1Artful Purpose
Nathan Schroder This covered porch by Dodson Interiors features creature comforts like stainless steel appliances, skirted upholstery, and a romantic chandelier that transform the great outdoors into a room of stylish form and function. Indulgent finishes lend continuity to the indoor-outdoor flow and set the scene for gracious entertaining.
2Solid Surfaces
Carmel Brantley Elegant materials that wear well in salt air, like plaster and natural stone, complete the spacious loggia of an oceanfront home in Florida by architect Kevin Asbacher.
3Dramatic Drapes
Seamus Payne Pamela Harvey used drapery in this outdoor living room to ease the transition between indoors and out. The Sunbrella performance fabric panels provide shade and create dimension.
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4Lofty Goals
Karyn Millet To bring in a touch of nature and accentuate the 20-foot-high beams, architect Eric Olsen strung woven globe lights above the sunken terrace at the center of his Los Angeles home.
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5Mindful Materials
Lance Gerber Michelle Boudreau used desert-proof finishes, like nautical-grade metal cabinetry, durable quartz counters, and a "rug" made of graphic tile, in this California hangout.
6Epic Proportions
John Merkel A chimney that extends high above the willow-and-steel pergola calls attention to the dramatic 10-foot- tall "windows" and vineyard views in this lounge by Sheldon Harte.
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7Hole in One
Carmel Brantley A Palm Beach balcony becomes a private oasis, thanks to faux turf and massive containers of native plants by landscape architect Keith Williams and interiors firm Kemble Interiors. There's even a putting green.
8Woven Wonder
J.L. Jordan Photography Lattice is the hero of Bethany Adams's front porch in Louisville, Kentucky. Until her laurel hedge grows in, it offers a punch of pat- tern and privacy without blocking the breeze.
9Curated Color
Thomas Loof Bahamian pink unifies the different-scale patterns at this Palm Beach home by Caroline Rafferty, who added materials like faux wicker and metal to keep it from looking too sweet.
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10Stone Firepit
Tony Soluri The owners of this home on Lake Michigan wanted the terraced yard to contain "multiple experiences," landscape architect Sara Furlan says. This cozy conversation spot at the south end of the lawn, between the main house and pool deck, is anchored by a yellow-flowering horse chestnut tree.
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11Selective Seating
House Beautiful For maximum functionality and comfort, offer multiple kinds of seating so that everyone can have their pick. Fighting over the favorite corner chair will be a thing of the past.
12Color Coordination
House Beautiful A large patio can feel overwhelming to decorate intentionally. For a cohesive feel, opt for one color (or pattern) of upholstery fabric.
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13Prime View
Thomas Loof If you have a sprawling and beautiful view, odds are you want to look at it all the time. Situate your patio furniture to have your most comfortable pieces face nature.
14Secret Garden
House Beautiful Rather than feeling cramped and claustrophobic, lean into the tall walls of a garden-level patio to create a cozy and private outdoor oasis.
15Simply Perfect
House Beautiful A large patio doesn't have to include multiple seating areas and large furniture pieces. Instead, focus on what you want to use the space for, like casual meals at a streamlined dining set.
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16Green Rooms
House Beautiful Whether it's a wide-open yard or an airy city balcony, use trailing vines and fast-growing shrubs to create privacy and designate patio zones.
17Cozy Extension
House Beautiful In this bedroom-adjacent patio, plush armchairs surrounding a fire-pit make the transition from playtime to bedtime easy as can be.
18Mixed Materials
Kate Abt Kate Abt created several different zones in her backyard patio, including a dining area by the grill and a sitting lounge with a firepit. The brick area speaks to the exterior brick facade of the home while the larger stone tiles help to break things up and offer a more contemporary vibe.
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19Cozy Hardscaping
Alyssa Rosenheck When working on a hardscape backyard space, it's important to find ways to warm it up. A built-in bench with bright green cushions and striped throw pillows make this patio designed by Lindsay Rhodes feel inviting and cozy.
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20Multi-Level Lounge
Tamsin Johnson Interiors Don't forget to think about your patio from every perspective. Tamsin Johnson gave these tiered patios and balconies the same foundation of white and green-gray stone tiles for a consistent look from above. Modern patio furnishings contrast with the classic checkerboard pattern.
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