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35 Designer Patio Ideas for Backyard Living All Year Long

Count us in for cocktails by the pool and dinners alfresco!

phoebe howard palm beach pergola patio backyard veranda
J. SAVAGE GIBSON

Escaping to a well-designed backyard can certainly be a vacation all its own. Whether or not you live in a tropical paradise, your patio can sure make it feel like one. All it takes is some inspired landscaping, chic yet breezy furnishings, and maybe a lush pergola or two to make your patio the central hub of outdoor entertaining for all seasons. What could be more fun than an oversized patio umbrella for those extra-toasty afternoons and an outdoor fireplace for winter cocktail parties?

These designer patios will inspire you to spend more time embracing the great outdoors—whether you love hosting summer dinner parties or prefer to spend your time in the garden. These gorgeous patios are a much-needed breath of fresh air, and are packed with ideas for making your outdoor living space that much more comfortable in any season. Read on to discover 35 designer patio ideas that are sure to inspire you to create the perfect outdoor living room.

ken fulk healdsburg california pool
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
1 of 38
Retro Paradise

This Napa Valley estate, designed by Ken Fulk, is full of Old Hollywood glamour that evokes the allure of Slim Aarons-era California. Its poolside scene fits right in with retro-chic Restoration Hardware chaises and cushions in a striped Sunbrella fabric. This outdoor space also features 1940s Walter Lamb rockers that once belonged to Shirley Temple, making the perfect spot to recreate Aarons's iconic Poolside Gossip.

a coastal live oak shades an ipe dining deck overlooking the vineyards and forged steel and glass railings preserve the view
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
2 of 38
Alfresco Dining with a View

Fulk designed this second outdoor space to be more apt for dinner parties and wine tastings from the vineyards within view (swoon!). Shade from this coastal live oak makes a lovely focal point and keeps the space cool, while the Ralph Pucci chairs add a sleek, modern element. The best part? Your table's centerpiece can be made of blooms and greenery within reach.

the hues of aged clinker bricks nod to the low country vernacular and there are faux bois table and chairs for dining
Emily J Followill
3 of 38
Charming Gathering Spot

This dreamy scene is proof even the smallest of patios can have a huge impact. Designer Beth Webb does a masterful job making the most of every square inch of this cozy Brays Island cottage. Everyone will gravitate to this Horchow faux-bois dining set for morning coffee, a sunny lunch break, or an indulgent Sunday brunch.

in the walled garden vintage brighton cafe chairs and a chinoiserie bench
DYLAN THOMAS
4 of 38
Teatime for Two

In the walled garden of textile designer Richard Smith's home in the English countryside, vintage Brighton cafe chairs and a chinoiserie bench (Andrew Crace) create a small spot for breakfast, tea, or cocktails al fresco.

a rectangular pool inset into a lush lawn with a white california style poorhouse int he background
Francesco Lagnese
5 of 38
Outdoor Entertaining Suite

An outdoor fireplace, dining set, and plenty of prime poolside seating make this setup at a colonial Connecticut manse an entertainer's dream. Designer David Netto ensures that this outdoor space won't be wasted even when the pool is closed for the winter with a warm and toasty dining and drinks area. The teak dining table is Summit Furniture and the lounge and Adirondack chairs are both Loll Designs.

double terraces with seating
William Abranowicz
6 of 38
Natural Wonderland

Designer Cliff Fong thoughtfully crafted this Lake Toxaway retreat to blend into its Blue Ridge Mountains surroundings. Double terraces allow for double the guests. Comfy seating is a must for hosting into the evening, and the James Perse seating is covered in an inviting Donghia cushion fabric.

a shell pink cottage in a tropical setting with white chippendale railings
Brie Williams
7 of 38
Lush Lounge

Designer Matthew Carter's Bahamian vacation home is full of tropical treasures, and we love the way he made the most of this narrow patio space. One side acts as a lounging area, where guests can cozy up and enjoy a festive libation, while the other serves as a casual dining (or WFH) spot.

the outdoor shower’s portuguese cement tilework reads like antique wallpaper against the white outdoor dining furnture
Brie Williams
8 of 38
Refreshing Retreat

At a closer glance, Carter's dining area is ideal for enjoying lunch, a cup of tea, or catching up on emails at any time of day, thanks to plenty of shade and a ceiling fan. Portuguese cement tile work adds an artistic element and the Brown Jordan dining set is coastal chic at its best.

poolside view with black and white striped loungers and a white umbrella
Douglas Friedman
9 of 38
Old Florida Glamor

At this Naples, Florida, home designed by Celerie Kemble, a knife-edge pool sits flush with a coral stone deck. Beneath a canopy of coconut palms, an emerald privacy screen of areca, traveler’s, fishtail, and cat palms flourishes. Chaise longues, Celerie Kemble for Lane Venture. Umbrella, Santa Barbara Designs

dunham outdoor seating ideas california
David Tsay
10 of 38
California Cool

At this Newport Beach, California, retreat, designer Peter Dunham and architect Bob White fashioned a bluestone dining banquette under an Italian stone pine for the ultimate in laid-back, luxurious outdoor dining. The Mandevillea vine brings a powerful fragrance akin to gardenias. Fabrics, Peter Dunham Textiles

jenna bush hager house tour
Tara Donne
11 of 38
Poolside Dining

This lush patio belongs to Jenna Bush Hager, who gave us on a tour of her Long Island home in our November/December 2019 issue. Vintage iron garden furniture, layered table linens from Amanda Lindroth, and Juliska glassware make this an ideal setup for all your garden parties and summer luncheons.

celerie kemble house tour patio
Douglas Friedman
12 of 38
Pink Paradise

There's nothing like a beachy pastel, shiplap and rattan furniture to bring some island vibes to your patio—whether it lies in Nassau or Nebraska. This stunning scene lies in a stunning British colonial home in Naples, Florida, designed by the one-and-only Celerie Kemble. Those cool concrete tiles offer a modern take on this classic design style.

beach home patio
Melanie Acevedo
13 of 38
Seaside Solace

This Baker's Bay home maximizes everyone's ability to enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean with several simple, yet stunning columns. Designer Miles Redd uses a neutral palate with pops of color to allow the sea and sky to be the focal points of this outdoor space. The casually elegant chairs from Michael Taylor Designs and table from Serena & Lily make for easy-breezy entertaining.

patio ideas she shed
Tria Giovan
14 of 38
No Matter the Weather

This precious cedar pavilion is ideal for those who love to host afternoon tea or apértifs. The best part? There's never a need for a rain check!

Cathy Kincaid designed this poolside hideaway with inspiration from the home owners' antique birdhouses, offering one-of-a-kind charm and class to this outdoor space on the Connecticut River. The banquette fabric from Lisa Fine Textiles and bold, striped pillow fabric from Nicole Fabre Designs offer a fun punch of color in this otherwise earthy space.

alex papachristidis hamptons patio
William Abranowicz
15 of 38
Haute in the Hamptons

Alex Papachristidis designed this Hamptons hideaway with a Midas touch. Everything in this house is filled with warm metallic tones—even the outdoor space. A neutral motif allows the stunning views of the Atlantic (and those lovely bayberry hedges) take center stage, while sliding panels allow the home owners to enjoy this lovely outdoor space whether or not they want to enjoy the outdoors.

collete van den thillart kips bay 2020 dining pavilion
SARGENT ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
16 of 38
Au Naturale Entertaining

This earthy and magical patio was designed by Toronto-based designer Colette van den Thillart for the 2020 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach. This whimsical, garden-like space stays true to its roots (literally) with palm tree-inspired plaster columns to reflect the sunshine state's unofficial state tree. Though this space is jaw-dropping, it feels playful enough to make you comfortable enough to spend an entire day lounging in its luxury.

joe lucas kips bay patio
Sargent Architectural Photography
17 of 38
Jungle Fever

Breakfast has never felt so wild and fun, thanks to Joe Lucas' artful blend of organic prints, patterns, and textures. This Kips Bay 2020 Decorator Show House room makes the most of an oddly shaped outdoor space, making even the smallest nook of your patio a prime spot for drinking coffee or cocktails. And we absolutely adore this paper lantern-inspired light fixture from Remains Lighting.

phillip mitchell nova scotia patio
Annie Schlechter
18 of 38
Fireside Pergola

This beautiful fireplace patio is ideal for allowing designer Phillip Mitchell to enjoy the sea breeze outside his Nova Scotia cottage year-round. Covered in Beach Stone by Shaw Brick, this fireplace offers a rustic, homey feel to an otherwise light and breezy seaside escape. Greenery peering through the patio's pergola offers a dreamy place to crack open a book and stay awhile.

kips bay show house 2019 outdoor kitchen patio backyard veranda
Brian Woodcock
19 of 38
Kitchen Alfresco

Designer Amy Meier creates an outdoor kitchen full of functionality at the Kips Bay Show House in Palm Beach, FL, where she opted for easy-to-wipe-down quartzite surfaces from Marble of the World, professional-grade appliances from Dacor, and durable outdoor furniture from Sutherland.

scott shrader beverly hills patio backyard veranda
Lisa Romerein
20 of 38
Playing with Fire

An old water well becomes an antique stone firepit after landscape designer Scott Shrader decks out a backyard in Beverly Hills with antique architectural pieces and Arras patio chairs.

ruthie sommers newport rhode island patio backyard purple veranda
WILLIAM WALDRON
21 of 38
A Pop Of Purple

Designer Ruthie Sommers adds some color to a patio in Newport, Rhode Island, with outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware, upholstery fabric from Perennials, and bright purple hydrangeas.

lars bolander palm beach patio backyard veranda
Thomas Loof
22 of 38
Living Among the Palms

At his West Palm Beach home, designer Lars Bolander extends his living room outside where he can enjoy the balmy Florida weather. He furnished the space with a dining table from Becara, an umbrella from his store, and a collection of treasures that he and his wife have amassed over the years.

richard hallberg patio backyard veranda
Miguel Flores-Vianna
23 of 38
It's All in the Architectural Details

This outdoor space comes to life when designer Richard Hallberg plays off the patio's geometric ceiling and stone pillars by choosing a neutral color palette and comfortable seating, like these plush lounge chairs from John Himmel.

william eubanks memphis patio backyard veranda
Melanie Acevado
24 of 38
Apéritifs in the Garden

Memphis-native William Eubanks redesigns a storied Tudor house in his hometown that he co-owns with longtime friend John Ferguson. A small dining table surrounded by American boxwoods seems to beg for intimate conversations to be had. See more of this gorgeous garden and home here.

phoebe howard palm beach pergola patio backyard veranda
J. SAVAGE GIBSON
25 of 38
Meet Me Under the Pergola

Designer Phoebe Howard creates a summer-inspired oasis in Palm Beach, FL, for her clients to escape to when winter arrives in Chicago. A pretty pergola sets the scene with chairs from McKinnon and Harris and an ottoman from Made Goods. Step inside this Palm Beach getaway to see more blue and white beachy decor.

kevin spearman tel aviv outdoor dining patio backyard veranda
KEVIN SPEARMAN DESIGN GROUP
26 of 38
All Around the World

Houston-based designer Kevin Spearman transforms a Tel Aviv home into a Tuscan-style retreat with a color palette inspired by the muted shades of stone used in the house's architecture. A dining table from W. Gardner Ltd. helps ground the space, while fans from Boffi make the ceiling soar.

martyn lawrence bullard ellen pompeo dinner party patio backyard veranda
DAVID TSAY
27 of 38
Moroccan Nights

Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo and designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard come together to host a Moroccan soirée on the actress's back patio. The host and hostess serve up apricot-mint cocktails on a table draped with a tablecloth from the designer's collection surrounded by lanterns from Berbere World Imports.

scott shrader beverly hills pool patio backyard veranda
Lisa Romerein
28 of 38
Let's Go for a Dip

Designer Scott Shrader gives new life to a 1970s pool at this Beverly Hills home by having it resurfaced and trimmed with Carrara marble. To create a comfortable lounge area, a custom limestone banquette is softened with cushions and pillows covered in fabric from Perennials.

rose story farm danielle dall'armi patio backyard veranda
VICTORIA PEARSON
29 of 38
Stop and Smell the Roses

Danielle Dall'Armi and husband Bill Hahn, farmers and founders of Rose Story Farm, convert a 1930s Spanish colonial barn into their office and workshop, complete with a patio for planters and potting.

susan zises green palm beach patio backyard veranda
Francesco Lagnese
30 of 38
The Fabric of Life

Designer Susan Zises Green outfits the patio of this Palm Beach home with coral-hued slipper chairs from Oomph, outdoor fabric from Perennials, and garden stools from Holly Hunt.

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