Turn Your Patio Into a Colorful Outdoor Room

Can’t add more square footage to your home? Turn your backyard into additional living space perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Patio Full of Personality

It’s easier than ever to add a casual, comfortable vibe to your outdoor space. Skip the basic one-size-fits-all outdoor furniture your parents had and go with multi-functional pieces that show off your unique style.

All-Weather Style

We love good-looking, weather-resistant furniture. This pair of chairs is wide, comfy and adds a little tropical flair to any outdoor setup. (P.S. - They look super cute indoors too!)

Heart the Cart

You can’t host a proper neighborhood happy hour without the utility and style of a bar cart. Okay, you can BUT... a classic version like this one is totally worth the spend because A.) you’ll have it forever, B.) it’s multi-functional, and C.) we just like how it rolls. Literally.

Indoor/Outdoor Comfort

Nothing says kick off the flip flops and stay a while like a soft, vibrant rug. Most patios come up short when it comes to flooring (we’re looking at you, concrete slab!), so amp up the fun and comfort with an outdoor area rug. HINT: Bold, colorful patterns hide more dirt and the occasional red wine mishap!

Big on Greenery

Adding one large plant can really warm up your patio or deck and help anchor an otherwise empty corner. Taller plants just have a way of helping delineate a space and make it feel more like an outdoor living room.

Pots + Stands

Houseplants are having a MAJOR moment and we can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t get it on that action. Go with pots in a bold color or a unique texture to add interest to your existing decor. Plant stands are a great way to give smaller (i.e. less expensive) plants more height and visual weight. This is especially helpful for those of us with not-so-green thumbs and/or deep pockets.

Personality Plus

Your outdoor space is where you like to relax and have FUN! That is exactly why you should add a few accessories that show off your playful side.

Soft + Cozy

Just like a rug helps your outdoor space feel soft and cozy, pillows and blankets do too. Evenings can get a little breezy, even in the South, so comfortable throw blankets are a must-have.

Pillow Power

Don’t skimp on the pillows, especially if your space is protected from the weather. If you’re on a budget, pillows are a low-risk way to inject a bit of color and pattern into your existing look. Plus, it makes ANY seating you have instantly feel more inviting.

Statement Lighting

If you plan on enjoying your patio after dark, your space needs the right lighting. Sure, you don’t want to run into any of your cute new patio furniture (a broken toe is never a good look), so overhead lighting is important, but pretty ambient lighting is a close second. This playful DIY outdoor chandelier takes a couple of hanging planters strung with LED fairy lights and transforms them into something sparkly and special. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Privacy Please

Patio too hot? Less-than-stellar view? Don’t sweat it, fix it with this pretty DIY garden screen. Stylish basket planters paired with repurposed shower curtains will have your outdoor space looking chic and feeling like a private oasis. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Ready to Entertain

Once your patio gets a solid spruce-up, you’ll be ready to do some serious outdoor entertaining. Cleverly present (and protect) all those delish offerings by repurposing decorative accessories like small bins, lidded baskets and terrariums (yes, that’s a terrarium!). And you’ll want to dig out your glue gun to make this super easy, DIY rope-wrapped cooler!

See More Photos: Clever Food Serving Ideas for a Backyard Party

Unbreakable Barware

Be ready for guests (even the clutzy ones) by having plenty of acrylic dishware and melamine plates on hand. Look for fun patterns and textures to add a more eclectic, Boho style to your next alfresco dinner party.

Reel Time

Don’t have a fancy projector? Make this DIY version with a small shipping box and a few items you probably already have around the house. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Family Bonding

Encourage the whole family to enjoy the revamped space by hosting an outdoor movie night. Just make sure you have enough popcorn to go around.

Turn Your Patio Into a Colorful Outdoor Room

Related To:

Shop This Look

Patio Full of Personality

All-Weather Style

Heart the Cart

Indoor/Outdoor Comfort

Big on Greenery

Pots + Stands

Personality Plus

Soft + Cozy

Pillow Power

Statement Lighting

Privacy Please

Ready to Entertain

Unbreakable Barware

Reel Time

Family Bonding

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