Patio Living Ideas & Inspiration for Summer

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

The patio here at the Sugar Maple house is small, but it definitely has potential. I am in the process right now of cleaning it, figuring out if my existing furniture will fit, and generally taking my time making decisions! As soon as I get my act together, I’ll share our tiny space.

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! 

I’m beginning with the patio at our house on Sutton Place. Three years ago, we removed 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. The first full summer that we used the patio, I kept my existing furniture and planters, and chose an all black theme. You can see all the details HERE.

Last summer, 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. You can see how we had everything set up HERE. I’m not sure yet what this summer will hold, but I have a good start, and I can’t wait to get our patio space arranged and ready to go.

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

More Inspired Patio Living Ideas

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.)

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!}

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.}

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.}

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.}

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.}

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!