fire pit. Lush gardens add to the tranquil atmosphere of this outdoor space. The back terrace has a custom steel pergola over the alfresco dining area. The lighting throughout the gardens is from @inlite_global. A zinc frame on the Douglas fir fence was used (due to budget constraints), as it will last a lot longer with the top plate on it. (via @atelier_terra_tuinen)
18. Boho Garden.
Create vacation vibes in your backyard with a raised terrace, creating a defined outdoor living zone. A large tree in the center of the space features hanging lights from @depot_online, providing a magical atmosphere. (via @insight.bohogarden)
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