If you’re lucky enough to have a patio, you probably want to make sure you get as much use out of it as possible. That requires some fresh decorating schemes and landscaping treatments to make it feel like an extra special place to unwind. We’re here to help you make that happen. Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling backyard, our guide to creating a luxurious outdoor area will help you take full advantage of warm weather—and extend the outdoor hangs well 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.
MULTI-MATERIAL
Kate Abt created several different zones in her backyard patio, including a dining area by the grill and a sitting lounge with a firepit. The brick area speaks to the exterior brick facade of the home while the larger stone tiles help to break things up and offer a more contemporary vibe.
COZY HARDSCAPE
When working with you on a hardscape backyard space, it’s important to find ways to warm it up. A built-in bench with bright green cushions and striped throw pillows make this patio designed by Lindsay Rhodes feel inviting and cozy.
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
MULTI-LEVEL LOUNGE
Don’t forget to think about your patio from every perspective. Designer Tamsin Johnson gave her tiered patios and balconies the same foundation of white and green-gray stone tiles for a consistent look from above. Modern patio furnishings contrast with the classic checkerboard pattern.
PLANTED HAVEN
Don’t forget the potted plants! 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.
ERIN KELLY
HERB AND VEGGIE GARDEN
Leanne Ford Interiors turned this backyard space into a sweet little garden space with antiques, wildflowers, layers of linens, and a robust garden. If you’re looking for loose gravel patio ideas with a shabby chic spin, look no further.
R. BRAD KNIPSTEIN
GEOMETRIC SHAPES
This Palo Alto residence designed by Sindhu Peruri features rich textures and relaxing features, like a vertical fountain, a firepit, and string lights. Ottomans bring some contemporary geometric charm and personality.
Haris Kenjar
MODERN MEETS NATURAL
Andy Beers of Ore Studios married the modern, art gallery-esque architecture of this home with the beautiful Pacific North Western forest landscape beautifully. The steel and glass frame and cantilevered style of the home makes it feel like it’s floating, and the patio feels like a natural extension with a minimalist railing and bold striped table.
Haris Kenjar
Kevin Scott
HANGING HAMMOCK
At a Seattle home by Studio DIAA that literally floats on water, the occupants hung a hammock for a truly restful backyard experience. They also like to place an essential oil diffuser on the cedar deck to maximize the spa vibes even further. Even if you don’t have a floating home of your own, you can still hang a hammock somewhere peaceful on the patio.
Hadas Dembo
COLORFUL TEXTILES
The textiles are what really set this patio designed by Hadas Dembo apart (The cute dog doesn’t hurt but guess what? That bandana around its collar certainly ups its charm). From the vibrant, mismatched cushions to said bandana, linen curtains, and table runner, we’d never want to leave this patio.
Stephen Karlisch
GAME DAY READY
An outdoor grade pool table on the patio means the party can come outside! Just opposite the custom pool table by Linda Hayslett is a cooking area and banquette for dining and drinks al fresco.
Bjorn Wallander
MULTI-LEVEL, MULTI-MATERIAL
Trees make this Palm Springs oasis designed by Sheldon Harte feel lush while the terra cotta tiles and stone pool deck maintain a sense of place. While the differing materials help accentuate the visual separation between the two patios, they also both thrive under different circumstances (i.e., the pool area needs to be slip-resistant!).
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 the 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.
Brigette Romanek Studio
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.
FOOTPATH TO TILE
Landscape designer and Terremoto founder David Godshall opted for a creative hardscape as opposed to grass in this backyard. Not only do playful tiles allow for a welcome pop of color, but they’re also drought-friendly and easier to maintain. The lush flora surrounding the area allows for plenty of green despite the lack of grass.
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.
Fantastic Frank
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.
Nicole Hollis Studio
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.
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.
WALL PLANTERS
Beautify a patio wall with an array of planters. Southern California–based LH Designs spruced these up with succulents.
Amy Neunsinger
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.
LAURE JOLIET
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.
Kingston Lafferty Design
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.
Anson Smart
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.
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.
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.
Jen Feldman
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.
PHOTO: Dustin Askland; DESIGN: Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design
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.
Brittany Ambridge
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.
Marion Brenner
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.
