1Bring on the Wicker
Emily Followill 2Try Dark Patio Walls
Avery Nicole PhotographyDon't be afraid to go moody when picking a paint color for the patio walls, particularly if you plan to hang a TV out there. This dark gray shade, selected by Lindsie Davis at Blueberry Jones Design, looks sophisticated while helping to camouflage the black box.
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3Cover a Sofa With Fun Outdoor Fabric
Nicole Dianne PhotographyRecover an outdoor sofa that needs a bit of a revamp using a fabric that inspires you. This peppy print that Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors chose is welcoming and full of fun. Just be sure to select a performance fabric that can withstand the elements and not fade in the sun.
4Hang a Pendant Light
Madeline Harper PhotographyEye-catching light fixtures aren't solely for indoor areas. Make a statement on the patio with a woven chandelier like this one, which Shelby and Kasey van Daley of Daley Home skillfully incorporated into this space.
SHOP WICKER PENDANT
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5Keep Throw Blankets Handy
Molly Culver Photography 6Opt for an Antiqued Look
Madeline Harper PhotographyFor a storied look in the backyard, weave in some antiqued-looking plant pots in the yard for that perfect vintage touch. Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective scattered together a group of vessels on the ground and incorporated some smaller pieces onto her tablescape.
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7Display a Succulent Centerpiece
Marisa VitaleDraw inspiration from Amy Peltier, the founder of Peltier Interiors, and display a centerpiece full of succulents on your outdoor table if you're going for a timeless, non-season specific look. Succulents are easy to maintain, but you can even go the faux plant route if you prefer!
SHOP SUCCULENT GARDENS
8Opt for Stylish Storage
Douglas Hill PhotographyKeep gardening supplies and decorative pieces on a small outdoor-friendly bookshelf that complements the colors of your patio, as illustrated by designer Emily LaMarque of Emily LaMarque Design Studio.
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9Bring Out the Bar Carts
Patricia BurkeBar carts can also make excellent side tables, as seen here in this space by Suzette Donleavy, the founder of Well Designed Interiors. When you're hosting friends for cocktails, you can switch things out so that these pieces serve their intended function, but we have to admit they look great solely with vases and candles, too!
10Mix and Match Pillow Patterns
Patricia BurkeWho says you have to stick to just one design when shopping for outdoor pillows? Create a playful arrangement like this setup from Susan Cohan of Susan Cohan Gardens. Just mix and match various patterns for a collected effect.
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11Set the Stage for Outdoor Entertaining
MOLLY ROSE PHOTO 12Mix and Match Dining Chairs
Molly CulverSeating doesn’t have to be one-note. Designer Mary Patton mixed and matched wrought iron chairs, with bright yellow chairs situated at each head of the table.
SHOP PATIO CHAIRS
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13Lean Into "Less is More"
Alyssa RosenheckTo freshen up this Santa Barbara, CA, patio, Taylor Anne Bliss of Taylor Anne Interiors chose to anchor it with a striped umbrella. "A whimsical umbrella surrounded by a neutral palette gives life to any small patio space," Bliss says.
14Illuminate Your Space With Lanterns
Christian DuRocherFor a cozy layout that sparks conversation, go for a round seating arrangement. Take note from Ryan and Kate Gross of Kate Anne Design and hang bamboo lanterns with dimmable bulbs to enhance the space.
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15Make Room (in Your Budget) for a Fireplace
Sara Ligorria-TrampDon’t let cool nights keep you inside. Gather around an outdoor fireplace or fire table with "all three sets of chairs facing inward," says Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors.
16Arrange an Outdoor "Living Wall"
Stephen KarlischFreshen up your patio by mounting potted plants to a blank wall, as interior designer Tori Rubinson does here. Pick a wall you can see easily from an outdoor seating area, then fill the pots with low-maintenance cascading plants or herbs.
RELATED: Best Places to Buy Healthy Plants
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17Set Up Poolside Seating
AMY BARTLAMLean into the summer season by arranging dining furniture right at the water’s edge. To create the ultimate retreat, choose pieces made of natural materials, like a weather-treated, all-wood table with chairs, that blend well with the surrounding greenery.
18Add Some Lawn Games
Lauren PresseyInvite loved ones to enjoy some friendly competition with a round of corn hole — but don’t skimp on decor. Pepper in items like lanterns and a chic woven chair that will come in handy for quick breaks when the games heat up.
RELATED: Fun Lawn Games for Some Serious Backyard Competition
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19Create an Intimate Vibe With Furniture
Haris KenjarArrange seating in a way that encourages conversation, plus layer in tables for snacks and stools for extra seating. "The scale of furnishings helps dictate a sense of place and closeness," says Tim Pfeiffer of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer.
SHOP GARDEN STOOLS
20Create an Outdoor Counter
Brian Bieder PhotographyYou can build a simple outdoor bar on a budget from 4x4 wood pieces and a treated-lumber top. Inject pops of color, advises designer Maggie Griffin to "balance the expanse of wood tones and draw the eye from the interior of the home to the exterior living areas seamlessly."
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Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
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