Consider the Layout
By carefully choosing and positioning the right furniture and accessories, you can create inviting outdoor living and dining spaces you’ll want to spend all day in when the weather is nice. Keep in mind that many of the same design principles that work for your home’s interior will work outside. Try to create focal points for people to gather around that'll draw them in and lend an air of intimacy and comfort. Another important consideration is flexibility. A mix of heavy, more permanent furniture and lighter, movable furniture allows you to easily adapt the area to the situation. Also think about whether you want one large area or multiple, smaller areas.
Enjoy Al Fresco Dining with an Outdoor Dining Room
Kim and Scott of “Yellow Brick Home” created an elegant space for enjoying food alfresco using design principles of a formal dining room. An outdoor dining table paired with comfortable high-back chairs are the perfect setup for everything from full meals to coffee and light refreshments, and a pergola with lighting lends a vaulted ceiling ambiance to the layout. Garden lovers could add a canopy of wisteria, climbing roses or ivy to serve as botanical barrier as well as to provide shade and a natural aesthetic.
Cozy Up Around a Fire Pit
An outdoor space that makes people want to linger starts with a beautiful focal point. A fire pit area designed in the round, like this one by Stefanie of “Brooklyn Limestone,” sets the perfect mood for intimate evenings. For your fire pit, you can purchase a fire table or fire bowl, or build a fire pit using a kit or custom design. Stefanie also incorporated a clever serving station into her layout that doubles as a firewood holder. The whole space rests on pavers that provide a textured surface underneath, evoking the feel of an area rug.
Lighting That Sets the Mood
Stage an outdoor lounge area for evening with intimate outdoor mood lighting. LED string lights are always a stylish option, and you can use them in a variety of design ideas, including these creative DIY string light planters by Jenna of “Jenna Sue Design.” On her patio, seating comes in the form of classic Adirondack chairs that are ideal for leaning back and stargazing.
A Conversation Area
This outdoor parlor layout works well in the space because it’s optimized for conversation and comfort. Cushioned swivel chairs allow occupants to easily turn toward each other or pivot to enjoy the view. The neutral-colored furniture suite is accessorized with fluffy, UV-resistant pillows that can be easily switched out as the seasons change to refresh the look. A trendy, low-lying outdoor coffee table offers a convenient, wide surface to set drinks and refreshments on without disrupting the line of sight so everyone feels closer. The whole area is grounded on spaced pavers that allow grass to show through, mimicking the texture of carpet.
An Outdoor Den
An outdoor sofa or loveseat provides all the comforts of your living room on your patio. A variety of styles are available so you can create a perfect lounge area that works with your layout. Add a faux ceiling structure as well as much-needed shade for a more comfortable time outdoors when it’s sunny and hot with a large umbrella. The best models have a stable base and are capable of tilting so you can reposition them as the sun moves. Some even have built-in lights that create a chandelier effect, so you can continue to enjoy your time outdoors after it gets dark.
A Comfy Corner
If you don’t have space on your patio for a large lounge area or simply want a mini getaway where you can read or enjoy some alone time, just make the most of a corner. A couple of comfortable chairs with pull-out foot stools or outdoor ottomans paired with an end table provides a great place to kick back and put your feet up. Enhance the relaxed ambience and bring the indoors outside by adding a weather-resistant decorative rug. Some large potted plants will provide greenery and make the area feel more private.