10 Easy Tips for Creating a Summer-Ready Outdoor Space Just Like This

It's no secret that people love to perch and naturally gravitate toward spaces that invite them to sit and stay awhile. Make your patio or deck more appealing to the masses by first creating distinct and purposeful zones that pull people in, like a lounge, bar or outdoor kitchen and dining area. You can use a pergola, like the chic matte-black one above, and a couple of rugs to break up the "open" floor plan and create the sense of two cozy rooms that your family will want to spend time in.

The first rule of designing an outdoor living room is to define the space with a rug, preferably one that's made of polypropylene and is resistant to the elements. This essential piece will not only protect bare feet and pet paws from rough wood planks or concrete, but it will also serve as a base for your furniture. As you're layering your outdoor sofa and chairs on top, make sure to position just the front legs on the edge of the rug; this will help even the smallest spaces seem a little larger.

I'm pretty sure the saying is actually "The more pillows, the merrier." Amp up the style and comfort of your sitting area by topping each seat with a cute, all-weather cushion. You'll want to choose a color palette to set the tone — whether that's vibrant pinks and greens for a playful, tropical look or black and white for something chic and modern — and then stick with pieces in that color scheme. In turn, you'll be able to mix different prints, as demonstrated above, while keeping everything cohesive.

Summertime calls for s'mores and ghost stories. Give your family a good excuse to gather 'round by making a fire pit the focal point of your sitting area — and pay close attention to the shape of the feature. A square fire pit like this, with its clean lines and sharp edges, will fit neatly against a sectional and lend a sleek touch to the space, while something circular will generally soften the setting and make it feel a bit more intimate.