Outdoor Living Room Ideas
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58 Chic Patio Ideas for a Better Backyard
Fresh air, fresh looks.
Trevor Tondro
Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling garden, our guide to creating a luxurious outdoor area will help you take full advantage of warm weather (and extend the outdoor hangs into the cooler months with the right design ideas). So read on for stylish backyard and patio ideas to try in your own spaces, from colorful tile design tips to minimalist dining nooks. Fresh air and fresh style ahead.
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Locally-Sourced Materials
Designer Maria Augusta Luoro of Guta Louro Designs brought her neglected childhood home back to its former glory, and then some. Locally-sourced materials in the backyard allow this alfresco patio area to blend right in with lush São Paolo countryside. A covered grill and wet bar allow for outdoor dining without the fuss of all the plumbing upgrades required for a full kitchen.
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Prepped For Parties
Prep your patio for outdoor dinner parties with a sound system. This one by Romanek Design Studio is also ready for a good time with plenty of lighting and extra seating. Pro tip: Choose speakers that are the same color as your exterior walls so they blends in.
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Blooming Bougainvillea
Designer Madeline Stuart gave the backyard of this SoCal home by architects Wallace Neff and John Byers a dreamy garden oasis feel with antique accent lighting and plenty of bougainvillea. To warm up the patio even further, she added an area rug and opted for chocolate brown cushions.
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Romantic Bench
A private little loveseat tucked away under the shade of the trees sets a romantic garden mood on this patio. Bonus points for matching the red and white fabric to the flowers climbing up the facade of the home.
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All White Surfaces
An all-white patio keeps the area cooler when the sun beats down on it in the warmer months. It also allows the gorgeous florals to pop even more.
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Storage Hooks
Designed by Nicole Hollis Studio, this modern patio is both chic and functional. The hooks make it easy to hang towels and hats, keeping the area clear of clutter on warm summer days.
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Modern Materials
This gallery-esque patio designed by Robson Rak shows off so many striking materials, from the cool marble tiles to the light brick walls and terrazzo stool.
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Wall Planters
Beautify a patio wall with an array of planters. Southern California–based LH Designs spruced these up with succulents.
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Terracotta Tiles
The pool is the clear focal point of this majestic backyard designed by Nickey Kehoe. The deep aqua tiles and lush canopy of trees surrounding the home set the scene while the terracotta patio tiles and understated furniture contrast just enough.
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Custom Fire Pit
ETC.etera made this outdoor fire pit extra cozy and stylish by adding custom cushions to the built-in bench. The printed fabric adds character, color, and, most importantly, somewhere comfy to sit around the fire.
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Outdoor Shower
This patio has all the bells and whistles, from a chic, raised jacuzzi to a sleek, tubular chrome outdoor shower to rinse off after soaking.
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Whimsical Tiles
You could opt for classic wood decking or you could take a cue from this Kingston Lafferty–designed patio and really make a splash. The whimsical tiles bring so much joy and buoyancy to the space while the modern sconces and cobalt blue table add a little edge.
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Bistro Nook
If your patio is on the small side, just set up a cozy space to enjoy a cup of coffee with the morning paper—or a nightcap. On this patio by Arent & Pyke, the round pedestal table, built-in bench, and stools are all it takes to add a sense of style.
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Canopied Daybed
This dining patio designed by Heather Hilliard is ideal for outdoor celebrations while that canopied daybed beyond is great for casual lounging—not to mention, it adds tons of intrigue to the lawn, which would otherwise be an empty space.
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Old-Fashioned Fountain
A corner fountain puts the finishing touches on this idyllic patio by Kingston Lafferty Design. Blue patio furniture break up the warmer tones from the exposed brick.
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Gravel and Hedges
Another flooring option for your patio? Gravel. Here, Jenn Feldman kept things grayscale with a concrete fire pit and complementary seating. The high hedges add both privacy and drama.
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Sense of Place
Allow the natural landscape dictate your design choices and material. This minimalist deck patio by Romanek Design Studio captures both the laidback and rustic environment of Malibu as well as its understated elegance.
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Colorful Throw Pillows
Coordinate your throw pillows to the florals and hang a timeless pendant light to polish things off. Plus, swapping out your pillows is the easy (and cost-effective) way to upgrade your patio each season.
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Versatile Patio Tables
Out on a Houston terrace designed by Celerie Kemble and Lindsey Herod, two square tables push together to accommodate larger gatherings. The Graves chairs are from McKinnon and Harris.
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Artsy Chairs
This patio is both approachable and design-forward, laid-back and put together. For a similar vibe, opt for sling chairs that make a statement. Or, if you have some affordable sling chairs like these, get crafty and paint the canvas yourself.
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Breakfast Outdoor Patio
Wendy Owen created a "breakfast patio" for her Sonoma property using French café chairs and a stone table. The dishes are by Astier de Villatte.
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Make It Lush
If you're in a city or your patio is small, use your vertical space to introduce greenery. Because this patio by Romanek Design Studio features so much stone, the greenery really brightens it up and makes it feel like a lush oasis. The fireplace also brings some warmth for cozier outdoor hangs.
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A Lookout Point
While that green spiral staircase is seriously striking, the real showstopper here is the view. If your patio overlooks beautiful scenery, line up some lounge chairs and call it a day on the patio.
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Teak Patio Table
A banquette accommodates lunch al fresco at a Florida home. Designer Andrew Howard sourced the wicker armchairs and teak table from Kingsley-Bate.
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Tile Landing Pad
Always say yes to bougainvillea and fire pits. To make the seating area feel like its own nook on a larger patio, lay down some tiles that make it stand out.
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Coordinating Patio Chairs
Adirondack chairs, painted to match a North Carolina getaway, invite guests to the terrace. Architect James Carter added another whimsical gesture—a closet in the chimney for firewood and outdoor furniture—to enhance the illusion that this newly constructed house is an antique.
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Elevated Seating
This stylish patio blends in beautifully with the natural environment thanks to the color scheme and materials. To make an outdoor space feel as put together as living room, introduce an outdoor rug and elevated seating like this modern porch swing.
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Patio Mood Lighting
Designer Jill Sharp Weeks brought in new vegetation, furniture, and string lights to help a Charleston garden feel like an extension of the home's first floor.
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A Chic Hammock
Channel vacation vibes by hanging a slim hammock and adding nature-inspired furniture, like this stool and lounger. Then paint everything white and pretend you're in Santorini.
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Patio Fire Bowl
With a low-key palette inspired by the backyard orange grove, this California vacation home embodies Ojai's no-hurries, no-worries vibe. A relaxed seating area with a fire bowl allows the family to linger outdoors on cool evenings.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.
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