13 Stylish Upgrades for Decks and Porches

Try these innovative ideas for revving up your entertainment and recreation space.

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December 29, 2015

By: Jeff Stafford

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Fire Pit Inspirations

Subtle mood lighting and imaginative fire pit choices make this sunken outdoor living room from Designs by Sundown a desirable twilight destination for entertaining.

Dining Delight

If you want to create an additional entertainment area that adjoins a backyard swimming pool, consider this intimate configuration of a private dining area with a built-in granite fireplace, pavers and a vine-covered pergola entrance by Hoffman Landscapes.

Invisible Walls

This open air design by MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] allows you to relax in comfort in a screened-in living room with a combination fireplace/media center while enjoying views of the surrounding green space.

The Ultimate Layout

A bird’s eye view of this high end design by Kane Landscapes incorporates pool and spa features into an outdoor entertainment space that is capped by a three-tiered deck, one with spectacular views, one with screened-in features and an underdeck for relaxing.

Mood Lighting

An outdoor deck with a built-in bar and dining area becomes a mellow, laid-back hangout at night due to the artful lighting design.

For Pizza Lovers

The pizza oven in this design is the foodie highlight of a stylish red veneer brick patio that provides a shady retreat for outdoor dining.

Twilight Destination

An idyllic outdoor setting is further enhanced by the addition of several water/spa features and a cored boulder fire pit in this stunning design.

Fringe Benefits

A wraparound porch with ipe decking and Tigerwood tongue-and-groove on the interior porch provides alternate entertaining options in this design.

The Multi-Purpose Scenario

In this imaginative design, an outdoor porch offers exterior and interior areas for entertaining as well as a striking water feature, all of it subtly illuminated by LED lighting at night

Relaxation Zone

An outdoor deck with bluestone pavers and a Connecticut fieldstone wall becomes a laid-back living room space with plenty of seating options for dining or parties in this smart configuration.

The Indoor-Outdoor Media Room

For a more relaxing TV room/entertainment space, consider this creative design which highlights the view of the lush outdoor surroundings from a cozy lounge area.

Lush Green and Earth Tones

An outdoor deck with pavers, lounging areas and a fire pit blends in nicely with the surrounding lawn and natural landscape in this organic, flowing design.

Shade Lounge

If you have an unfinished underdeck you might consider this inviting and practical solution that creates a dining/relaxation area. It offers protection from the sun during the day and, with the right lighting design, a great space for evening activities too.