22+ Outdoor Ideas That Are Making Us Swoon (patio, backyard…)
No matter the size of your outdoor space, you can create an outdoor oasis that you love.
The weather is warming up, which means more and more of us will be spending time outdoors.
Whether you have a small patio, a large backyard, a pool, or a deck, we have outdoor ideas that are making us swoon and will help you create the ultimate outdoor oasis.
Let’s get into it!
1. Plant a garden that’ll make you happy
There’s nothing like a beautiful garden to boost your mood.
And when it comes to gardens, the sky’s the limit.
Whether you have a green thumb or not, there’s a garden style out there to suit your taste.
If you’re new to gardening, consider starting with a container garden, which is a great way to get your feet wet.
You can plant flowers, herbs, or even a few veggies in pots on your patio or in a small yard.
Container gardens are low-maintenance and can be as small or as large as you like.
Best of all, you can easily move your containers around if you need to.
If you’re ready to commit to a full-fledged garden, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you.
Before you start planting, it’s a good idea to do a little research to determine what plants will grow best in your area.
You can also talk to the experts at your local garden center.
2. Make your outdoor space feel like a room
When you’re designing your outdoor space, think of it as an extension of your home.
Just like you would with any room, consider the layout, furniture, and decor you’ll use.
In this design by Emily Henderson, a large outdoor rug anchors the space, and a sectional, chairs, and a fire pit make it feel like a living room.
The hanging lights and canopy add a touch of coziness and privacy.
3. Add a swing for the perfect place to daydream
We’ve seen swings pop up in all kinds of outdoor spaces lately, from porches to pergolas.
They’re a fun, unexpected addition that adds a lot of personality to a space, and they’re also the perfect place to kick back and relax during the day.
If you’re not sure where to start, think about adding a swing to a space where you might not have room for a chair or bench, like a corner of a deck or a small side yard.
You can also hang a swing from a pergola, or even from a tree.
4. Add a fire pit for a cozy gathering spot
A fire pit is a must-have for any outdoor space. It’s the perfect gathering spot for friends and family, and it helps keep you warm on chilly nights.
There are so many options when it comes to fire pits. You can choose a traditional wood-burning fire pit, a gas fire pit, or even a fire table.
You can also choose from a variety of materials, including metal, concrete, and stone.
This stone fire pit adds a rustic touch to the space and looks right at home in the middle of this beautiful patio.
5. Create an outdoor kitchen for easy entertaining
This outdoor kitchen by Kitchen Design Concepts is the ultimate entertaining space.
It has everything you need to cook up a feast for your friends and family, and the bar seating is perfect for serving up a casual meal.
The outdoor kitchen is covered, so you can cook and entertain rain or shine.
6. Add a water feature for a tranquil space
The sound of water is so calming, and I love how the water feature in this space is the focal point.
It feels like a little oasis in the middle of a city.
If you don’t have a lot of space, you can still add a small water feature like a fountain or a pond to make your yard feel like a peaceful retreat.
7. Add a pergola for a shady spot to relax
Pergolas are a great addition to any outdoor space.
They’re relatively simple to build and are a great way to add a little bit of shade to your patio or deck.
You can even grow climbing plants, like wisteria or clematis, on the sides and top to create a beautiful, natural canopy.
This stunning pergola from us is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The hanging chairs are a fun and unexpected touch, and the string lights add the perfect amount of ambiance for those warm summer nights.
8. Create a perfect place for the kids to play
If you have kids, you know the struggle of trying to keep your outdoor living area looking nice while also providing them with a place to play.
One solution is to create a designated play area, like this beautiful one by us.
The playhouse, artificial turf, and sunken trampoline keep the kids entertained and the yard looking clean and organized.
9. Add outdoor lighting for a magical space
One of the easiest ways to add ambiance to your outdoor space is to add some lighting.
There are so many options to choose from, and you can mix and match to create a truly magical space.
String lights are a popular option and can be strung from your home to a tree or other structure or from a pergola.
You can also hang them from the top of your fence or along the roofline of your home.
Tiki torches are another great option, and they can help keep the bugs away.
You can also use solar-powered stake lights to line your walkway or add color-changing lights to your garden.
If you have a larger budget, you can even add an outdoor chandelier or wall sconces to your space.
10. Add a hammock for a perfect place to relax
If you have a spot where you can hang a hammock, you should definitely consider it! They are the perfect place to lay back and relax on a warm day.
You can even find hammocks with a stand, so you don’t need to worry about hanging it from a tree.
This cozy hammock is the perfect addition to this backyard space.
11. Create a space for outdoor dining
If you love hosting, an outdoor dining space is a must. This can be as simple as a table and chairs or a full outdoor kitchen.
We love the look of the outdoor dining area in this backyard.
The space is defined by a large outdoor rug and is tucked under a covered patio.
The table and chairs are made of teak, a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
12. Make a cozy spot for coffee in the morning
Whether you’re a morning person or not, it’s hard to deny the appeal of a cozy spot for coffee outside.
This beautiful little patio is the perfect spot to start the day, and we love how it’s tucked away just a bit for privacy.
With a privacy fence, a pergola, and a few potted plants, you can create an intimate little nook like this one, even in a small backyard.
13. Add a fun game for the kids
If you have kids, consider adding a fun game that will keep them entertained for hours.
This oversized Connect Four game from Pottery Barn is a great option.
14. Create a tropical paradise
You don’t need to live in the tropics to have a tropical-themed outdoor space.
This backyard in Los Angeles is the perfect example of how to transform a space into a lush paradise.
The pool is surrounded by a variety of palm trees and other tropical plants.
The pink and white bougainvillea climbing the wall is the perfect finishing touch to this backyard oasis.
15. Create a modern oasis
If you’re a city-dweller, you know that outdoor space can be hard to come by.
When you do have the luxury of a backyard or patio, it’s important to make the most of it.
That’s exactly what the team at Reath Design did with this modern patio.
The color palette was inspired by the lush greenery in the surrounding area.
The designers used a muted green for the dining chairs and a deeper green for the lounge chairs.
This creates a seamless and calming look that’s perfect for enjoying a meal or lounging with a good book.
16. Add a fun boho vibe
There’s so much to love about this space from us. The fun, boho vibe is perfect for summer, and we love the mix of colors and textures.
The rug and pillows add a pop of color, and the hanging chair is the perfect touch!
17. Create a space for movie night
The only thing better than a movie night in the living room is a movie night outside.
Create a cozy little nook with a projector and screen, and outfit it with comfy outdoor furniture.
You can even throw down a few outdoor rugs to define the space and make it feel extra cozy.
Conclusion
We hope you found some inspiration for your outdoor space. There are so many ways to make your patio or backyard feel like an extension of your home. What’s your favorite idea to create an outdoor oasis? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
