5 Outdoor Ideas From the Most Popular Patios So Far in 2021
See how to update your outdoor setup with stylish furniture, great lighting options and space-saving design solutions
Annie Thornton
10 April 2021
Houzz Editorial Staff
This Trending Now story features the most-saved patio photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2021.
As warmer months approach, optimizing an outdoor space for style and comfort is on many people’s minds. So we looked at the most-saved patio photos on Houzz so far in 2021 and came up with five ways to enhance an outdoor area. See if a destination patio, a pergola or any of these other practical ideas is right for you.
As warmer months approach, optimizing an outdoor space for style and comfort is on many people’s minds. So we looked at the most-saved patio photos on Houzz so far in 2021 and came up with five ways to enhance an outdoor area. See if a destination patio, a pergola or any of these other practical ideas is right for you.
1. Create Flexible Conversation Areas
Flexible seating options such as easy-to-move chairs, footstools and surfaces that double as seating and tabletop space let you accommodate overflow guests and allow people to spread out.
This comfy outdoor lounge in a Seattle backyard by Williamson Landscape Architecture, Coburn Construction and Terrain centers around a fire pit with a rim that can double as a shelf and footstool. Rocking chairs can be moved around, and a footstool works as a cocktail table or an extra seat. Throw pillows and cushions complete the cozy poolside scene.
Flexible seating options such as easy-to-move chairs, footstools and surfaces that double as seating and tabletop space let you accommodate overflow guests and allow people to spread out.
This comfy outdoor lounge in a Seattle backyard by Williamson Landscape Architecture, Coburn Construction and Terrain centers around a fire pit with a rim that can double as a shelf and footstool. Rocking chairs can be moved around, and a footstool works as a cocktail table or an extra seat. Throw pillows and cushions complete the cozy poolside scene.
In the corner of this Southern California yard, the design team at Coronado by Design carved out a relaxing niche to enjoy day or night. Cushy, curved sofas stay cool in the daytime underneath a patio umbrella, while deep armchairs provide additional seating. Nearby dining chairs can be moved over, and the coffee table can be used for seating as well — a custom cushion could even be made to rest on top of the table.
At night, string lights overhead and gas lanterns framing the couch enhance the festive atmosphere.
At night, string lights overhead and gas lanterns framing the couch enhance the festive atmosphere.
Adding a comfy lounge area by an outdoor kitchen or bar puts guests close to food and drink and lets them keep the cook company.
The designers at Ivy + Piper Pty in Brisbane, Australia, created a full-on resort-like retreat in this outdoor area. The efficient kitchen doubles as a bar, and the seating area features colorful throw pillows, oversize white cushions and a tasseled, striped patio umbrella.
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The designers at Ivy + Piper Pty in Brisbane, Australia, created a full-on resort-like retreat in this outdoor area. The efficient kitchen doubles as a bar, and the seating area features colorful throw pillows, oversize white cushions and a tasseled, striped patio umbrella.
Find a landscape designer near you
2. Upgrade Furniture and Lighting
The right furniture and lighting are key to creating an outdoor space that you, your family and your guests will actually want to use.
Patio furniture and accessories have made great strides in recent years, with outdoor dining sets and hanging pendants stylish enough to work as indoor furniture as well.
In this Phoenix backyard, designers at K Design positioned a sturdy wood table and a mix of elegant outdoor-grade seating options in front of a stunning outdoor fireplace. An array of woven overhead pendants ups the design during the day and contributes to the ambiance when the sun goes down. An outdoor rug and blanket add soft texture to the setup.
Shop for patio furniture on Houzz
The right furniture and lighting are key to creating an outdoor space that you, your family and your guests will actually want to use.
Patio furniture and accessories have made great strides in recent years, with outdoor dining sets and hanging pendants stylish enough to work as indoor furniture as well.
In this Phoenix backyard, designers at K Design positioned a sturdy wood table and a mix of elegant outdoor-grade seating options in front of a stunning outdoor fireplace. An array of woven overhead pendants ups the design during the day and contributes to the ambiance when the sun goes down. An outdoor rug and blanket add soft texture to the setup.
Shop for patio furniture on Houzz
This Atlanta covered dining area by Amy D Morris Interiors exudes stylish sophistication. Metal outdoor dining chairs get an upgrade with soft cushions in a gray color that complements the stone paver patio. A pedestal dining table anchors the space, doubling as a garden workbench — in this case, for arranging bouquets. And overhead, a beaded chandelier completes the elegant dining room feel.
This New York patio seating area by Christine McGovern Design showcases stylish lounge chairs with modern lines and colors that elevate the overall design.
3. Include a Destination Patio
If you have room in your yard, consider adding a satellite patio (one that’s farther away from the house) that will draw you out into the garden and help you take advantage of all your outdoor space. A secondary patio also creates an opportunity to slip away from the main gathering to somewhere more secluded.
In this British outdoor space by Elks-Smith Landscape and Garden Design, gorgeous perennial beds surround a dining area.
If you have room in your yard, consider adding a satellite patio (one that’s farther away from the house) that will draw you out into the garden and help you take advantage of all your outdoor space. A secondary patio also creates an opportunity to slip away from the main gathering to somewhere more secluded.
In this British outdoor space by Elks-Smith Landscape and Garden Design, gorgeous perennial beds surround a dining area.
In Los Angeles, the designers at Pacific Outdoor Living used a grade change to create the feeling of taking a journey to the lounge patio they designed near this yard’s outdoor kitchen.
Changing the paving — in this case, from the concrete slab to loose gravel and pavers — heightens the experience of moving between the two spaces and makes the second patio feel much more separate.
Changing the paving — in this case, from the concrete slab to loose gravel and pavers — heightens the experience of moving between the two spaces and makes the second patio feel much more separate.
4. Get Creative With All Available Surfaces
Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s wise to consider design elements that will help you take advantage of it.
In London, the architects at IMBY3 Architecture & Design installed a vertical garden on a plain perimeter wall, adding greenery and beauty to an outdoor surface that would otherwise be blank. The green wall’s location means it can be enjoyed from the yard as well as from inside the house.
Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s wise to consider design elements that will help you take advantage of it.
In London, the architects at IMBY3 Architecture & Design installed a vertical garden on a plain perimeter wall, adding greenery and beauty to an outdoor surface that would otherwise be blank. The green wall’s location means it can be enjoyed from the yard as well as from inside the house.
In another London backyard, design-build firm Zulufish added a built-in bench to a perimeter planter wall, breaking up the flat, white surface with some color and texture while also adding extra seating to a small outdoor terrace without taking up floor space.
In the coastal community of Del Mar, California, the design firm of SJS Studios, in collaboration with Cross Construction, transformed a 400-square-foot former trash can area into a luxe outdoor lounge, taking advantage of every square inch of the home’s only usable outdoor space.
An expansive built-in sofa provides plenty of seating for the homeowners, with a tile-topped end working as a screen from the driveway as well as a place to set drinks and food. In front of the sofa, a teak tabletop can be removed to reveal a gas fire pit. At the far end of the yard, a compact outdoor kitchen nestles into a corner.
See more of this side yard designed for relaxing and entertaining
An expansive built-in sofa provides plenty of seating for the homeowners, with a tile-topped end working as a screen from the driveway as well as a place to set drinks and food. In front of the sofa, a teak tabletop can be removed to reveal a gas fire pit. At the far end of the yard, a compact outdoor kitchen nestles into a corner.
See more of this side yard designed for relaxing and entertaining
5. Push for a Pergola
In the heat of summer, a pergola can provide cooling shade that increases the livability of an outdoor space. Some designs feature fully covered roofs, mounted heaters and fireplaces that can extend the outdoor living season.
This custom pergola in Denver by landscape design-build firm TLC Gardens features a steel base with a stylish rusty patina and a wood slat top. The structure offers shade for the outdoor dining area on hot days, while its modern rustic design complements the home’s modern farmhouse aesthetic and the landscape’s earthy color palette.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
In the heat of summer, a pergola can provide cooling shade that increases the livability of an outdoor space. Some designs feature fully covered roofs, mounted heaters and fireplaces that can extend the outdoor living season.
This custom pergola in Denver by landscape design-build firm TLC Gardens features a steel base with a stylish rusty patina and a wood slat top. The structure offers shade for the outdoor dining area on hot days, while its modern rustic design complements the home’s modern farmhouse aesthetic and the landscape’s earthy color palette.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
In Sydney, Grindstone Landscapes added this pergola with a translucent paneled roof, which lets some sunlight reach the dining and kitchen area while protecting it from rain. A mounted ceiling fan keeps air moving, and overhead lighting extends use of the space into the evening.
In Orange County, California, Pure Salt Interiors took a different approach by draping outdoor fabric over this pergola to create the feeling of being in an exotic coastal retreat. Woven pendant lights and rattan-like outdoor dining furniture complement the roof design.
If you’re considering a shade structure like this one, be sure to use outdoor-grade fabric, and secure it properly to prevent too much billowing on gusty days. Also consider a design that gives you the option to completely retract the fabric covering and open up the pergola roof.
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If you’re considering a shade structure like this one, be sure to use outdoor-grade fabric, and secure it properly to prevent too much billowing on gusty days. Also consider a design that gives you the option to completely retract the fabric covering and open up the pergola roof.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about landscape design
Browse outdoor photos
Find pros in your area
Shop for outdoor products on Houzz
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Please tell me the best way to keep movable umbrellas from blowing over.
We live in the high plains and get frequent 20-30 min an hour winds with higher gusts in storms! We installed our umbrella in a metal sleeve with about 18 inches set in 2 feet of concrete in the ground with about 18 inches of metal sleeve above the deck. Of course we put the shade down when we are not using it. Haven't had a problem in 3 years so far. We had to do this because of the possibility of it getting airborne to a neighbor's yard or the road!! You have to carefully select the location you want because it is permanent.
I live in Oklahoma where there can be very high winds. We've had 80 mph " straight winds " (not a tornado ) come through the city on occasion. Trees come down and trash cans go barreling through the streets. I keep the umbrella folded down unless people are sitting under it. Otherwise it has become airborne and lands in the pool. But one needs to unfurl it regularly lest wasps crawl up and build a nest within the folds. Also it needs to be in a heavy stand with little bolts.
To me the outdoor kitchens have a downside-bugs, another surface to clean, they take up a lot of room , and I live where there is both extreme heat and extreme cold. But I know that in milder climates they are more fun.
I just don't have cushions. They get rained upon, mildewed, sun scalded and it is a nuisance to bring them in and out. And then one has to put them somewhere.
I love covered dining outdoors and the pictures are beautiful. I am always impressed with the economical spaces in European apartments to catch the sun and breeze. The London examples were very pretty.