20 Shady and Serene Backyard Retreats

Can’t take the heat? Throw some shade. Cultivate cool this summer with inspiration from these breezy outdoor spaces.

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March 23, 2021

By: Lauren Oster

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Secluded Swim

Emerge from this placid pool, cross a lawn dappled with shade from a stately array of mature trees along the edge of the property, and climb a wide set of steps to settle into a handsomely outfitted outdoor room. Why choose between a tea party and a pool party when you can split the difference?

From: McDugald Steele

Terraced Tranquility

A tall, sculptural pine presides over this multi-level courtyard, where shapely shrubs and flowerbeds create a series of areas to explore and relax. Trees both on the property and arching over from a neighboring yard give the space the feel of a private arbor.

From: D. A. Dunlevy

Hamptons Hideaway

Landscaped from two acres of a former horse farm, this minimalistic design offers laps and lounging space in the middle of what feels like a verdant meadow. A trio of umbrellas stand at the ready over a line of chaises, but an assortment of gorgeous trees cast the longest shadows here.

From: LaGuardia Design Group

Well-Seasoned

Wide pavers lead visitors to an outdoor kitchen and dining area behind this crisp, white farmhouse. Tall trees with lush foliage produce a natural pergola for both the spacious, waterfall-edge prep area and umbrella-shaded seating. This summery space will look even lovelier when all that gorgeous foliage turns fiery in the fall.

From: LaGuardia Design Group

Green Room

The landscapers who renovated this English garden had a built-in focal point before they arrived. The elegant dogwood tree’s curving branches create an intimate, organic atmosphere for the patio’s dining table. The same limbs that filter sunlight in the afternoon will twinkle to life with fairy lights later in the evening.

From: Nilsen Landscape Design

Arbor Day

This charming Cape Cod yard’s double dose of shade begins with greenery trained to climb over an arched arbor and white picket gate. Beyond that artistic entry, well-weathered Adirondack chairs anchor a diminutive brick patio that enjoys well-balanced helpings of sun and shade.

From: Gale Nurseries Inc.

Woodland Garden

Perched at the edge of a large property that also enjoys full sun, this pool house owes its picturesque path and setting to a combination of large existing trees and shade-loving plants, selected for their ability to create a natural transition to the forest at the edge of the yard. The clearing feels even more intimate and meditative set against the distant treetops in midday light.

From: Hess Landscape Architects, Inc.

California Canopy

This cool, coastal space makes the most of a magnificent tree with both woven globe pendants and a rattan hanging chair. Wouldn’t this be a lovely place to gather for a barbecue after a morning at the beach?

From: Molly Wood

Camp Casual

Known to some as a sky tent, to others as a hammock pod and to us as a brilliant way to double down on privacy and shade in a massive outdoor space. This pod chair can hang out in the yard and come along on camping trips. How’s that for maximum functionality?

From: Sean Jancski Landscape Architects

Creekside Bubbles

Give this picturesque Colorado patio’s ‘reflecting pool’ a second look: it’s actually a hot tub. Temperate tranquility is even nicer when you can enjoy it while soaking away aches from a long hike.

From: Designscapes Colorado

Hilltop Haven

Speaking of shady hot tubs, consider how restorative it would be to soak in hillside Pacific Ocean views from this cedar vessel flanked by olive trees. The minimal landscaping allows the views to be the main focal point of this backyard space.

From: Margie Grace

Jungle Nook

Suspended in this Key West home’s exceptionally well-situated hammock with tropical foliage in every direction, it might be possible to forget the modern world exists at all — for the length of a good nap, anyway.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Craftsman Cozy

This century-old home was refreshed to make the most of its spacious recessed porch. Framed with bold blooms in lieu of railing that might make it feel cramped, this sweet gathering spot beckons the neighbors over for lemonade without saying a word.

From: Rebecca Rowland Interiors

Tricks of the Shade

With the flip of a switch that lowers panels from the ceiling, this massive outdoor living room is shaded in an instant. When the sun is high above, the panels can be raised to leave the views unobstructed.

From: Landform Design Group

Ode to Koi

A landscaped stream courses from the pergola and patio on the uppermost tier of this terraced back yard down to a pond full of kaleidoscopic carp. Lush plantings provide retreats for both the fish and human visitors who amble down to admire them.

From: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

Picturesque Pavilion

A peaked pavilion roof lined with wisteria gives shade to this backyard garden, meaning the space can be enjoyed even on the warmest of summer days.

From: The Collins Group

Gazebo Effect

This garden proves that not all historical romance is fiction. This delicate installation crowns the wetlands at the center of a formal cottage garden like a piece of statement jewelry. Its delicate, weathered metal structure introduces an element of manmade antiquity to counterbalance the gorgeous growth surrounding (and climbing) it.

From: Andrew Grossman

Unpaved Paradise

Believe it or not, these platter-sized lily pads float where a parking area once stood. Landscapers used oolite and coral stone to create a lush, private pond and forest for both koi and their client’s tropical planter.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Cool Cascade

This Jamaican estate’s water feature is both a secluded spot to pause and take a deep breath and a design element that enhances the rest of the property’s atmosphere. Its soothing sound is audible both here and from other hidden-away spaces.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

With Fronds Like These

Speaking of that estate’s other spaces, this plush, palm-encircled sofa and armchairs might be the best seats in (or out of) the house. When the view from your lawn is this spectacular, why would you ever go inside?

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

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Photo By: McDugald Steele

Photo By: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures

Photo By: Anthony Crisafulli

Photo By: Rosemary Fletcher Photography

Photo By: Allison Walsh

Photo By: Stephen Govel Photography

Photo By: Marie Buck

Photo By: Sean Jancski

Photo By: Designscapes Colorado

Photo By: Lepere Studio

Photo By: Tamara Alvarez

Photo By: Julie Mannell Photography

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Photo By: Morgan Howarth Photography

Photo By: Kenny Collins, The Collins Group, Inc.

Photo By: Andrew Grossman

Photo By: Tamara Alvarez

Photo By: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

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20 Shady and Serene Backyard Retreats

Related To:

Secluded Swim

Terraced Tranquility

Hamptons Hideaway

Well-Seasoned

Green Room

Arbor Day

Woodland Garden

California Canopy

Camp Casual

Creekside Bubbles

Hilltop Haven

Jungle Nook

Craftsman Cozy

Tricks of the Shade

Ode to Koi

Picturesque Pavilion

Gazebo Effect

Unpaved Paradise

Cool Cascade

With Fronds Like These

Shop This Look

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