68 Patio Ideas For an Endless Summer

By KRISTIN HOHENADEL

Kristin Hohenadel

68 Patio Ideas That Will Make You Want to Live Outside

01 of 68

Keep It Chic With Black and White

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
This simply stylish patio from Leanne Ford Interiors is a perfect setting for casual meals or outdoor work breaks, with its crisp black-and-white color palette, matching sconce lights and potted plants, a striped rug, and a picnic-style table with metal legs and a warm wood finish.
02 of 68

Add Some Color

Design by Mary Patton Design / Photo by Molly Culver
This outdoor patio from Houston-based Mary Patton Design has rough stone pavers that contrast with the white brick exterior of the home. “There are a few fun ways to style your outdoor space,” Patton says. “My first tip is to add pops of color, be it in the outdoor chairs, floral arrangements, or other decor. Especially for summer, it seems fitting to utilize bright colors in a space that’s inspired by nature.” Here, Patton adds color in the form of a pair of bright yellow folding garden chairs and a navy blue outdoor sconce.
03 of 68

Frenchify It

Hotel Henriette
Decorated with vintage garden furniture and unexpected decor touches like an arched mirror and whimsical decorative lighting, this Parisian stone patio from interior designer Vanessa Scoffier at Hotel Henriette is dreamy, magical. and chic. Vintage touches like painted aluminum pitchers as vases add a timeless appeal, and a mixture of plants and flowers that are landscaped to look spontaneous and not too manicured adds charm.
04 of 68

Add Contrast

Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto
This pale stone slab patio from Calimia Home has modern light wood furnishings and contrasting dark wood fencing and pergola festooned with string lights and climbing vines that add contrast.
05 of 68

Add Modern Farmhouse Style

My 100 Year Old Home
A large brick patio on the backside of this modern farmhouse from My 100 Year Old Home is designed for large gatherings of friends and family, with three separate but linked zones that accommodate a sitting area, living room, and outdoor kitchen and bar area.
06 of 68

Hang Some Curtains

Fantastic Frank
This outdoor patio from Fantastic Frank has a rattan cover and billowing white gauze curtains around the periphery to shield harsh rays and add a sense of privacy and intimacy. Warm woods and natural textures complement the patio flooring, and a few black accents add structure to the overall design.
07 of 68

Keep It Natural

Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors
This tranquil patio from Breeze Giannasio Interiors has ample seating in pale weathered gray tones that harmonize with the stone and encourage gathering and conversation in the lush zen-like setting.
08 of 68

Be Transparent

Design by Thomas Guy Interiors / Photo by Haylei Smith
This outdoor patio from interior designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors is visible from the interior space thanks to a wall of glass and metal framed doors, making it vital that the outdoor be as smartly decorated as the indoors. Dark stained wide plank hardwood flooring inside is contrasted with pale stone on the exterior. In an outdoor space, Thomas suggests using weather-friendly materials and fabrics for durability, such as eco-friendly rattan. And he likes to always incorporate greenery such as banana leaf trees and orchids “to add a touch of nature,” adding that “high-design planters can be a creative way to show off one’s own personal style.”
09 of 68

Face Forward

Design by Brophy Interiors
If you have more front yard than back yard, consider installing a deconstructed patio in your front yard instead. This small front patio from Brophy Interiors has stone slabs that match the front walkway, plus a circular firepit and two lounge chairs, while the nearby small front porch is finished with wood.
10 of 68

Hang Pendant Lights

Design by Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Design
This outdoor patio from Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Design has living and dining areas decorated in a black, gray, and orange palette that complements the brick walls of the home and showcases the surrounding greenery. A pergola in a dark wood stain adds structure to the outdoor space, and natural woven pendant lights help to define the living room and dining room zones.
11 of 68

Build an Urban Oasis

Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima
This comfortable and spacious NYC backyard from Manscapers has both a spacious patio and a wood deck that helps define the spaces and adds dimension the deep rectangular space. The patio area is equipped with a sectional, extra poufs, and a firepit. The stone patio transitions into a slightly raised outdoor wood deck that houses a spacious dining table and chairs. A trio of glass and metal hurricane lamp candle holders posed casually on each side of the steps is a nice touch that looks even better at night.
12 of 68

Lean Into Curves

Design by House of One / Photo by Lifestyle Production Group
Southern Florida-based interior designer Brittany Farinas of House of One has a maximalist approach to tropical modernism. Here she added a pair of half-circle sofas to a concrete paver patio, shaded by a wood-ceilinged cover equipped with built-in ceiling fans that keeps it shady and can manufacture a breeze on sweltering days. Farinas suggests adding colorful and textural pillows to outdoor spaces that echo your interior decor to create cohesion. And one of her favorite moves when designing outdoor spaces is to incorporate a water feature, such as a freestanding waterfall fountain. “It will make one’s space feel serene with the calming sounds of the water,” she says.
13 of 68

Add a Surprising Element

Design by Mary Patton Design / Photo by Molly Culver
This outdoor patio from Mary Patton Design has clean lines, white furnishings, and a pair of pale pink flamingo statues that add a fun and kitschy surprise element.
14 of 68

Lay a Patterned Tile Floor

Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo Tessa Neustadt
While it is easy to default to neutrals when designing an outdoor space, even the slightest use of color can add a surprising lift and energy to the design, like the blue-and-white patterned tile flooring on this spacious outdoor patio form Emily Henderson Design.
15 of 68

Add a Vintage Fountain

Hotel Henriette
A vintage French outdoor fountain on this Parisian patio at the Hotel Henriette adds charm and can be used as a planter or a bird bath.
16 of 68

Paint the Floor

A Beautiful Mess
This striking back patio from A Beautiful Mess features a simple but effective DIY painted concrete floor in a graphic design that is packed with personality and style.
17 of 68

Keep It Casual

Blanco Bungalow
This casual chic outdoor living room patio space from Blanco Bungalow has the same modern boho design style as the indoors, with neutral colors and a mix of seating, accessories, and plants. A white painted brick wall gives the outdoor space a contemporary feel that complements the bright white wire-based coffee table and side table stools.
18 of 68

Lay Some Bricks

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
This backyard dining space has a lived-in feel, with a brick patio, a mix of concrete planters, and a large dining table with a scrolled base.
19 of 68

Add Stripes

Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors / Photo by Meghan bob Photography
This patio dining space from Breeze Giannasio Interiors has a graphic quality thanks to a mix of black-and-white finishes, furniture, textiles, and decorative objects. A dramatic striped awning and gathered curtains adds a theatrical and slightly retro formal touch.
20 of 68

Add Boho Style Touches

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by David Tsay
This lush outdoor patio from Emily Henderson Design has comfortable furniture, a statement fireplace, a pergola laced with string lights, and boho design style touches like a kilim pouf.
21 of 68

Reimagine the Driveway

Arbor & Co.
This Portland garage conversion guest cottage from Arbor & Co. has an outdoor patio living and dining room covered by a wood A-frame roof that makes outdoor living possible even in rainy weather, and doubles the square footage of the modest space.
22 of 68

Paint the Rainbow

A Beautiful Mess
This all-white back patio from A Beautiful Mess gets a cheerful mood boost thanks to a DIY paint job on the patio floor in wide pastel rainbow stripes.
23 of 68

Lay an Outdoor Rug

Fantastic Frank
This outdoor patio from Fantastic Frank has a Euro-style gravel floor. A pair of patterned indoor outdoor rugs softens the outdoor living room space while adding color, and a sculptural stone coffee table and sleek gray-and-black seating adds sophistication to the outdoor space.
We Tested the Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs for Versatile Decorating
24 of 68

Double It Up

Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.
A pair of stone paver patios create a distinct place for the seating area and firepit and adjacent dining area in this backyard from Mindy Gayer Design Co.
25 of 68

Elevate the Terrace

Fantastic Frank
This outdoor patio terrace from Fantastic Frank is located off a city apartment bedroom in Mallorca. With warm brick flooring, vintage-style rattan furniture, pale blue and white textiles, and a high wall for privacy, it’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.
26 of 68

Prioritize the Pool

Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.
This vast outdoor patio from Mindy Gayer Design Co. unifies the backyard entertaining space, which is divided into zones for sitting, dining, and lounging by the pool.
27 of 68

Add Eclectic Touches

Fantastic Frank
This laid back Swedish country patio from Fantastic Frank is built in the shadow of a stone wall that adds coziness, while small kilim rugs act as unconventional bench warmers and a sun umbrella offers shade when needed.
28 of 68

Build a Banquette

Design by BASE Landscape Architecture
This Portland, Oregon patio design from BASE Landscape Architecture has a built-in banquette that houses firewood for the stylish covered firepit, and tall hedges that create a sense of privacy around the open air seating area.
29 of 68

Add Mood Lighting

Design by New Eco Landscapes / Photo by Anthony Crisafulli
When designing or decorating an outdoor patio, be sure to consider the role of lighting so that it is comfortable and pleasurable to use at all times of day or night. This is especially important if you are designing a large outdoor space that needs more than string lights or tea candles to feel properly illuminated. The various zones of this backyard patio from New Eco Landscapes are each well lit for relaxing summer evenings, with bright but warm bulbs that make it feel relaxing.
30 of 68

Install a Daybed

Design by House of One / Photo by Lifestyle Production Group
This poolside patio from House of One features a luxurious four-poster daybed with tie-back curtains for lazy summer afternoon naps or sleeping outdoors when it’s too hot to sleep inside.
31 of 68

Embrace Cabana Style

Design by Christina Kim Interior Design
This crisp and modern patio space from Christina Kim Interior Design features an indoor-outdoor bar with seating for five, and a large dining table for eight. A mix of white finishes and woven accents adds cohesion and contrasts with the gray stone flooring.
32 of 68

Add Some Romance

Design by Georgia Zikas Design / Photo by Jane Beiles
This outdoor patio from Georgia Zikas Design is styled for two, with matching lounge chairs, a mix of flowers and plants, and a combination pouf and coffee table for cocktail hour with the one you love.
33 of 68

Use Rust Tones

Design by Cortney McClure Design / Photo by Kacey Gilpin
The dining area on this spacious outdoor patio from Cortney McClure Design has a white pergola, a wiry black pendant light, a chunky wood dining table, woven chairs, and a bold rust-and-white patterned area rug that defines the space and echoes the whitewashed brick exterior of the home. Adding cushy chair pads in an indoor-outdoor fabric to the seating encourages lingering over dessert.
34 of 68

Make It Holiday Ready

Most Lovely Things
Patio living isn’t just for summer. This cozy backyard patio from Most Lovely Things is styled for the holidays with sheepskin seat covers, a plaid blanket tablecloth, seasonal branches, and a roaring fire in the firepit.
35 of 68

Add Some Starlight

Design by Jenn Pablo Studio
This Palm Springs patio from Jenn Pablo Studio has an outdoor dining area for four outfitted with a round table and overstuffed armchairs, while a large star-shaped glass and metal pendant light hangs over the table to define the space and add a touch of whimsy.
36 of 68

Use a Mix of Materials

Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This covered patio Marie Flanigan Interiors uses a mix of materials including concrete flooring, a stone fireplace wall, metal fittings, and touches of wood on the ceiling and seating that makes the space feel more warm and inviting. The couch and armchairs are accessorized with plenty of extra pillows and throw blankets for cool nights by the fire.
37 of 68

Build a Platform

Design by New Eco Landscapes / Photo by Anthony Crisafulli
A slightly raised deck platform on this outdoor patio from New Eco Landscapes houses comfortable banquette seating next to the outdoor kitchen. A pergola defines the space, and a pair of turquoise lounge chairs adds a pop of color and a note of fun to the streamlined design.
38 of 68

Add a Cozy Couch

Design by Jenn Pablo Studio
This Palm Springs patio from Jenn Pablo Studio is set up like an outdoor living room that would look just as fitting indoors. Styled with throw pillows and an organic coffee table, the lounge area provides the perfect transition between indoors and out, and creates a relaxing spot to enjoy the pool even on days when you don’t feel like getting in the water.
15 Amazon Outdoor Accessories You Need to Spend All Day Outside
39 of 68

Pair Brown and White

Design by Murphy Maude Interiors / Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
This outdoor patio from Murphy Maude Interiors uses dark wood elements and earthy brown accents that complement the surrounding greenery and contrast with pale flooring and white finishes and accessories. The monumental fireplace wall helps to create an intimate sitting area in the open space with its wide open views of the surrounding landscape and pond.
40 of 68

Add Coastal Stripes

Design by Christina Kim Interior Design
This back patio from Christina Kim Interior Design has a subtle coastal theme with its blue-and-white palette and striped upholstery on lounge chairs and a curved built-in banquette by the firepit. The classic neutral color palette blends harmoniously into the surroundings and won’t give the neighbors anything to complain about.
41 of 68

Create a Formal Dining Area

Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors / Photo by Meghan bob Photography
This back patio dining area from Breeze Giannasio Interiors is set up for a sit-down dinner party, with a simple indoor outdoor rug, comfortable woven outdoor dining chairs, and a farmhouse style pedestal dining table.
42 of 68

Weatherproof It

Most Lovely Things
This outdoor patio from Most Lovely Things is decorated for Christmas gatherings, with an outdoor tree dressed in simple string lights, and chairs covered in fluffy sheepskins arranged around the firepit.
43 of 68

Carve Out a Dedicated Lounge Space

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo
This vast outdoor patio from Cathie Hong Interiors is divided into zones, with concrete slab flooring throughout interrupted by trees planted in gravel-covered beds, with an open air cabana outfitted with a spacious sectional set back from the pool.
44 of 68

Add a Media Center

Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This light and airy patio from Marie Flanigan Interiors has pale tones, wood touches, blue accents, and a central fireplace and wall-mounted TV that’s set up for outdoor summer movie nights.
45 of 68

Celebrate Weathered Finishes

Fantastic Frank
You might not be able to recreate the patina of the beautifully worn walls and flooring of this historic Mallorca patio from Fantastic Frank, but you can take inspiration from the warm colors, rustic chic furniture, and natural tree branch pergola when decorating your own outdoor oasis.
46 of 68

Tile the Walls

Design by Jenn Pablo Studio
This small Palm Springs patio from Jenn Pablo Studio has simple rust-colored floor tiles that are contrasted with decorative black-and-white tiles lining the walls that flank the French doors. If your patio is more of a transition from the indoors to the outdoors, a place to stretch and check the weather rather than sit and read a book, there’s no need to add furniture. Here in place of seating, a pair of large cacti in oversized planters fill the space and allow the decorative tiles to take center stage.
47 of 68

Complement Brick With Warm Wood Tones

Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This covered back patio from Marie Flanigan Interiors is a relaxing, homey place for everyday meals, with warm brick walls and a wood-clad ceiling that add warmth to the stone flooring. A large wood table and a mix of seating options make the space feel relaxed, while a row of plants down the center of the table tie the space to the outdoors.
48 of 68

Lay Statement Tile

Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria
Patterned floor tiles in a large-scale design make a statement on this outdoor patio from Emily Henderson Design. Comfortable seating encourages lounging, and warm wood accent tables add warmth.
49 of 68

Use All White Furniture

Design by Will Brown Interiors
This patio from Will Brown Interiors is located off of a Minneapolis condo. The bright contemporary space is outfitted with a chunky modern armless sofa and matching armchairs covered in bright white indoor-outdoor fabric. Tall white planters placed strategically around the periphery add height and help to define the open space while adding a modicum of privacy.
50 of 68

Play With Geometry

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography
This minimalist patio from Cathie Hong Interiors makes a big statement with geometric floor tiling that adds interest and a sense of rhythm to the wide open pass through space that leads to a spacious lawn.
51 of 68

Embrace Warm Tones

Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This outdoor patio from Marie Flanigan Interiors uses warm tones on walls, rustic stone accents and contrasting cool white and blue-gray upholstery on the seating for a casual but sophisticated seating area perfect for entertaining.
The 13 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture in 2023
52 of 68

Use Transparent Furniture

Design by Maite Granda
This airy Florida patio from interior designer Maite Granda has glossy stone flooring, a shiny white tulip-style table, a tinted glass pendant light, and transparent polycarbonate Victoria Ghost chairs that practically disappear.
53 of 68

Maximize Space

Design by Seed Studio Landscape Design / Photo by Travis Rhoads Photography
While it can be tempting to leave a small patio bare, adding more furniture can make the space feel more like a room, and help to ensure that a precious piece of outdoor space doesn’t go to waste. Here, a small side patio off the dining room is turned into a cozy sitting area outfitted with contemporary furniture from Seed Studio Landscape Design.
54 of 68

Blur the Lines

Design by Heather Hilliard Design / Photo by David Duncan Livingston
To create an indoor outdoor feel at this San Francisco home, Heather Hilliard Design used contemporary glass and black metal doors. Wide plank bleached oak floors that mimic the pale flooring of a narrow outdoor patio blurs the distinction between indoors and out.
55 of 68

Add a Curved Stone Wall

Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This half-circle patio built in rough stone in the shadow of a monumental outdoor fireplace from Marie Flanigan Interiors is a perfect spot for al fresco meals. A large bright white table with a dramatic bulbous base adds contrast and relief from the preponderance of organic stone.
56 of 68

Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Design by Maite Granda
This covered outdoor patio from interior designer Maite Granda has a kitchen built in along two walls that is fully equipped for outdoor meals. A vaulted skylight allows natural light to penetrate the space while keeping it covered from the elements, and a clear glass wall separates the cooking and dining space from the pool area.
57 of 68

Use Matching Materials

Fantastic Frank
This stone patio from Fantastic Frank looks like an extension of the stone facade of the house, a place to have meals or lounge or watch the kids play on the adjacent lawn. A simple outdoor umbrella shades the dining table and adds some height to the overall design.
58 of 68

Plant a Tree

Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.
A tree sheltering the firepit seating area in this outdoor patio from Mindy Gayer Design Co. makes the space feel cozier while providing a little shade. Short metal outdoor Tolix stools add extra seating.
The 6 Best Zero-Gravity Chairs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
59 of 68

Make It Maximalist

Design by Bartone Interiors / Photo by Lissa Gotwals Photography
This outdoor patio from Bartone Interiors is styled to the max. Styled with outdoor furniture, floor lamps, an indoor-outdoor rug, copious throw pillows, and decor objects, it has a well-appointed outdoor living room vibe that wants for nothing and is ready for anything.
60 of 68

Add Some Pattern

Design by Michelle Boudreau Design
This Palm Springs patio from Michelle Boudreau Design has an oversized cactus garden, a white wire armchair, and a comfy outdoor sofa that is upholstered in a retro palm print fabric that steals the show.
61 of 68

Add Shelter

Design by Olga Hanono / Photo by Frank Lynen Photography
This cozy patio from interior designer Olga Hanono has midcentury modern-inspired seating, an organic wood coffee table, a scenic stone wall backdrop, and a warm wood pergola festooned with string lights and equipped with ceiling fans to shelter it from harsh sunlight and downpours.
62 of 68

Add Color and Pattern

Design by Maestri Studio / Photo by Nathan Schroder
This formal outdoor patio dining area from Maestri Studio has graphic black-and-white patterned floor tile and striped seat covers and bracing green metal dining chairs and matching table base that add style and a formal note to the space.
63 of 68

Deck It Out

Design by Maestri Studio / Photo by Par Bengtsson
This outdoor patio from Maestri Studio is built off the end of a deck with a simple black and white table and chairs equipped with an umbrella that create a perch for admiring the jawdropping ocean views.
64 of 68

Use Earth Tones

Design by Living with Lolo / Photo by Life Created
This outdoor patio from Living with Lolo uses earth tones everywhere from the stone flooring to the brown wood paneled ceiling and dining set, creating a relaxing outdoor space that blends into the surroundings.
65 of 68

Add a Glass Ceiling

Design by Jessica Lagrange Interiors / Photo by Nathan Kirkman + Alan Shortall
This city patio from Jessica Lagrange Interiors has a metal and glass ceiling that turns it into an outdoor sun room, creating a haven of calm in a crowded urban area, and letting the sunshine in while protecting it from rain and snow. Tall wood-clad planters around the periphery add a green moment while providing privacy.
66 of 68

Landscape It

Design by Maestri Studio / Photo by Jenifer McNeil Baker
This spacious outdoor patio from Maestri Studio includes a central green zone with stylized landscaping and a pair of Adirondack chairs that create a calming backyard oasis.
67 of 68

Add a Strip of Astroturf

Design by Joshua Smith Interior Design
Given the climate emergency, it’s important to minimize water use and landscape our own backyards with sustainability in mind. In this poolside patio from Joshua Smith Interior Design, a stripe of astroturf breaks up all the hard stucco and concrete finishes, while a few judiciously spaced bushes of fluffy grass add volume with minimal planting.
68 of 68

Zone It Out

Design by Maestri Studio / Photo by Jenifer McNeil Baker
This minimalist patio from Maestri Studio has a sober neutral palette of gray, white, and black that adds contrast to the warm brick siding of the home. Clear zones for dining and lounging structure the wide open space.

How can I make my patio look nice?

The simplest way to make your patio look nice is to decorate with as much care and attention as you would any indoor space. Add stylish outdoor furnishings such as a dining table and chairs, pair of loungers, or an outdoor couch covered in weatherproof fabric that would look as good in your living room. An outdoor rug in a bright color or interesting pattern will add flair. And don’t forget to pay attention to lighting, choosing balanced lighting that is bright enough so it’s well lit for nighttime use, but warm enough so that it feels relaxing and inviting. Adding plants or landscaping is a nice touch that will help connect the space to the outdoors. For everything you need to get your patio summer-ready, check out our roundup of all-star yard and patio products.

The 13 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture in 2023

How do you make a simple patio?

You can create a simple patio by sticking to a square format and using uniform pavers of the same size that won’t require cutting or finesse to install. You can also use inexpensive pea gravel to install a simple patio. More experienced DIYers might try working with materials such as flagstone or brick.

What is the easiest type of patio to put in?

In general the easiest type of patio to put in is usually one using either loose materials such as gravel that doesn’t have to look perfect, just level and relatively even; or a patio laid with pavers of the same size that don’t require cutting. The easiest option also depends on whether you are planning to hire someone to install a patio or DIY it. Patios are generally made from materials such as concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, tile, cut stone, or loose materials such as gravel. Be sure to take into account the look you want and your skill level or budget for hiring someone to build your patio when determining the simplest path forward for your patio.

Viewed using Just Read

Report an error