Get inspired by our favorite design and decor ideas for your outdoor oasis.
Laurey W. Glenn
It’s no secret that we Southerners live for our porches.
A dining table allows for even more hosting flexibility.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn
We live on that screened porch, says Karen.
We keep the doors open and its like another living room.
Weve had Thanksgiving out there almost every year.
Credit:Terri Glanger; Styling: Stephanie Bohn
Shutters frame the viewand offer a little privacy from neighbors.
Simple wrought iron chairs with a matching table keep the space from becoming too much of a focal point.
The home’s indoor-outdoor connection is enhanced with bifold windows which seamlessly connected the kitchen to the back patio.
Credit:LAUREY W. GLENN; STYLING: BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
Ensure Ample Seating
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; STYLING: MATTHEW GLEASON
What makes a porch or patio entertaining-ready?
This covered space can comfortably sit up to 10 people without pulling up additional chairs.
Colorful textiles and an outdoor fireplace complete guest-ready area.
Credit:Brie Williams; Styling: Kate Malpeli
Pack a few containers with colorful blooms and incorporate seating to accommodate company.
Bonus if you have outdoor cushions to spruce up the furniture.
Make your screened porch a place to enjoy a meal with a counter height table for two.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty
Its one of my favorite spots in the house, especially when it rains, says Tucker.
Create Multiple Seating Areas
Especially if you love to host, providing plenty of seating is essential.
Colorful blooming containers in varying sizes create a garden setting.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; STYLING: CHRISTINA WRESSELL
Here, shades of coral adorn pillows, which play well with the bustling, flower-filled containers.
All of the flower displays are housed in neutral containers, which blend seamlessly into the porch setting.
The elegant white, barrel-style garden stools are multi-purpose.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Plus, it stays cool in the summer and lasts forever.
Patterned pillows and vibrant purple and green plants pop against the cool blues.
Thefireplace is practical and stunning.
Credit:Jeff Herr
The homeowners found the fern-frond chandelier onChairish.
The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Coral side tables and blue cushions provide the right amount of pop to the otherwise neutral color scheme.
Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli
This porch is a master class in print and pattern mixing.
A distressed table and chairs add to the ambiance.
A traditional white wooden porch swing is made cozier with blue-and-white cotton pillows from HomeGoods.
Credit:ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; STYLING: MATTHEW GLEASON
Below, a warm, tan-toned rug with a subtle, neutral pattern grounds the space.
A reclaimed, repurposed chandelier is hung from above, offering light on evenings spent in the tree canopy.
But that’s the genius of homeowner Furlow Gatewood.
Credit:DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS
The restwhite and beige and greencreate the most sophisticated Southern scene.
Update Wicker With Bright, Modern Details
Wicker has officially transcended its stereotype.
These small-scale white wicker seating pieces were purchased at Pier 1 Imports.
Sun-seeking updates and white paint transformed this Homewood gem.Credit:LAUREY W. GLENN
Their size and style ensures that the furniture will not overpower thissmall back porch.
This condensed vignette doesn’t trade scale for style though.
Carved teak furniture and a rope-woven side tablein honey-warm tonescomplement the sea-inspired blue textiles and home’s deep-green exterior.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn
White detailsupholstery, coffee table, lampshade, ceiling, and trimadd brightness and contrast.
The decks surroundings give the dogtrot home a lofty tree-house feel.
When plants are dormant in winter, the structure shines.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
It complements the tree trunk columns without exactly matching the woods of the cottage’s exterior.
This adds additional visual interest and intensifies the rustic theme of the setting.
Vibrant violet creates a beautiful counterpoint to the cream upholstery of the sofa and four chairs.
Credit:ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon
Ornate, medieval-inspired sconces frame the brick porch.
Quilts are at the ready for chilly evenings.
Bedroom windows open onto this serene space to catch the sound of Whisper Creek.
Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli
It’s cozy and homey, without too much effort.
Spotlight Nature With Understated Furniture
Deck out your screened porch for dining.
Overlooking the woods and lake, dinner music is the chirping of birds and the splash of fish.
Credit:Joseph De Leo
Add seasonal sparkle with a string of your favorite lights.
The owners of this porch strung a few strands of spherical copper lights.
The understated furniture, painted with a pretty garden green accent, is supremely inviting day or night.
Amy Neunsinger.
Add Character Mixing Vintage With Traditional
An extra-large bed swing invites lounging on this porch.
This porch seems traditional upon first glace, but its special touches take this space from okay to extraordinary.
A shiny, green garden stool brightens up the space, as does an eclectic planter.
Credit:Brian Woodcock
The clean mix of beiges and browns works well with the authentically distressed table.
This candle-fireplace effect looks especially nice with a cluster of assorted candle sizes, all in the same hue.
The candle chandelier pops and glows against the backdrop of this porch’s pretty brick design.
Credit: Laurey W.Glenn
The style of this porch takes relaxing to new heights, literally.
Throw in a Few Luxuries
This South Carolina-inspired piazza has definite pizzazz.
Iron-base tables with honed marble tops are the perfect sidekicks because they combine simple lines with elegant materials.
Credit: Photography: Laura Moss, Styling: Natasha Louise King
It’s an ideal place to lounge and wait for a soft Carolina breeze.
It’s twice as nice to fill this swing with friends and family too.
A brightly patterned outdoor rug pops against neutral tones.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Shades of green are soothing and evoke nature.
Light green accents open up the space, creating a spacious, airy feeling in this small area.
It’s an inviting place for a morning paper and evening entertaining alike.
Credit: Photo by Nancy Nolan
This area is awash with morning light.
Add a Multi-Purpose Shelf
We like to make the most of every space.
A grill is set in a custom cabinet.
Credit:Dane Tashima; STYLING: Buffy Hargett Miller
The bright, patterned rug infuses the space with infectious energy and a casual, stylish Mediterranean vibe.
Add a grill in anticipation of breezy nights making burger dinners and grilled kebabs.
The sunken garden feels like a fusion of influences and colors, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of travel.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This gracious extension of living space contains a teak dining table for informal meals.
The color evokes the water and was said to keep evil spirits away from the home.
The traditional ceiling color is a soft greenish blue hue known as “Haint Blue” across the region.
Credit: PHoto: Erica George Dines
A fan keeps this lovely area cool on warm days, and curtains add privacy to the space.
The shutters fold back flush against the wall when opened.
Contrast Bold and Subtle Patterns
Durable accessories and furnishings give this porch a cozy living room feel.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Patterned pillows and a faux zebra-skin rug are paired with natural colors and textures for a striking effect.
The multi-level porch setup also extends the livable area further into the yard.
Simplicity wins in this weather-proof, guest-proof, and kid-proof extension of the home.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
No need to fear pattern when upholstering your furniturea bright green and white swirl brightens up this space.
Make a Match-Ready Patio
Larger-than-life chess pieces await visitors' opening moves on this playful patio.
Comfy seating is centered around a fireplace and creates an outdoor living area designed for parties and entertaining.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Treat Landscaping Like Decor
Classic blue hydrangea blooms take center stage around this neutral-toned patio dining space.
Combine Natural Materials for a Structured Space
Some things get better with age.
The homeowners built this arbor the first year they were in the home.
Credit: Photo: Paul Costello
Once the wisteria covered the top, they realized it was a great outdoor room.
A hedgerow, flower beds, and hanging basket only add to the garden’s charm.
Touches of burnt orange play off of the undertones in wood details.
The burnt orange adds warmth and mixes well with the pops of leafy green in this beige-toned space.
A large, metallic-framed mirror adds a bold focal point.
They can close off the porch or be opened to let in the Gulf breeze.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Personalize Adirondack Chairs
You don’t need immense square footage to make a lovely porch space.
This covered porch is just large enough for a pair of chairs for easy conversation.
Pretty, white outdoor draperies frame the space and offer shade, privacy, and protection from the elements.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Dark, weatherproof living room seating anchors the room and provides deep contrast against the light background.
The entire seating area is elevated, offering a scenic view of the swimming pool below.
A ceiling fan under the arbor assures year-round comfort, even in the swelter of August.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
It’s ideal for pool parties, afternoon lounging, and leisurely dinners.
Achieve a Custom Look With Reclaimed Materials
Mix reclaimed materials to achieve a custom look.
Integrate Indoor-Outdoor Design Elements
Decorate your porch as if it’s a room in the house.
Credit:Erin Adams
Simplicity is the ticket here: When you’re at the beach, what more could you need?
It’s a small escape, but it makes a big impact.
Ground a Porch With Local Materials
Local materials give this cottage porch a true sense of place.
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
Local fieldstone covers the porch walls too.
All these elements work together to strengthen this cottage’s connection to its surroundings.
Blue and green striped upholstery and a spilling fern are in sync with the outdoor scene.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A copper light fixture complements the warm wood accents.
The chairs and table for two make a comfortable spot for sipping sweet tea while watching the sunset.
Lively plants complete the scene.
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
The orange tones in the bricks are pulled out by the deep terracotta wall behind.
Modern furniture balances out the space against the heavy brick background and iron pieces.
Its clean lines straddle the threshold between classic and modern, making this space a peaceful in-between.
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
Rocking chairs with cushions in a mix of patterns instills a timeless porch scene.
Build a Magical, Canopied Dining Room
A10-foot-wide by 30-foot-long iron pergola sparked this patio transformation.
Then, wisteria was planted, which over time turned into a lush canopy overhead.
Credit: Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
The area is eye-catching all year round, but when the wisteria blooms, it becomes downright magical.
Stepping down into it feels like entering a room, a sophisticated secret garden escape.
Bright accents add a tropical punch.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Verdant leafy palms frame the central seating space, anchored by a bright green sofa and warm woven chairs.
It’s irresistible and inviting, especially when it looks as subtle and seamless as this one.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Tria Giovan
Credit: Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
Credit: Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
Credit: Photography Ralph Anderson / Styling Rose Nguyen
Credit: Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin, Laurey W. Glenn, John O’Hagan
Credit: Photo: Courtesy Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.
Credit: Photography Charles Walton IV / Styling Scott Martin
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Leslie Byars Simpson
Credit: Outdoor rooms change over time. The homeowners built this arbor the first year they were in the home. When the wisteria covered the top, they realized it was a great room. The garden’s structured design plays off of the free-form look of the wisteria.
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin, Laurey W. Glenn, John O’Hagan
Credit: Photos by Jean Allsopp
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll, Scott Martin
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos
Credit: Tria Giovan
Credit: Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Melanie Acevedo
