Enjoy These 40 Outdoor Living Spaces All Year Long With These Tips

Trista - June 13, 2019

Photo: http://suzannehuntarchitect.com.au/

Many people dedicate a lot of time and effort into decorating the interior of the home. However, don’t forget that the outdoor space needs some life too. But even if you desire to have an epic indoor-outdoor living space, you probably aren’t sure how it should look. Incorporating interior ideas for the outdoors doesn’t always work well, and you may want the decor to stand out on its own. So to help you out, here are 40 great ideas that you can use to liven up your outdoor living rooms.

1. Outdoor Dining Space

A lovely archway adds a romantic air to this decked-out dining table. The beautiful, fluffy pink flowers, the wonderful table mats, and the patterned chairs all lend towards this perfect, hidden garden-type atmosphere. Not to mention the hanging vines, which perfectly complete the feel of this look. Turn on some classical music and steal yourself away to this place when you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Guests will marvel at the expensive look of this enchanting outdoor decor.

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2. Warm and Cozy Outdoor Kitchen

Having an outdoor fireplace is ideal after the sun goes down. The added warmth on chilly evenings will definitely make this patio one of your favorite places to cuddle. The added stove means you can have a splendid dinner outdoors without having to make several trips in and out of your home. Or you can use the opportunity to grill up some great burgers or steaks for a fun summer cookout you’ll remember forever.

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3. Relaxing Loggia

Create the perfect getaway for yourself when you don’t want to be bothered. These relaxing chairs and the lovely pile of cushions will draw you in and never let go. You’ll want to spend every waking hour up here, away from the stress of your daily tasks. Take in the view or read a book you’ve meant to finish for a while. Alternatively, bring your friends up here for a cocktail and some gossip.

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4. Rustic Veranda

Dark colors used in the decor of this veranda provide an earthy, natural feel to the entire look. The wicker light covers are also a nice added touch, as it focuses all of the light to where you need it while adding to the decor of the area. This outdoor living area can make for a beautiful evening with friends and family. It works for an intimate conversation at night or a charming afternoon party.

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5. Comfortable Conversations

There’s nothing wrong with incorporating some of your interior ideas to the outdoor area of your home. Comfy chairs, some coffee tables, and some unique decor pieces can still pull everything together, making the transition between inside and outside seamless. The unique chandelier definitely invites character into this space while still providing avid lighting once the sun goes down. Skip sleeping late into the afternoon; having this lovely space attached to your bedroom will make you want to go from breakfast in bed to eating outdoors. Likewise, you may just want to move your nap to outside in the fresh air; the choice is really up to you.

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6. Formal and Fun

Don’t be afraid to dress your outdoors up with some bright colors. These wonderfully bright red or peach tones work well against the dark grey backdrop of the painted brick wall and the neutral whites of the chairs and tablecloth. If you like an eclectic look, these funky red chandeliers are a nice touch too; they look even better once the sun is down and the candles light up. The white centerpieces add an even sweeter touch to all this color with its lacy exterior and Victorian feel.

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7. Moroccan Villa

Everyone embraces a little culture, and Moroccan decor is simply stunning. Look for fabrics and patterns that meet the style you’re going for: this look pairs neutrals and dark browns with bright patterns to balance everything out. The overhead lighting is an amalgamation of different lanterns too, so don’t be afraid to mix things up a little. The warm glow of the area is definitely enticing from the exterior, which is also well lit-up with outdoor lights.

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8. Courtyard Lounging

Who needs chairs when you can lounge around on large cushions? Being everything down to the floor level and get cozy in conversation. Low tables will complete this look, as well as several thick cushions to keep your body away from the floor. A smattering of lights against the wall really dresses this look up too. Placing well-manicured plants in the other corner balance everything out for a clean but comfortable look and feel.

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9. Open Doors to Outdoor Living

You can never have too many places for your friends to gather from your family room to your living room. However, you can create a living room outdoors, also. Invest in some outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements and you now have an amazing place to entertain your guests or have a small breakfast by yourself. The glass doors and windows provide transparency between the interior and the exterior. Not only does this create a smooth transition from the inside to the outside, but so there are never any surprises about what’s going on in either space, especially with kids. Small round topiaries frame either doorway to transition all of that white concrete towards the rest of the greenery going on outside.

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10. Closer to Nature

It can be helpful to go with a theme for the decor of your outdoor area, but it’s even easier to incorporate nature into it since it’s already all around you. Go for wicker chairs and decorations with a more natural feel, such as a small faux treehouse. These wooden candlestick holders are an excellent touch too and make the table feel romantic. Create everything on a wooden deck and surround the area with tall trees and thick bushes for some added privacy.

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11. Drapes All Over

Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you won’t want some privacy. Don’t forget to hang up thick curtains to your outdoor area so that you can keep prying eyes away. They also double to block out the sun when it’s getting in your eyes. Tie them back so that you can enjoy the view or let some breeze in to cool down the temperatures. Your drape choice can also determine the theme of your outdoor space, depending on the fabric and patterns or colors that you choose.

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12. Fortified Wood Construction

Warm tones of plain wood create a soothing and welcoming look. From the ceiling all the way down to the pillars, this outdoor area is practically surrounded by it. This outdoor living room decor creates a neutral palette that matches with any other single color. The wood is also a nice contrast for the brick-like tiles on the ground too, creating a very natural but constructed look. This circular table doesn’t provide much space to have a full meal but a peaceful afternoon with some coffee would work well.

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13. Geometric Seating

Going with squares and stripes is pleasing to the eye while maximizing the look of the area. The stark white and fresh green tones are even more striking with the bright green centerpieces of the space. However, the raggedy overhead light goes against the grain of all these smooth lines and cool colors. Try out different shapes like triangles and circles to see what works best for your outdoor space. Keep things interesting.

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14. A Dominican Retreat

Bring the islands to you with this thatched rood and found-treasures look. This simple decor works wonders for all the busy lines of the patterned wall and roof. Keeping the furniture simple creates balance for the area so that the whole theme isn’t overwhelming to the senses. The chandelier and mirrored wall art have an organic shape to balance the thick rectangular slabs of the table and shelf. Those wooden pillars bring the entire outdoor area to life.

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15. Some Very Viney Shade

If you’re a wine lover, then you’re going to appreciate the look of these shady vines. Growing over a pergola, allow nature to provide you with the shade you need to stay cool while still creating awesome outdoor decor look you won’t find anywhere else. The added greenery to the pergola will also purify the air around you during the day time, removing any pollutants so that you will breathe easier. Add a vase of flowers from your garden, and you have the perfect setup for a fresh breakfast.

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16. A Canopy-Like Terrace

This shaded terrace has everything you need for a relaxing afternoon outside. You won’t have to worry about sunburns anymore and the lovely pop of red works nicely against the dark cushions of these seats and reclining chairs. Use the long tables as benches, or you can straighten out and have your partner give you a massage after a long day of work. Please don’t leave it too stark; instead, include potted plants to bring more nature to your outdoor space.

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17. Privacy Walls

Don’t forget to add some walls around your seating area for some added privacy. Wood works well, or you can go with whatever material tickles your fancy, such as plastic or metal. The walls also serve as an outline for where one space begins and another ends. After all, you don’t want everyone and their neighbors listening to your intimate, nighttime conversations. You shouldn’t be afraid to decorate these walls either with art to keep the space bright and cheery. You can buy some at a local flea market or try your hand at painting your own.

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18. Golden Ambiance and Wooden Flooring

If you pair dark walls with bright lighting, it will form a vibrant look, both indoors and out. This lounging area appears to be very relaxing, with long white sofas that could double as a place to catch some zzz’s after a long day of work. The domed ceiling also gives the space height, and the illumination above the doors definitely makes it shine. The dropped pendulum lights mirror the shape of the dark chimney going up the back wall to pull the entire outdoor living room together.

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19. A Basic Apartment Patio

You don’t always have to go fancy with the decor; sometimes, simple is best. With this terrace lounge, the simple chairs and small table make the area look larger, allowing you the room to stretch out. The retractable awning shields you from the sun on those hot days, and the fresh greenery on either side does make for a nice splash of color. Of course, not everyone is going to have hundreds of square feet of outdoor space to work with, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up to make it look its best, no matter how small it is.

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20. Brick Terrace

Just as wood works well with anything, brick does a great job of serving as a neutral base too. You can always build upon colors and patterns to bring your outdoor area to the next level. The color of brick also works well with plants, so don’t be afraid to add some of your favorite shrubberies to the outdoor living area. Contrast the block with some whites, browns, and greys to keep a muted tone overall while still keeping the visuals interesting. Don’t be afraid to play with simple patterns either.

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21. Modern Seating

A crisp, clean look is the aim of this decor, with simple lines and white fabrics that brighten up the space. The delicate addition of the round lanterns breaks up the straight lines of the chairs and benches to make the area feel natural. Keeping it simple can do a lot more than adding a lot of glitz and glam. What makes this kind of palette attractive, however, is that you can choose to incorporate any color later on and it will still work together. It can be easily altered to reflect your changing sense of style.

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22. Going Geometric While Staying Natural

There’s squares, squares, and more squares. Going geometric can actually make the space you have feel much bigger. Clean cut lines don’t make the decor look too busy, and the dark colors give this setting a professional look you could use for a business meeting. The simple rectangular stools also make this affair quite casual too, if that’s what you desire. The running water of the nearby fountain provides a high level of sophistication. Not only does it offer lovely white noise for you to work by, but it exuberates elegance. You can just let your thoughts drift away as you relax by a fountain in your outdoor living room.

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23. Whimsical Color Choices

There’s also nothing wrong with softer, whimsical tones. Greens and blues with a pop of red create a peaceful atmosphere you can lounge, entertain guests, or have a spot of morning tea with you and your family. The thin, sheer curtains provide some privacy while still letting in a lot of light to keep the place bright. Incorporate fun pieces into your space to add even more character and make it more personable to your taste.

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24. Expand Your Square Footage

Merge your bedroom into the outdoors for that consistently comfortable feel. Choosing decor that matches the interior of your bedroom creates a smooth transition that makes it easy for you to step from one space into the other. These glass doors fold away into an accordion style to make it easy for you to enjoy indoor-outdoor living with the perfect breeze truly.

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25. Rustic Tables

Recycling can be the way to go when it comes to creating a rustic look. After all, these wine barrels transformed into great side tables for this outdoor couch. The dark rustic wood is a nice contrast for the pastels of the cushions and couch fabric, as well as the white drapes so that they stand out even more. The distressed coffee table helps pull the rustic outdoor living room decor together. You can create a DIY project with some paint and sandpaper if you’re interested in producing your own distressed furniture.

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26. Tall Greenery

Planting some thin, tall trees will not only fill up the outdoor living space around your wall, but they can also provide you with some much-needed shade. Go with plants that aren’t invasive to the area that won’t push their roots too far under the surface of your patio. You don’t want them to ruin the structure over time. Choose trees that also change with the seasons so that you can have a different look throughout the year.

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27. Jazzy Rooftop Lounge

Instead of clean-cut lines, you could always wing it by including strange shapes and patterns that don’t really go together. These bright, round planters definitely bring color to the dark brown of the walls, and the wild palm fronds and ferns add excitement. Find some strange artwork to add to the eclectic outdoor living space; you can build off of these shapes or set them out as conversation pieces for your guests. Play around with these elements to create an eclectic space where you will enjoy being yourself.

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28. Complete Outdoor Area

Using tables and couches as part of your outdoor living room furniture creates a social atmosphere for your family and friends on a beautiful day. The sofa serves as the dividing line between the two spaces, creating privacy both for those who are enjoying a meal and those having a conversation. The pendulum lights bring some much-needed illumination to the kitchen area, but can be ambient lighting for the living room area for some privacy and to set the mood. If you install an outdoor kitchen area like this complete with dining room and sitting space, you have achieved the ultimate indoor-outdoor living.

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29. A Glass Ceiling

Instead of adding lighting to a space, having a glass ceiling (literally!) can do the job for you. Natural sunlight will bathe you in the early morning when you’re enjoying a cup of coffee with a newspaper in hand (or phone). The installed ceiling fan will also keep you refreshed if the day proves to be too hot. Moreover, if it chooses to rain that day, the glass ceiling will offer you a spectacular view of the grey sky and the rain as it hits, providing you with beautiful white noise that will help you to relax.

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30. The Feel of Bali

Patterns can definitely make your outdoor area more interesting and visually pleasing. These patterned sheets and cushions give this daybed a Bali feel, a taste of Asia right in your backyard. And yes, the more pillows, the better! The thatched roof is a lovely, natural touch that minimizes the need to replace it over time, as it can withstand a lot of Mother Nature’s elements. Hang up a red lantern for some mood lighting or just as decoration if your wiring can’t reach that far. As you can see, this small lounge area stands out against the neutral backdrop of the rest of the house, naturally drawing the eye towards it.

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31. Jewel Tones

Rich jewel tones bring out the soft grey of the rest of the outdoor decor, balancing each other out for a unique look. They make the area feel rich without overpowering everything else, adding visual interest that won’t give you a headache. Go with jewel tones that are on opposite sides of the color spectrum, such as green and purple or reds and blues for a mind-blowing look that’s both contrasting yet pleasing to the eye. Again, this outdoor kitchen area is simply spectacular as well.

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32. Bright and Cheerful Loft

The key to decorating an outdoor space is finding balance. Warm and cool colors, for one, bounce off each other so that there’s not too much of one or the other. Another decor tip is getting the right symmetry with furniture; you want pieces that are comfortable but aren’t too bulky that you end up not having a lot of space. Try to find the perfect fit by moving furniture around to create a flow of traffic or look for smaller pieces that are also comfortable. since this industrial area does not have much natural green, you can still create a bright outdoor area by using green upholstery and potted plants.

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33. English Garden

Bring out the tea and biscuits with this lovely display that is simple yet elegant. The added flowers really glorify the outdoor area, and the surrounding courtyard gives you some privacy without closing you off from the rest of the world. The gazebo is a very whimsical touch that gives you space to be away from the conversation without isolating yourself from the rest of your company. Just imagine the beautiful pictures you can take standing in the gazebo. The wiring of the gazebo provides an excellent opportunity to string flowering vines, which will make this courtyard look even more spectacular.

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34. Brick House

Is red your favorite color? It’s a shade that’s been known to inspire hunger, so don’t be surprised that this area is placed next to the kitchen. You’ll have guests coming in and out to grab a snack while they enjoy the roaring flames by this outdoor fireplace. The green cushions also pull colors from the kitchen to make the two rooms feel like one cohesive unit. The simplistic inlaid lighting stays out of the way of the angled ceiling fans that will keep you cool and keep your fire stoked when it starts to run out of fuel.

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35. Earthy Pergola

Outdoor elements that are practical such as raw stone and concrete may seem harsh, but you can break that up with some soft cushions and chairs. The vibrant colors of gold and purple also divide the monotony of the stone. Paired with white chairs and other outdoor decor makes the entire space calm and inviting. Its stark and modern feel allows for much customization when it comes to decor; you could choose to keep it simple, or you could go with more eclectic choices to make the area stand out even more.

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36. Neutral Patio With Growing Branches

If you’re not into bright colors, you can still keep your outdoor space interesting by going with alternating white and neutral colors. It’s a manageable look to pull off without being too distracting. You and your guests will enjoy relaxing in this beautiful outdoor area. The climbing vines seem to “support” the pergola overhead, creating a natural look that’s akin to a magical garden. The hedge behind the couch acts a natural wall to separate the walk from the rest of the area and can dampen any conversation that may travel too far.

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37. Exposed Beams

With how simple this white and blue theme is, it doesn’t hurt to have a little of the structure showing. The exposed beams overhead give this area a rustic feel, and the dark tones of the would bring out the blue in the rug even more. Incorporate a little contrast by choosing a rug with a fanciful pattern to dress up your outdoor living room. The floor lanterns will make this area look even cozier when the sun goes down, especially when paired with the overhead bronze-ish lanterns. All that is left is for you to light some candles in this sophisticated looking area.

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38. Garden Party Getaway

Throw a tea party with your friends with this lovely but straightforward decor; it definitely pulls beautiful colors from nature. A lovely bouquet with rosy pink hues welcomes whimsical scents to the table. The graceful shade of green used on the exterior of the home also pairs well with the bright reds and yellows to serve as a muted backdrop for this decor so that none of it feels too loud. Wrap-around branches running up the pillars make the outdoor area appear even more enchanting.

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39. So Bo-Ho

Faded patterns can create subtle beauty, especially in a simple white area. The natural look of the chairs mimics the wicker light covering overhead to pull everything together. Plant a few palms to really give this outdoor living area a tropical feel, like a beach away from home. Add some patterned cushions to break up the monotony and don’t be afraid to go with contrasting colors you wouldn’t usually put together. That will bring out the “bohemian” character even more.

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40. Tropical Escape

Bright and bold could be the way to go. Put those neutral colors aside and just go all-out red! The tropical feel of this area will transport you to another world that you may never want to leave. The addition of tropical flowers and other bright cushions quickly transforms your patio into a great place to have a conversation with a martini in your hand. Some much-needed shade isn’t a bad idea either, which you can accomplish with tall standing umbrellas or a retractable awning that won’t get in the way.

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