12 Smart Ways to Design Your Outdoor Living Room

Create a welcoming and well-planned outdoor space with these ideas.

By: Lori Johnston
Related To:
Landscaping Outdoor Remodel

Photo By: Photo courtesty of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools

Photo By: Photo courtesy of American Gas Lamp Works

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Lisa Hill

Photo By: Photo courtesty of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools

Photo By: Photo courtesy of SCAD

Photo By: Photo courtesty of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Edward Andrews Homes

Photo By: Photo courtesty of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Harbor Club

Photo By: Photo courtesty of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Currahee Club

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Arbor and Sage

Get Up Close and Personal

Place your patio table close to your garden beds, so that you and your guests can enjoy year-round color and foliage. The design of the patio can also be a place to add pattern amid the greenery.

Well-Lit Space

Curtains can soften a space and protect you and guests from bugs and the harsh rays of the sun. In this outdoor space, there's room for seating along with a bar area and planter, all illuminated by gas lamps and sconces.

New Heights

When adding an outdoor living room, think about the statement you want to make. The vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace make a stunning addition to a yard in a historic Atlanta subdivision.

Get the Right Shape

Using a simple curved line can be evocative when designing the shape of an outdoor living room. This patio space designed by Johnsen Landscapes & Pools also has other key elements, including a dining table with umbrella, built-in grill and planters.

Park It There

When a parking deck at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) was transformed in 2014 into a home for students, the designers included non-traditional outdoor living spaces with a view. Funky furniture with scalloped and curved edges, designed by SCAD students, adds to the quirkiness of the Atlanta space, called SCADpad.

Offer a View

Position your seating area amidst your garden, instead of far removed from your favorite plants and trees.

Well-planned Patio

Expanding the size of the patio can allow you to fit in different types of seating and planters to bring the flowers to you and your guests.

Spot for Seating

Plan out your seating to leave leg room along with space for a planter or two on a patio or porch.

Lakefront Living

Center the space with an outdoor rug, and consider the types of seating you are providing, including a couch and separate chairs. Also find lightweight pieces that can be easy to move around when enjoying the fire.

Embrace a Secluded Spot

Placing a simple table and chairs in a quaint garden nook can direct attention and spark interest in a section of your yard.

Restful Spot

Center a seating area - with tables for drinks and snacks - in front of a stone fireplace to soak up the warmth and views in lake communities such as Georgia's Currahee Club.

Circular Design

An outdoor kitchen, fireplace and built-in seating wraps around this room. The layout enables extra pieces, such as a round table, to create a homey feel outside.

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