12 Backyard Design Ideas That Will Make You Rethink Your Outdoor Space

Bring the Indoors Out

Backyard with pool and lounge chairs — Emily Jenkins

Just because it's located outside of your house doesn't mean that your patio, deck, or pool isn't part of your home—which is why James Farmer says you should treat it just as you would any other beloved space. "Creature comforts from within make for a terrific outdoor space," he says. "Is there Wi-Fi? A place to plug in an outdoor lamp or lantern? Or a fan? Outdoor fabrics are as lovely now as interior options, so outdoor spaces can be as chic and comfortable as your den. The purpose, form, and function will truly set the tone." Case in point? Note the chic textiles and living room-inspired lounge vignette that Farmer brought to life while working on this project.

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Add a Breezy Canopy

If your backyard enjoys a ton of direct sunlight without a lot of natural shade coverage, consider adding a canopy. It's easy to install and can be taken down when you do want some sun. Arrange your furniture underneath it for a laidback backyard vibe.

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Create an Outdoor Dining Room

long island home outdoor dining area french design — William Abranowicz

A fully covered outdoor space begs for an elegant outdoor dining room. Classical architecture influenced the open-air dining room seen here.

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Plan for a Crowd

Wooden porch with seating and table — Katie Charlotte

If you plan on using your backyard patio, porch, or deck for entertaining, Cortney Bishop—who designed this party-ready space—recommends investing in plenty of plush, sturdy seating options. "Think about the largest crowd you might have in your outdoor space and plan for enough seating accordingly," she says. "Durability is key, so I encourage our clients to make strong investments in quality, long-lasting outdoor furnishings and textiles."

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Go Luxe With Soft Furnishings

Outdoor pool with lounge chairs and small waterfall — Melanie Johnson

According to Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25, utilizing outdoor fabrics, like the visually dynamic textiles seen on these in-water lounge chairs, is essential to the longevity of an outdoor space—but you don't need to sacrifice coziness and décor for durability. "To create a cozier feel in a covered space, I like to replace the 'outdoor' inserts of pillows with down inserts," she says. "Just make sure you bring them in during bad weather since they won't hold up over time."

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Extend from the Interior

Backyard with pool, seating, and bonfire pit — Tessa Neustadt

While an outdoor area should look beautiful, Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design says it's equally important to consider fluidity. "Comfort, light, and warmth are the three key components to an outdoor space," she says. "I like my outdoor area to feel like an extension of the indoors so that the rhythm of the furnishings and the materials feel connected and read fluidly." Here, for example, modern furnishings and décor reference and reinforce this contemporary home's interior and architecture.

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Consider Sustainable Wood

Outdoor seating with dining area — Tim Williams

Searching for a strong but stylish material to construct a sustainable outdoor space? Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo says ipe wood, also known as Brazilian walnut, is a good choice. "Ipe wood is long-lasting and won't rot," she says, noting that her clients used the wood type when creating this built-in outdoor seating area. "Also, you can let it patina over time to a beautiful gray." To ensure your ipe was harvested sustainably, look for third-party certification from an organization like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

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Incorporate Shaded Areas

Outdoor seating with round couch and hanging chair — Paul Dyer

No well-designed outdoor space would be complete without a shaded area to retreat to. If you don't have a partially enclosed area to work with, like the modern covered patio seen here, get creative. "Design a seating area with a place to set a drink that allows for sun or shade, depending on the desire," says Kendall Wilkinson. And don't forget the extra details. "For entertaining, integrate hidden speakers for music and space heaters to allow for year-round use."

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Install an Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor seating with chimney — Jacob Snavely

Nothing elevates the ambiance of a space faster than a roaring fire, which is why Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller suggests installing a fireplace in your outdoor area. "The same way that a fireplace is the natural place for people to gravitate inside the home, it happens outside, as well," she says. "If it's not in the budget to build a fireplace, consider adding a fire pit at a lower price point."

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Create Privacy Zones

Outdoor seating area with fire pit — Haris Kenjar

Privacy is crucial in any outdoor area, and Charlie Hellstern suggests using screens—like the tile-inspired cut-outs she used in this project—that don't completely disconnect you from your surroundings. "Consider privacy screens with small openings you can slightly see through," she says. "While safety is a must, be careful not to build in solid walls that keep you from enjoying your view from a seated position on your terrace."

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Embrace a Focal Point

Backyard with pool, chairs, and wooden table — Sean Litchfield

Becky Shea says it helps to design your outdoor space around a designated focal point. "In a living room or a dining room, for example, there's always a focal piece and an axis point," she says. "Consider a unique tree, sculpture, pond, or path to be that focal point outdoors, and use that element to build out your space on the axis." Here, a serene swimming pool commands attention.

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Mind the View

Porch with couch seating and bonfire pit — Aubrie Pick

If you're lucky enough to have a scenic view from your outdoor area, Lauren Nelson recommends playing it up as much as possible. "The main factor to consider when designing an outdoor space is how to optimize views and scenery," she says. "Arrange a furniture layout that maximizes a good view, whether it's the swimming pool or ocean."

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