Picture Perfect Outdoor Lounge and Relaxation Spaces

Getaways are great, but have you tried channeling permanent-vacation energy in your own backyard? These dreamy spaces are destinations in their own right.

By: Lauren Oster

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Photo By: Spacecrafting Photography

Photo By: Anthony Crisafulli, Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects, Julie Hillman Design, Seascape Partners, Renner Landscaping, Orsman Design, Inter-Science Research Associates, Southampton Engineering

Photo By: Chris Miller - Image Imagery

Photo By: Matt Vacca

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Photo By: Manolo Langis, langoworks.com

Photo By: Sean Jancski

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Photo By: Rick Bethem Photography

Photo By: Steve Silverman Imaging

Photo By: Matt Vacca

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Photo By: Mom's Design Build

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Photo By: Derek Johnson Visuals

Embracing the Elements

This rustic lakefront deck with lounging, grilling and dining areas is all about celebrating the space where natural splendor meets domestic comfort. There’s an ample umbrella that can unfurl and provide shade during the day, but no pergola or roof interrupts appreciation of the picturesque woodland surrounding this property.

From: Mom's Design Build

Hamptons Hideaway

This spectacular gathering spot perches beside the edge of a freshwater pond, and its infinity-edge pool brings a serene look to the entertaining area. The fire table at the center of this conversation area doubles as a serving spot for parties: by day it’s covered by a tablecloth to offer up refreshments for sunbathers and swimmers.

From: LaGuardia Design Group

Mediterranean Moment

A consistent color story and theme unite the umbrellas, awnings, textile and tiles in this outdoor oasis, where guests can move from seats on the deck to a raised fire pit overlooking the pool when the sun goes down. Moves like these are part of what makes outdoor spaces at boutique hotels so charming. As far as the eye can see, each element of outdoor decor reinforces the space’s strongly defined character.

From: Christopher Grubb

Advanced Geometry

Bold horizontal lines, like the beams supporting this outdoor room’s roof and the concrete slabs of its walls and hearth, give the space a sense of utilitarian minimalism. Curvaceous touches like its glowing orbs, bistro lights and Panton dining chairs, in turn, add warmth and character.

From: BOXHILL

Tropical Gem

This Florida jewel box dispenses with seasonal woes, like bugs and humidity, and basks in lush landscaping and southern sun, thanks to its futuristic glass enclosure. Landscapers took its design to the next level (literally and figuratively) by building in a cozy raised deck topped with a roof that adjusts to add shade (and curtains to add privacy).

From: Knaak Design Group

Screened and Serene

This neutral, minimalist space boasts motorized screens that subtly seal off pests and midday glare. The luxurious materials seen on the sofa and chairs, like linen and refined rattan, are every bit as stylish as pieces you’d expect in a fully enclosed space.

From: Key Residential

Monochromatic Marvel

This black-and-white beauty demonstrates that while perks like custom architecture, acres of space and an Olympic-size pool can add appeal, thoughtful design is all it takes to make a space feel special. Crisp, black window hardware and high-spirited, low-budget details, like the daybed swing, create a sense of style, and a steps-to-ceiling coat of creamy white paint is both contemporary and timeless.

From: Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture

Natural Ease

Rising from a retaining wall into a stone face that then blends into a dramatic cliffside, this streamlined pergola features an expansive bar area and distressed cabinetry that pairs well with a quartet of poolside loungers. Why differentiate between an afternoon in the sun and cocktail hour (or between nature and landscaping) when you can celebrate them in the same space?

From: Sean Jancski Landscape Architects

Antiques and Ambiance

Landscapers gave this stunning outdoor sitting area a sense of history by reclaiming most of its materials. From the stonework and the dramatic fireplace surround to the barn timbers that rise up and overhead, nearly all of this space’s structural elements had past lives in other places. Moorish glass lanterns and furniture with traditional metalwork cultivate the same mood with new material.

From: Hess Landscape Architects, Inc.

Welcome Aboard

This Florida home’s louvered modern pergola provides a luxurious spot to look out over the pool deck, multiple terraced gathering areas and the magnificent private dock. Streamlined architecture provides a sophisticated frame that accentuates the tropical scenery.

From: Knaak Design Group

Family Resort

This temple to all things temperate and coastal would be dramatic in any part of the country, but it’s especially bold given that this home is in Minnesota. From its showstopping swing, loungers beside the fire pit and illuminated container plants along the pool, this yard is a glowing example of an outdoor oasis.

From: Mom's Design Build

Desert Modern

Blush-tinted pavers give way to a geometric Corten steel fire pit, columns, pergola and backsplash in this dramatic Tucson yard. With gorgeous materials like these, decoration is simple. Low, streamlined furniture, a pair of pendants and fat pillar candles complete the look.

From: Kathryn Prideaux

Pacific Perch

The first rule of entertaining above on the southern California coast is to spare your guest the heartbreak of having to divide their attention between the fire pit and a jaw-dropping sunset over the ocean. Accordingly, this thoughtful pergola incorporates a blaze at the edge of its sunken seating area. Landscape lights along walkways illuminate paths around the yard without drowning out late views of the stars.

From: Torrey Pines Landscape Company

Golden Hour

Certain California decks call for low, leisurely decor that allows guests to sit around the fire pit while coming as close as possible to curling up for a nap. This pale, chic canyon space is one of those decks, and it leans into the cozy with wide, smooth planks and generous floor cushions.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Living Room on Limestone

With a soft area rug, a chevron-lined hearth and furnishings that wouldn’t look out of place in an organic indoor space, this feels like an interior that was spirited outside. Even the evergreens behind the fireplace add to the feel that Mother Nature had a hand in designing a salon of her own.

From: Lloyd Fleischer Landscape Design

Contemporary Conversation Nook

Landscapers doubled down on the intimacy this warm, wooden overhang creates by lining its patio with fast-growing bamboo. Low-growing perennials, shrubs and flowers add texture and splashes of fiery color to the beds beyond the pavers, while the cover between those pavers gives them the feel of a geometric area rug.

From: Shades of Green Landscape Architecture

Private Paradise

This delightfully quirky outdoor space boasts a putting green, a cushioned hanging chair, a double-sided hearth and a pergola-shaded dining room — and that’s just what you can see from this angle. While more generic spaces might stand a better chance of pleasing everyone, this yard boasts features that tell you exactly what its family loves.

From: Mom's Design Build

Pockets of Personality

One-of-a-kind details punctuate each level of this terraced Minnesota yard. A warm, cedar wall with a modern water feature and trailing plants climb beyond bright Adirondack-style chairs arranged around the fire bowl.

From: Mom's Design Build

Elemental Escape

Irregular pavers give way to river stones lining a waterfall-fed koi pond at the edge of this idyllic outdoor space. It's easy to imagine taking a seat, leaning back and relaxing to the soft hum of the flowing water.

From: Paradise Restored Landscaping

Room to Grow

It might seem counterintuitive to stop paving just beyond this intimate fire pit, but therein lies the magic of this space. It's developed just enough to allow guests to enjoy modern comforts and the great outdoors all-in-one.

From: Designscapes Colorado

Picture Perfect Outdoor Lounge and Relaxation Spaces

Related To:

Shop This Look

Embracing the Elements

Hamptons Hideaway

Mediterranean Moment

Advanced Geometry

Tropical Gem

Screened and Serene

Monochromatic Marvel

Natural Ease

Antiques and Ambiance

Welcome Aboard

Family Resort

Desert Modern

Pacific Perch

Golden Hour

Living Room on Limestone

Contemporary Conversation Nook

Private Paradise

Pockets of Personality

Elemental Escape

Room to Grow

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