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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 decorating and landscaping treatments to make it feel like an extra special place to unwind. We're here to make that happen. 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 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
Furniture designer John Houshmand's Mexican property is all about enjoying time outside (in style). This option has tons of seating for larger parties but is also perfect for a quiet catnap. The brick retaining wall speaks to the warm golden cushions, wood tables, terracotta foundation, and bamboo overhang while the stone columns introduce a cooler tone for contrast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beautify a patio wall with an array of planters. Southern California–based LH Designs spruced these up with succulents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.