Whether you have a tight budget or are ready to splurge on a significant upgrade, we have an outdoor living space idea that can transform your deck, patio, porch, or yard. Make your favorite warm-weather spot more inviting and comfortable with one or more of our design tips.

Create Levels

A multilevel outdoor living space idea will provide more options for creating separate areas to entertain, dine, and relax. Here, rustic metal steps connect each level to give the naturally elegant space an industrial touch.

Hang Unique Lighting

Add interest overhead and extend your outdoor space’s usable hours by hanging pendants over the dining table. in different sizes and hung at varying levels provide a fun focal point in this neutral outdoor space.

Put Up a Pergola

This outdoor living space idea defines your dining space with a pergola. It will make your dining area cozier for your guests, and the overhead covering will provide welcome shade on hot, sunny days. Hang a few lights from the pergola for a finished look that lets you continue using the space after the sun sets.

Make the Fireplace a Focal Point

This massive fireplace offers a stunning focal point while serving as one of two support walls for three large beams that give the impression of a ceiling. An assortment of seating options—a dining table, bar stools, and chairs for cozying up next to the fireplace—make this the perfect entertainment spot.

Add a Stylish Privacy Wall

One key to any successful outdoor space is privacy. Here, a wooden wall serves double duty—offering privacy and an attractive backsplash for the outdoor kitchen. Lush plantings pick up the privacy where the wall leaves off.

Add a Fresh Twist on a Pergola

This outdoor living space idea adds stand-out style by painting a pergola bright white. Rather than running all the beams in one direction, arranging them in a crisscross pattern adds interest overhead. Dark wicker furniture with colorful fabrics provides plenty of contrast.

Include a Spot to Swing

Any outdoor living space benefits from lots of cozy seating.

Go Bold with Color

A successful outdoor space takes into consideration all the senses, including sound. And no sound is more relaxing than moving water. An elegant fountain is an outdoor living space idea that uses one simple stream of water to create the perfect focal point for this small, sunken area.

Hang a Hammock

There’s nothing quite like taking a Sunday afternoon nap in your backyard hammock. Don’t worry if you don’t have two perfectly spaced trees to hang one from. Instead, attach the hammock to a pergola like these homeowners did and still benefit from the shade the pergola provides. A hammock stand is another option.

Heat Things Up

A heating element hung from the pergola is a great outdoor living space idea that extends the seasonality of this space. Soft furniture and colorful throw pillows make it an even cozier relaxing spot. A few steps away, full-length glass doors and windows connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

Use Indoor Inspiration

When considering outdoor living space ideas, look at what you love about your indoor spaces and apply the same concepts. Here, a bright painting on the wall, matching throw pillows, cushioned furniture, and a beverage cart add comfort and convenience while giving a nod to indoor living.

Install a Gated Entry

If you want to separate your outdoor space from your driveway or a street, but you want to maintain accessibility, consider a gated arbor. These homeowners opted for a shorter, curved-top gate to create separation without blocking views. A mix of bright whites and cool grays gives the space an elegant and sophisticated look.