Transforming Your Outdoor Space into a Luxurious Oasis
If you’re lucky enough to have ample outdoor or backyard space, once the weather gets warm you probably want to use it as much as possible. But whether you have a backyard, a terrace, or just a patio, the space can be functional all year long if you plan ahead. The best patio decor ideas can quickly transform an overrun or neglected backyard space into a special place to unwind.
Planning Your Outdoor Room
Planning an outdoor room can feel intimidating, but it becomes easier when considering it an extension of your home’s interior. For example, you can delineate hangout zones in a large backyard space with multiple seating areas just as you would in an open-concept living room or pair a dining set with an outdoor sectional for a natural transition into lounging after dinner. Choosing patio decor, furniture, and lighting in colors and styles that coordinate with what you use indoors is another subtle way to make your outdoor space look pulled together.
Top Patio Decor Ideas to Try
We’re here to help you make that happen. No matter what size space you’re working with, our guide to creating a luxurious outdoor room will help you take full advantage of the warm weather days and extend your alfresco hangs well into the cooler months. Here are 74 stylish patio decor ideas to try in your own space.
1. Utilize Portable Seating
When not in use, these lightweight, wooden benches can be tucked in against the table or transported out into the yard. The armchairs in this patio decor idea are equally flexible and allow for the party to go anywhere, rain or shine.
2. Complement the View
Because this Long Island home is surrounded by low, flat marshes, designer Suzannah Charbin didn’t want the outdoor space to intrude. Cue low-slung sofas and a slatted coffee table that add low-key comfort to the scenic patio.
3. Opt for Symmetry
Directly off of the primary suite, this patio decor idea is perfectly symmetrical. This creates a soothing effect visually, but it also makes configuring the furniture around the built-in fireplace a no-brainer.
4. Keep It Low-Maintenance
In the side of this Nantucket home’s backyard, an easygoing circle of lounge chairs are tucked away. Rather than include another paver patio, designer Michael Ellison instead chose to utilize a low-maintenance grass border to designate the area.
5. Artful Purpose
This covered porch by Dodson Interiors features patio decor ideas like stainless steel appliances, skirted upholstery, and a romantic chandelier that transforms the great outdoors into a room of stylish form and function. Indulgent finishes lend continuity to the indoor-outdoor flow and set the scene for gracious entertaining.
Creating a Cohesive Look
To create a cohesive look in your outdoor space, consider the following elements:
- Solid surfaces like plaster and natural stone
- Dramatic drapes or other textiles
- Lofty goals like stringing woven globe lights above a sunken terrace
- Mindful materials like nautical-grade metal cabinetry and durable quartz counters
6. Solid Surfaces
Elegant materials that wear well in salt air, like plaster and natural stone, complete the spacious loggia of an oceanfront home in Florida by architect Kevin Asbacher.
7. Dramatic Drapes
Interior designer Pamela Harvey used drapery in this patio decor idea to ease the transition between indoors and out. The Sunbrella performance fabric panels provide shade and create dimension.
8. Lofty Goals
To bring in a touch of nature and accentuate the 20-foot-high beams, architect Eric Olsen strung woven globe lights above the sunken terrace at the center of his Los Angeles home.
9. Mindful Materials
Michelle Boudreau used desert-proof finishes like nautical-grade metal cabinetry, durable quartz counters, and a rug made of graphic tile in this California hangout.
Maximizing Your Outdoor Space
To maximize your outdoor space, consider the following ideas:
- Epic proportions like a chimney that extends high above a willow-and-steel pergola
- Woven wonders like lattice that offer a punch of pattern and privacy
- Curated color schemes like Bahamian pink that unifies different-scale patterns
- Selective seating options that offer multiple kinds of seating
10. Epic Proportions
A chimney that extends high above the willow-and-steel pergola calls attention to the dramatic 10-foot-tall windows and vineyard views in this lounge by Sheldon Harte.
11. Hole in One
A Palm Beach balcony becomes a private oasis, thanks to faux turf and massive containers of native plants by landscape architect Keith Williams and interiors firm Kemble Interiors.
12. Woven Wonder
Lattice is the hero of Bethany Adams’s front porch in Louisville, Kentucky. Until her laurel hedge grows in, it offers a punch of pattern and privacy without blocking the breeze.
13. Curated Color
Bahamian pink unifies the different-scale patterns at this Palm Beach home by Caroline Rafferty, who added materials like faux wicker and metal to keep it from looking too sweet.
14. Stone Fire Pit
The owners of this home on Lake Michigan wanted the terraced yard to contain multiple experiences, landscape architect Sara Furlan says. This cozy conversation spot at the south end of the lawn, between the main house and pool deck, is anchored by a yellow-flowering horse chestnut tree.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
To create a cozy atmosphere in your outdoor space, consider the following elements:
- Cozy hardscaping like a built-in bench with bright green cushions and striped throw pillows
- Prime views like situating your patio furniture to have your most comfortable pieces face nature
- Secret gardens like leaning into the tall walls of a garden-level patio to create a cozy and private outdoor oasis
- Simple perfection like focusing on what you want to use the space for, like casual meals at a streamlined dining set
15. Selective Seating
For maximum functionality and comfort in your patio decor ideas, offer multiple kinds of seating so everyone can have their pick.
16. Prime View
If you have a beautiful, sprawling view, odds are you’ll want to look at it all the time. Situate your patio furniture to have your most comfortable pieces face nature.
17. Secret Garden
Rather than feeling cramped and claustrophobic, lean into the tall walls of a garden-level patio to create a cozy and private outdoor oasis.
18. Simply Perfect
A large patio doesn’t have to include multiple seating areas and large furniture pieces. Instead, focus on what you want to use the space for, like casual meals at a streamlined dining set.
19. Mixed Materials
Kate Abt created several zones in her backyard patio, including a dining area by the grill and a sitting lounge with a fire pit. The brick area coordinates with the exterior brick facade of the home while the larger stone tiles help to break things up and offer a more contemporary vibe.
Conclusion
Creating a luxurious outdoor room is all about planning ahead and considering your space as an extension of your home’s interior. By incorporating elements like solid surfaces, dramatic drapes, and mindful materials, you can create a cohesive look that is both stylish and functional. With these 74 patio decor ideas, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your outdoor space into a special place to unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in transforming my outdoor space into a luxurious oasis?
Plan ahead and consider your outdoor space as an extension of your home’s interior.
How can I create a cohesive look in my outdoor space?
Consider elements like solid surfaces, dramatic drapes, and mindful materials to create a stylish and functional look.
What are some patio decor ideas to maximize my outdoor space?
Epic proportions, woven wonders, curated color schemes, and selective seating options can help maximize your outdoor space.
How can I create a cozy atmosphere in my outdoor space?
Consider cozy hardscaping, prime views, secret gardens, and simple perfection to create a cozy atmosphere.
What are some tips for planning an outdoor room?
Delineate hangout zones, choose patio decor and furniture that coordinates with your indoor space, and consider the view.
What materials are suitable for outdoor decor?
Materials like plaster, natural stone, nautical-grade metal cabinetry, and durable quartz counters are suitable for outdoor decor.
How can I make my outdoor space functional all year round?
Plan ahead, choose the right furniture and decor, and consider elements like lighting and textiles to make your outdoor space functional all year round.
