PATIOS
In Orange County, California, Pure Salt Interiors took a different approach by draping outdoor fabric over this pergola to create the feeling of being in an exotic coastal retreat. Woven pendant lights and rattan-like outdoor dining furniture complement the roof design. If you’re considering a shade structure like this one, be sure to use outdoor-grade fabric, and secure it properly to prevent too much billowing on gusty days. Also consider a design that gives you the option to completely retract the fabric covering and open up the pergola roof.
5. Push for a Pergola In the heat of summer, a pergola can provide cooling shade that increases the livability of an outdoor space. Some designs feature fully covered roofs, mounted heaters and fireplaces that can extend the outdoor living season. This custom pergola in Denver by landscape design-build firm TLC Gardens features a steel base with a stylish rusty patina and a wood slat top. The structure offers shade for the outdoor dining area on hot days, while its modern rustic design complements the home’s modern farmhouse aesthetic and the landscape’s earthy color palette.
In the coastal community of Del Mar, California, the design firm of SJS Studios, in collaboration with Cross Construction, transformed a 400-square-foot former trash can area into a luxe outdoor lounge, taking advantage of every square inch of the home’s only usable outdoor space. An expansive built-in sofa provides plenty of seating for the homeowners, with a tile-topped end working as a screen from the driveway as well as a place to set drinks and food. In front of the sofa, a teak tabletop can be removed to reveal a gas fire pit. At the far end of the yard, a compact outdoor kitchen nestles into a corner.
In another London backyard, design-build firm Zulufish added a built-in bench to a perimeter planter wall, breaking up the flat, white surface with some color and texture while also adding extra seating to a small outdoor terrace without taking up floor space.
4. Get Creative With All Available Surfaces Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s wise to consider design elements that will help you take advantage of it. In London, the architects at IMBY3 Architecture & Design installed a vertical garden on a plain perimeter wall, adding greenery and beauty to an outdoor surface that would otherwise be blank. The green wall’s location means it can be enjoyed from the yard as well as from inside the house.
In Los Angeles, the designers at Pacific Outdoor Living used a grade change to create the feeling of taking a journey to the lounge patio they designed near this yard’s outdoor kitchen. Changing the paving — in this case, from the concrete slab to loose gravel and pavers — heightens the experience of moving between the two spaces and makes the second patio feel much more separate.
3. Include a Destination Patio If you have room in your yard, consider adding a satellite patio (one that’s farther away from the house) that will draw you out into the garden and help you take advantage of all your outdoor space. A secondary patio also creates an opportunity to slip away from the main gathering to somewhere more secluded. In this British outdoor space by Elks-Smith Landscape and Garden Design, gorgeous perennial beds surround a dining area.
This New York patio seating area by Christine McGovern Design showcases stylish lounge chairs with modern lines and colors that elevate the overall design.
This Atlanta covered dining area by Amy D Morris Interiors exudes stylish sophistication. Metal outdoor dining chairs get an upgrade with soft cushions in a gray color that complements the stone paver patio. A pedestal dining table anchors the space, doubling as a garden workbench — in this case, for arranging bouquets. And overhead, a beaded chandelier completes the elegant dining room feel.
2. Upgrade Furniture and Lighting The right furniture and lighting are key to creating an outdoor space that you, your family and your guests will actually want to use. Patio furniture and accessories have made great strides in recent years, with outdoor dining sets and hanging pendants stylish enough to work as indoor furniture as well. In this Phoenix backyard, designers at K Design positioned a sturdy wood table and a mix of elegant outdoor-grade seating options in front of a stunning outdoor fireplace. An array of woven overhead pendants ups the design during the day and contributes to the ambiance when the sun goes down. An outdoor rug and blanket add soft texture to the setup.
Adding a comfy lounge area by an outdoor kitchen or bar puts guests close to food and drink and lets them keep the cook company. The designers at Ivy + Piper Pty in Brisbane, Australia, created a full-on resort-like retreat in this outdoor area. The efficient kitchen doubles as a bar, and the seating area features colorful throw pillows, oversize white cushions and a tasseled, striped patio umbrella.
Outdoor Living Remodel | Frisco, TX Pool, Dallas Pool photo in Dallas - Houzz
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