Seating doesn’t have to be one-note. Designer Mary Patton mixed and matched wrought iron chairs, with bright yellow chairs situated at each head of the table.
For a cozy layout that sparks conversation, go for a round seating arrangement. Take note from Ryan and Kate Gross of Kate Anne Design and hang bamboo lanterns with dimmable bulbs to enhance the space.
Don’t let cool nights keep you inside. Gather around an outdoor fireplace or fire table with “all three sets of chairs facing inward,” says Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors.
Freshen up your patio by mounting potted plants to a blank wall, as interior designer Tori Rubinson does here. Pick a wall you can see easily from an outdoor seating area, then fill the pots with low-maintenance cascading plants or herbs.
Invite loved ones to enjoy some friendly competition with a round of corn hole — but don’t skimp on decor. Pepper-in items like lanterns and a chic woven chair will come in handy for quick breaks when the games heat up.
Arrange seating in a way that encourages conversation, plus layer in tables for snacks and stools for extra seating. “The scale of furnishings helps dictate a sense of place and closeness,” says Tim Pfeiffer of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer.
You can build a simple outdoor bar on a budget from 4×4 wood pieces and a treated-lumber top. Inject pops of color, advises designer Maggie Griffin to “balance the expanse of wood tones and draw the eye from the interior of the home to the exterior living areas seamlessly.”
Whether it’s for a bit of shade or to establish an “outdoor room,” a pergola is a great way to elevate a backyard layout. Here, online landscape designer Yardzen uses a wood pergola in one half of the yard to designate a dining area.
Design a dreamy spot for outdoor nappings, like this custom bed with a sheepskin topper. “We added the rattan seating on the opposite side along with an area rug to pull everything together for a relaxed outdoor living space,” says designer Tammy Price.
Whether it’s date night or an intimate family gathering, place a dining table in a quiet corner of your backyard. Then, hang some string lights to set the mood.
Create a natural flow by arranging distinct areas in the backyard, like a section for lounging, eating, drinking or playing games. Outdoor rugs are a great way to separate each zone.
Believe it or not, mirrors aren’t just for indoors. Dress a bare white wall with a stylish mirror for an instant makeover.
There’s no reason why you can’t carry the aesthetic of your indoor living room straight outdoors. Comfortable seating, warm lighting and potted plants can do the trick.
Set the mood by draping simple string lights above your outdoor dining table. But don’t stop there — add even more warmth with an oversized rug, as seen in the home of Create & Cultivate’s Jaclyn Johnson.