Patios/Garden Escapes

The owners of this Venice, California, home needed places to eat and to relax in their renovated yard. A floating bench and a fire bowl, created from a colored concrete planter, make up the new living space. Blue bamboo helps screen the dining area.

A nap on this ship-shaped daybed, inspired by a Chinese boat, may just feel like a journey across the ocean. It turns a simple backyard corner into a perfect lounging spot.



This traditional porch near Palmetto Beach, South Carolina, employs coastal-style architecture to give this new home old Southern charm with shutters that reach all the way to the ceiling. The folding shutters can be opened to let in light and air or closed for more privacy. The slats can be adjusted to let air circulate.



A large stone fireplace is the centerpiece to this screened porch that sits in a wood cabin along Lake Michigan. Fire logs are nestled in a silver drink tub next to a slipcovered ottoman with a floral and fruity pattern.



Two lounge chairs and a fountain make this patio a great place to hang out with friends or take a nap. The lounge chairs are upholstered with chocolate brown fabric, which can stand up to outdoor conditions and easily hide stains.



Just outside this home's kitchen is a patio for casual meals. Paved with saltillo tile, it overlooks the courtyard, with its cooling custom-designed fountain

Outdoor Spas and Patios

Triple Threat

The triple waterfall in this design by Paul Wrona provides a soothing and relaxing environment. The square shape of the hot tub is an interesting twist on traditional round designs.

All Stacked Up

This stacked design by Scott Cohen incorporates all of the necessary elements for a great outdoor area: fire pit, hot tub and swimming pool. A raised stone wall provides privacy for a hot tub built for two.

Natural Reflections 

Natural elements like boulders and tall grasses provide an organic feeling, as well as privacy to a backyard hot tub. Flame-lit torches are a more romantic form of lighting than electric lights.

Stairway to Heaven

An intimate spa awaits you at the top of the stairs in this backyard paradise from Scott Cohen. Once you're done in the hot tub, cool off in the lounge chairs located in the pool's baja feature.

Roman Retreat

This elegant hot tub has an Old World feel. Picture yourself in a Roman bath as you drift away into bliss. Hanging wisteria adds a romantic touch to the pergola.

Behind (Almost) Closed Doors

If you're lucky enough to have an indoor pool, why not add an indoor hot tub? This room from the Four Seasons is designed to bring the outdoors in.

The patio is being used today during summer and winter......adding fire and water with a little ambiance of back ground music and a glass of merlot, what better way to have that vacation feeling all year round on your own patio.

Pergola's and Patios

This is simply breathtaking, the setting is so serene and the view isn't bad either!!! With its warm earth tones and luxurious fabrics, this covered patio allows the comforts of a living room to expand into the outdoors. The heavy outdoor curtains provide privacy and shade.



Designed by Jamie Durie, this stunning sunken outdoor dining room offers the best views of the surrounding countryside and cozy seating that invites lingering at the table long after dinner.

Built by architect Thom Oppelt, the design of this stunning patio and home was inspired by the expanded estates of the Tuscan countryside. Image courtesy of Gene Northup, Synergy Sotheby's International Realty

 

Colorful layers of sandstone serve as a divider between undulating hardscape and landscape and also provide durable built-in seating. Design by Jamie Durie

A Moroccan-style pergola creates a relaxing, shady spot for this Florida yard.

Colorful Patios

Diamond patterns of color on the block wall complement the colorful furniture and accessories.



The porch on a Spanish bungalow gets a color upgrade with tones of turquoise and blue.



Colorful mosaic panels hide the utilities and complement the geometric patterns on the patio flooring.

Designed by Joan Grabel, this colorful outdoor dining space uses muted forms of primary colors, tied together by a wall of Mexican tile.

Extended Rooms

Sheer draperies, a jute area rug, and plush seating lend this outdoor space the elements of an interior room. The interior decorator selected a lively green fabric to complement the woven-wicker furniture. The hand-tumbled, all-masonry brick fireplace....I love this room!!!



A covered porch off the master bedroom provides a comfortable vantage point for watching boats come and go in the harbor. The interior decorator treated the private space as an open-air sitting room, complete with area rug, table lamps, and cozy seating.



On the first-floor porch, synthetic-wicker seating covered in patterned cushions extends the interior's living and dining spaces. OK, I could do this .......



Oatmeal-colored spa-weave outdoor fabric and a bevy of ourdoor throw pillows cover wicker chairs and chaise longues.



This backyard veranda serves as a fireside retreat. With views of lush landscaping and ancient live oaks, the covered terrace evokes the laid-back ambience of the Mississippi River Delta.

More Patios and Extended Rooms

Refined and Rustic

The screened porch of this Highlands, North Carolina, house designed by Nancy Braithwaite features a neutral color palette enlivened by layers of texture. Braithwaite designed the five-foot-wide chandelier specifically for the space.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Highlands, you travel up the beautiful mountain with breathtaking views and natural waterfalls along the way. You will experience  quaint shopping, restaurants, and simply peaceful scenery in all directions.

A Proper Porch

Designer Michael Whaley gave this porch in Point Clear, Alabama, a stately Southern air. The recent renovation falls squarely in step with the historical flavor of the 1880s home.

High-Style Hacienda

Designer Ann Dupuy incorporated pigskin-covered equipal chairs and folk art to keep this San Miguel de Allende space firmly rooted in Mexican tradition.

Golden Glow

Warm-toned checked and chintz fabrics soften the look of this porch, part of a North Carolina mountain house designed by Amelia Handegan. The Stephanus Heidacker painting over the mantel lends an unexpected touch.

Breezy in Blue

Designer Phillip Sides and architect John Kirk created this beach access porch for our 2006 WindMark Beach Showhouse in Port St. Joe, Florida. With elegant accessories and outdoor fabrics in a classic blue-and-white combination, it feels as much like a casual living area as a porch.

Extended Rooms

Looking Up

A watery-hued ceiling adds a subtly striking top note to the side porch from our 2004 showhouse at WaterSound Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast. Brightly colored pillows and coordinating trim on the chair cushions add punch. Designer Suzanne Kasler and architect John Kirk collaborated on the project.

Room With a View

Architect Mark Finlay designed this Kiawah Island, South Carolina, porch with a spectacular 180-degree view of the nearby marsh; designer Amelia Handegan infused it with rustic elegance. Dramatic black trim and furnishings, along with muted fabrics, help dress up the space.

Fresh-Air Functionality

Overlooking the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida, this Jackye Lanham-designed porch blends together living and dining areas for versatility.

Pretty Pergola

Climbing roses shade this inviting pergola, part of an 18th-century estate in Alexandria, Virginia. Although the home sits in the midst of Old Town neighborhood bustle, the pergola offers a welcome sense of seclusion and retreat.

Lovely Loggia

A handsomely furnished loggia, part of an Atlanta home designed by architect Norman Askins, overlooks a sunken garden created by landscape architect John Howard.

Sleeping Beauty

A Chippendale railing encloses this simply sophisticated Florida sleeping porch crafted by architects Anne Fairfax and Richard Sammons.

Makes me ready for spring!!!!!

Taking a break from Winter

I don't know about you, but I needed a break from winter weather, looking at pictures of  outdoor
extended rooms helps me look forward to spring!!!!

A view of the ocean is all you need to relax, but a beautiful terrace like this one doesn't hurt either. Dark furniture — Janus et Cie's Veneto — grounds the expansive oceanside terrace.




This covered porch has a mix of antique wicker; the fabric is "lemonade- and sangria-proof," says designer Robin Bell. Because who wants to clean up a mess after a relaxing afternoon?



The sitting area in this outdoor kitchen designed by Sandy Koepke blends into the surrounding natural environment. This is an ideal setting for entertaining, even complete with beer on tap.



A pair of wicker sofas from Restoration Hardware suits this classic porch, which is just off this home's living room. Pillow fabrics are Stripe in Chocolate Kiss by Perennials and Mari in Coral by Lulu DK. Casual and cozy!



In this outdoor room, "everything is meant to be a backdrop for the view," says the designer, Fern Santini. "You can see the entire Austin skyline, and a chain of lakes." Classic iron furniture from Janus et Cie.

Now this get's me excited about spring!!!!!!!!!!

Outdoor Rooms

Lean and Clean

While enormous hearths have their charm, not everyone has the room to accommodate those structures. A contemporary, gas-fired alternative like this module unit from Spark Modern Fires is more environmentally friendly than wood burners and can be modified for custom designs. What's more, it turns on with the flick of a remote. Photo by Spark Modern Fires.

An Intimate Firebowl

A beautifully-shaped firebowl, such as a Greek urn, is an attractive and portable alternative to traditional outdoor hearths. This bowl, designed by Ian Knepper, is a sculptural work of art that provides a safe and clean flame and is small enough to be positioned anywhere. It offers a wonderful opportunity to nestle chairs around for an intimate gathering. Photo by Ian Knepper.

Warmth Under a Pergola

It's nice to have a backyard entertainment space set apart from the main living area. You can gather around the blazing fire, look up at the stars and pretend you are far away from civilization.
This standalone fireplace from Stirling StoneWorks sits under a garden pergola on a stone patio. A raised hearth adds seating for outdoor entertaining. Photo by Melody Saunders Brenna; Stirling StoneWorks.

A Wall of Fire

Modern, modular gas-fueled fire ribbons offer enormous design versatility. A fire wall is used as a dramatic enhancement to the outdoor architecture. This unit is constructed from stainless steel with waterproof internal components, a remote control and an electronic ignition. Photo by Spark Modern Fires.

The Circle of Flames

Whether you live in the frigid North or are more accustomed to warm breezes and rustling palms, there's no better way to enjoy the company of friends than around a blazing fire as the night descends. Today's fire pits come with all the conveniences of modern life. Photo by Snassek.

Bringing the Indoors Out

A classically-styled stone mantelpiece will be the center of attention, whether it is in your living room or on the patio. With the right seating arrangement, your backyard becomes a natural extension of your home. Choosing materials that complement each other and considering lighting options, materials and furniture are key components in creating a comfortable outdoor entertainment hub. Photo by Winston Furniture.

Anatomy of an Outdoor Dinner Party

“Casual but swank” is how landscape designer Jason Isenberg describes his outdoor gatherings. And the sunken “party pit” that he designed for his backyard suits his easy living style.

Everything he needs to prepare meals outdoors is here in his countertop kitchen, and a few steps away is a stylish veggie garden that yields many of the ingredients he likes to use.

Jason mans the grill, but he invites his guests to pick the vegetables, then clean and slice them—with a cool mojito in hand, of course.

A built-in sofa with lime green cushions gets cozy beside the gas firepit. It also keeps guests close to the long concrete counter with the wok, a deep sink that doubles as a beverage cooler, and the buffet area.

Lavender-gray echeverias cluster in a yellow-green bowl that matches Jason’s color scheme and no-fuss style.
 
Make your own succulent garden centerpiece:
http://www.sunset.com/home/outdoor-living/make-outdoor-centerpiece-video-00400000039982/