Patio Living Ideas & Inspiration for Summer

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A collection of patio living ideas that will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into an outdoor living room. Includes decks & porches too!

concrete patio ideas white picket fence table chairs umbrella

The patio here at the Sugar Maple house is small, but it’s definitely living large. I managed to squeeze in a dining area, a very small sitting area, and even a potting bench! I’m able to grow annuals and herbs. Although too small for a growing family, it’s perfect for us, and fits our current stage of life.

I’m always looking for inspiration, and love to see how others make their outdoor spaces functional and beautiful. Today I’m sharing some very pretty outdoor areas, in all styles and sizes. If you are planning a patio project, or just want some new ideas for your existing outdoor space, this post is for you!

Let’s go back and take a look at the patio at our house on Sutton Place. Two years before we moved, we eliminated a very old and unsafe deck, and replaced it with a poured concrete patio. I wanted a low maintenance option, and a much smaller space. I got exactly what I wanted, but it was a challenge to decorate, and it took me some time to get the functionality I desired.

polywood dining set on patio 1600 — Sutton Place Patio 2021

The second summer on the new patio, I decided to switch from black to all white…and I loved it. I chose the POLYWOOD Braxton dining set in white, and that was the jumping off point for the rest of the space. Our new dining set made this outdoor room functional, coordinated, and lovely. Take a look at how everything was arranged.

If you wish to save any of these images to a Pinterest board, PLEASE click over and pin from the original source. Thank you!

This space from my friend Lory at Designthusiasm just makes me smile. From the gingham chairs to the darling garden stool, it’s a lovely spot to spend a summer afternoon. See it {HERE.}

Danielle, from Finding Silver Pennies, lives in a seaside town in Maine. It’s absolutely one of the prettiest places in the country, and they have made their outdoor space a fun and functional area that the whole family enjoys. See it {HERE.)

A collection of patio living ideas that will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into an outdoor living room. Includes decks & porches too!

Kristen, from Ella Claire & Co., has a knack for creating family friendly spaces that are both beautiful and functional. See her outdoor area {HERE.}

Angie, from Postcards from the Ridge, adds touches of blue and white to her family’s outdoor deck. It’s a small space, but it definitely lives large! Take a look {HERE.}

One of the loveliest outdoor spaces I’ve ever seen belongs to Tamara, from Citrine Living. It’s multi-functional, and blends seamlessly with her indoor decor. See it {HERE.}

My friend Janet, from Shabbyfufu, lives in Miami and embraces the tropical vibe that represents her home. Take a look at her lovely pool, see how she entertains al fresco, and get inspiration from the flowers and foliage. Just click {HERE!}

outdoor patio space with large sectional

Another really good friend, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, has completely transformed the outdoor space that sits in her backyard. Along with her husband, they built an outdoor room, provided easier access to the inside, and found furnishings that add comfort and coziness. See it all {HERE.}

Sheila, from Maison de Cinq, is the expert at outdoor entertaining and patio living! This gorgeous outdoor table featuring pink peonies and soft blues is perfect for any spring or summer event. Take a look {HERE.}

Meg, from Green With Decor, put together an amazing, family-friendly outdoor room in her backyard that features a seating area, a play space, and an eating area. See what she did {HERE.}

Jen, from City Farmhouse, incorporated an eating area, seating area, and herb garden in her multi-functional outdoor space. Take a look {HERE.}

dining table on patio with modern chairs

This outdoor space from Lucy at Craftberry Bush is not only beautiful, it completely brings the indoors out. Her family can literally vacation right at home! See what she did {HERE.}

outdoor seating with plants patio living

Jenna, from Jenna Kate at Home, transformed her patio into a coastal style outdoor retreat. It is a hard-working, functional space that provides both a seating area, and a dining area. See it {HERE.}

pea gravel outdoor space at night with lights

Vineta, from The Handyman’s Daughter, transformed her backyard by adding a pea gravel patio, propane fire pit, and curved benches. It’s amazing, and you can see it {HERE!}

Rebekah, from A Blissful Nest, went all out by installing a brick wall adjacent to her patio, and it includes a fireplace with a TV. It’s the perfect hang-out spot for her family and friends. Take a look {HERE.}

More Outdoor Inspiration

Now that you have ideas and inspiration at your fingertips, it’s time to embrace patio living, bring the inside out, and use our outdoor spaces as functional rooms. Enjoy!

14 Comments

I try not to be envious of all these beautiful outdoor areas.😀 Northeast Florida is too hot and humid to enjoy our outdoor spaces in the summer unless you’re in the pool. But we love it in cooler weather especially in the winter when we can enjoy the outdoor fireplace.

I would love to see an idea for a 8 X 10 concrete slab. This is what I have on the back of my condo. I do have a lovely yard, flower beds along a wooden fence, and an Amish made barn. Any ideas?

Love all the patio ideas! We are in the process of tweaking our backyard space a bit…todays post gives me lots of ways to think about. I also enjoyed visiting other blogs. Can’t wait to see what you do Ann at Sugar Maple. We plan to downsize in the next two years. One of my top priorities is to have a nice outdoor space.

I have to say that all the featured patios are so inviting. Outdoor space is one reason that I wish that summer were just a little longer. I love to share the space with the birds. Our
outdoor space is probably be where we will be spending vacation this year with the price of gas and everything else. Ann thank you for putting this together, this was a fun post.

All of the patios are beautiful. Our home is a classic colonial – white, black shutters, French blue front door. We have a deck as well as a lower private small patio. All of our furniture is white. We had a black iron table and chairs that we gave to a relative to put on their business patio, and we replaced it with a smaller white contemporary set that we love. Our patio theme flowers are a moonlight garden with battery operated candles in lanterns. We just love it.

Thank you so much for including our deck area with all the beautiful patios and outdoor spaces! There are so many great ideas here!

Thank you so much for including our home, Ann. Very honored. The weather is just starting to pick up here in Massachusetts. Looking forward to a relaxing summer on the coast. xx

Thank you so much for including me in this fabulous post, especially among such incredible talent! Happy summer! xo

Ann,
I always enjoy seeing what other people are doing this time of year. I love outdoor living and this post has planted some inspiration for a few additions to my own outdoor space. Thank you.
Karen

These are some lovely outdoor spaces.Can’t wait to see what you create !

These all look so inviting and relaxing! Great uses of textures, colors and natural elements. I am so looking forward to seeing your patio transformation !

I loved looking at all these wonderful outdoor ideas…especially since we just downsized and have a beautiful deck….BUT the heat index was 110 yesterday…so I am gazing through my window thankful for AC! Hopefully, it will cool down soon and I can take advantage of all your inspiration!