12 Simply Stylish Outdoor Room Updates

Turn your outdoor space into a lavish retreat with these stylish updates, from elegant water features to cozy porch swings.

By: Kayla Kitts

Related To:

Shop This Look

Relaxing Porch Swing

There's nothing quite like sitting – or sleeping – on a porch swing during the warm summer months. This relaxing porch addition is quick and easy to hang. When installing the porch swing, attach it to something structural, especially when dealing with older homes. If you prefer a rustic rope look as opposed to chain links, be sure to use marine-grade nylon or polyester for a longer-lasting effect. Don't forget cozy cushions and pillows to add a stylish finish and a comfortable spot to relax. Design by John Gidding

Modern Stepping Stones

Set a clear path for guests with simple stepping stones. The curvature of these concrete stones presents a modern twist to typical garden steppingstones and adds a unique touch to any pathway, particularly pea gravel. Design by John Gidding

Ideal for Entertaining

Take advantage of warm seasons by creating an outdoor space that doubles as a spot for summertime parties or afternoon naps. The linen draperies and overhead sails add elegant appeal and help bring in the cool shade. Ample seating, open floor space and lantern lights provide an ideal atmosphere for entertaining.

Soothing Garden Pond

Add a natural and serene touch to your backyard by incorporating a garden pond into your landscape design plan. To create this outdoor oasis, HGTV fan LuvTennis added a koi pond amid various hibiscuses and Asian-inspired decor. At the end of the pond, a small waterfall emits soothing sounds for added ambience.

Outdoor Kitchen

Designer Cindy Aplanalp wanted to create an outdoor space that matches the home's existing structure and accentuates its warm Mediterranean feel. Adjacent to the dining area, the outdoor kitchen is complete with a gas rotisserie grill, smoker, secondary gas burner and refrigerator -- ideal for preparing family meals or hosting parties, Cindy says.

From: Cindy Aplanalp

Elegant Water Feature

A stunning water feature can make a bold statement in a colorful garden. This antique French-style fountain is an elegant addition to a blooming rose garden. White iceberg roses surround the fountain, and red roses and ivy cover the top portion around the birdbath for a natural, vibrant look. For a smaller garden, try adding a vase fountain or birdbath.

Outdoor Living Room

Turn your porch into a room of its own by enclosing it with screens and weather-friendly window treatments. HGTV fan brhe added bamboo Roman shades and lightweight linen curtains, which can be drawn on exceptionally hot and sunny days, to this cozy back porch. Neutral hues and green accents mimic the natural surroundings and add to the comfort of the space. To turn your porch into an outdoor room, add comfortable cushioned seating and all the amenities of an indoor living space with lamps, coffee tables and suitable decor.

Dramatic Fireplace

Don't abandon your outdoor space just because it's winter – add a stone or brick fireplace close to your dining area to enjoy the warm fire to the fullest. HGTV fan KK2008 wanted to create a space ideal for both entertaining friends and relaxing. Extended off the enclosed back porch, the brick deck features a stone surround that forms the large fireplace in the corner. A small dining set nearby makes it easy to enjoy the outdoor amenities when the weather gets cooler.

Appealing Night Lighting

Lighting is everything, even outdoors. A well-lit home at night not only offers gorgeous curb appeal but can also add an element of safety. HGTV fan hcpruitt turned this front walkway into an enchanting, well-lit entry. For a modern and unique look, onyx columns were placed over regular landscape lights for a glowing effect leading to the front door. Accent lights are ideal for showcasing gorgeous landscaping or anything you wish to use as a focal point, such as fountains or towering trees.

Structural Accents

Add a dramatic structural element to your garden or outdoor space. Once wasted space, this narrow walkway was turned into a welcoming garden entry. The curved-metal arch is covered in floral greenery and pendant lights for nighttime entertaining.

Enchanting Pathway

Enjoy every aspect of your colorful garden by creating a clear, curving path right through the middle. HGTV fan UtahGirl added a mulched path, complete with candles and lantern lights, to the hammock area and bird garden. A tall painted arbor welcomes guests to the garden's most relaxing spot.

Painted Floors

Paint doesn't have to stay on the walls. HGTV fan wrightx4 wanted to add a creative element to this spacious country porch. To coordinate with the black shutters and white exterior, the wooden porch floors were painted an eye-catching black-and-white checkerboard pattern. The unexpected pattern is a fun addition to this classy front porch.

12 Simply Stylish Outdoor Room Updates

Related To:

Shop This Look

Relaxing Porch Swing

Modern Stepping Stones

Ideal for Entertaining

Soothing Garden Pond

Outdoor Kitchen

Elegant Water Feature

Outdoor Living Room

Dramatic Fireplace

Appealing Night Lighting

Structural Accents

Enchanting Pathway

Painted Floors

More from:

Fast Fix: Outdoors

Outdoor Living and Graceful Water Features in Colorado Backyard 6 Photos

Backyard Haven With Outdoor Living Room 8 Photos

12 Easy Ways to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Spaces 12 Photos

40 Gorgeous Outdoor Living Room Design Ideas 41 Photos

Backyard Landscape With Water Feature, Curved Stone Wall 9 Photos

50 Stylish & Functional Outdoor Dining Rooms 50 Photos

Related Pages