When it comes to designing outdoor entertaining spaces, there’s no time like the present to start looking for inspiration. Whether you’re setting the stage for a dinner party, creating an outdoor oasis with staying power, experimenting with outdoor lights, or simply checking on which outdoor living trends will reign in 2023, these alfresco retreats are sure to snag some spots on your visionboard.
Explore These Outdoor Living Space Ideas
A SLEEK DESERT DREAM
Overlooking views of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain, this expanded patio creates new opportunities for entertaining and gathering outside. Designer Dana Lyon brought in a coffee table and sofas by RH, as well as a custom light fixture made in collaboration with Hinkley’s Lighting. The bench is from On The Veranda, and the side tables are from Indus Design.
PHOTO: COLE HORCHLER
A BACKYARD BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
A covered dining and lounge patio with a bird’s-eye view of the pool below adds ample living space and is perfect for entertaining guests. The dining table is composed of a mosaic top with an iron base from Berbere Imports and ringed with woven rattan chairs from Made Goods. Selamat’s Cuban lounge chairs surround a found carved wood table that contributes to the organic feel of the space.
PHOTO: RYAN GARVIN
COASTAL FLORIDA VIBE
Overlooking the Indian River in Florida, this space is ideal for entertaining guests and breezy views. “The central covered loggia is on axis with the main entry, pool and great room,” architect John Brenner says. Sutherland’s Cat’s Cradle lounge chairs and Made Goods stools form a cozy sitting area around the fire bowl.
PHOTO: JESSICA GLYNN
A TROPICAL RETREAT
Nestled in this loggia is Dedon’s Mu lounge chairs and Lee Industries’ Oleander sofa, which is decorated with pillows in Schuyler Samperton Textiles’ Lily Pad linen. RH’s Balmain coffee table rests atop Serena & Lily’s Perennials Rhodes rug, while The Urban Electric Co.’s Lyford sconces decorate the columns that make up this relaxing outdoor space.
PHOTO: CARMEL BRANTLEY
PLAYING UP THE VIEWS
Kettal’s Molo sectionals and a coffee table by the brand join Sunpan’s Monaco end table on the living area terrace. Glass railings by Mullet’s Aluminum Products Inc. offer unobstructed views of Sarasota Bay, while a ceiling of tongue-and-groove sealed cypress provides shade—perfect for relaxing and taking in those waterfront views.
PHOTO: RYAN GAMMA
EASY INDOOR ACCESS
Overlooking the beautiful fall foliage by this double-duty fireplace in Colorado, Michael Berman’s Harper swivel chairs from Profiles are one of the living room and outdoor deck’s many inviting seating options. A Kneedler Fauchère glass cocktail table completes the vignette.
PHOTO: DRAPER WHITE
MADE FOR ENTERTAINING
Crafted in collaboration with landscape designer Gwyneth Owen-Webber, the expansive terrace in this Chicago penthouse includes a custom ipe wood outdoor kitchen with concrete countertops and Janus et Cie barstools. The adjacent conversation zone is anchored by a Gloster sectional.
PHOTO: WERNER STRAUBE
EXPERIMENTING WITH OUTDOOR COOL
In a sunken entertaining area between the house and pool, a vintage French dining table from Harbinger is surrounded by Knot chairs from Janus et Cie. Designed by Patricia Benner, the home’s landscape strikes a balance between English style and California cool.
PHOTO: KARYN MILLET
COZY COUNTRY LIVING
Interior designer Susan Bozeman updated this screen porch’s log-framed sofa and reeded wicker armchairs with Perennials and Schumacher textiles, making it a perfect place for relaxation. A rustic fan from Circa Lighting spins above the striated rug from Eve and Staron Studio. The assorted fireplace stone was sourced from Dirt and Rock.
PHOTO: JEFF HERR
MIDCENTURY MAGIC IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Guests are invited to enjoy the magnificent view of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain and the surrounding golf course. Seating from Brown Jordan and a large Castelle dining table also ensures that everyone has a place to relax.
PHOTO: KEVIN BROST
RUSTIC MEETS POSH URBAN COMFORT
The patio lounge is positioned close to the shallow end of the pool, so that people in both areas can converse and enjoy themselves. Aluminum-frame sofas embrace a concrete-and-teak coffee table, all from RH.
PHOTO: SEAN LITCHFIELD
MAKING YOUR WORLDLY SPACE STAND OUT
Custom black-and-white Kismet Tile & Surface tile brings a riad-style ambience to the loggia, where outdoor gatherings circulate around Lepere’s Totem dining table and Palecek’s Palermo chairs, the custom hanging teak daybed by Magnolia Porch Swings and an antique Indonesian daybed beyond. Above hangs a Vibia Wind drum pendant. Janus et Cie’s Katachi chair, Rock Garden double chaise lounge, Bon Vivant Grande pouf and Kylix side table round out the furnishings.
PHOTO: SPM PHOTOGRAPHY
A RELAXING SECRET GARDEN
Palecek’s San Martin sofas from KBK to the Trade flank the courtyard’s fire pit with Savonarola chairs and a side table from Schors. The pergola covers Elegant Earth’s banquet table and bistro chairs. Wall-mounted lighting is Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.
