Fairy lights. String lights. Festoon lights. Whatever you call them, these twinkling balls of warmth brighten any outdoor area to create a cozy, intimate and magical setting. These perfect patio string light ideas will last year-round for the dreamiest backyard.

OUTDOOR OASIS

exterior of the backyard with patio, two sitting areas and lights

PHOTO: RICHARD POWERS

Strings of twinkling lights overhead make for a magical vibe in the covered outdoor seating and dining area, which is furnished with Summit pieces. Horticultural Elements installed the landscaping designed by Dodi Fredericks.

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SUNSET SERENITY

PHOTO: ERIC LUCERO

Landscape designers Phil Hoff and Jennifer Thomas placed a gunite pool with a raised spa, gas fire pit, bluestone patio and Neolith bar. For a seamless look, the team used many of the interior finishes outside. Freking selected furniture from Rausch Classics with Sunbrella fabric for the outdoor seating areas.

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NATURAL GLOW

traditional patio outdoor sitting area brown

PHOTO: LAURA MOSS

On the back patio, designer Laura Kehoe combined the owners’ existing farm table with new chairs by Palecek, accented with tribal-print pillows in Sunbrella fabric. Over the fireplace, she hung one of the residents’ “all-time favorite” pieces: a large plate in the style of Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo.

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BRICK BEAUTY

transitional outdoor covered dining area exterior

PHOTO: WERNER SEGARRA

In Gilbert, Arizona, interior designer Caroline DeCesare’s eclectic style is captivatingly on display in her own home.

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LUMINESCENT LIGHTING

PHOTO COURTESY THE BILTMORE HOTEL

D’Shakil Designs and Studio 5 Design + Architecture found inspiration for the Biltmore Hotel’s interiors in the glamour of the property’s storied past–which includes hosting celebrity and royal guests–as well as the estate’s original Mediterranean-style architecture.

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COZY CORNERS

A festive outdoor entertaining area featuring a table tennis table with dining chairs

PHOTO: CAROLINE ALLISON

In this outdoor space created by Daigh Rick Landscape Architects in concert with Allard Ward Architects, J.Lackey Interiors and Sabia Construction, a dining table cleverly doubles as a table tennis court.

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