Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    25 Heart-Shaped Treats to Send to Your Valentine

    Sure, flowers are nice, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they're heart-shaped.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Home
  3. Outdoor Living
  4. 10 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces That Will Make You Rethink Your Current Backyard

10 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces That Will Make You Rethink Your Current Backyard

By Caroline Biggs
Updated May 06, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: John Merkl

Plus, tips from landscape architects and designers for creating a comfortable outdoor area you'll want to spend more time in.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: John Merkl

Your backyard is brimming with design opportunity—it just takes a little imagination (and inspiration) to make the most of it. "An outdoor space should feel inviting and draw people outside," says landscape architect Keith Williams of Nievera Williams. "No matter what the space is used for, it should feel comfortable and create a sense of destination."

So, how does one go about creating an enticing outdoor area, one that's as restorative as it is transportive? Williams says figuring out the purpose of the space is a great place to start. "When designing an outdoor space, you should not only consider its use, but how the space will function in relation to the interiors of the home," he says. "Natural elements, like exposure to sun and shade or wind are important factors to take into account, as well."

Whether you've opted to install a patio, deck, or swimming pool, once you've determined how you're going to use the area, the next step is to decorate the space with furniture and accessories that speak to your unique aesthetic. "It's nice to incorporate fabrics and materials that relate to the indoors," Williams notes. "This creates a cohesiveness and an indoor-outdoor atmosphere that makes the space feel like a true extension of the home."

Looking for more ways to create a beautiful and inventive outdoor area in your own backyard? We reached out to some of our landscape-savvy designers for advice—and they didn't disappoint. From rustic cabanas with fire pits to decks designed for entertaining, read on to discover 10 creative outdoor spaces that will make you want to spend all day outside.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Function First

Credit: Tessa Neustadt

While an outdoor area should look beautiful, Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design says it's equally important to consider practicality as well. "Comfort, light, and warmth are the three key components to an outdoor space," she says. "I like my outdoor area to feel like an extension of the indoors so that the rhythm of the furnishings and the materials feel connected and read fluidly." Here, for example, modern furnishings reference and reinforce this contemporary home's architecture.

  • These Are the Most Popular Home Styles Across America

2 of 11

3 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A New Room

Credit: Emily Jenkins

Just because it's located outside of your house doesn't mean that your patio, deck, or pool isn't part of your home—which is why James Farmer says you should treat it just as you would any other beloved space. "Creature comforts from within make for a terrific outdoor space," he says. "Is there Wi-Fi? A place to plug in an outdoor lamp or lantern? Or a fan? Outdoor fabrics are as lovely now as interior options, so outdoor spaces can be as chic and comfortable as your den. The purpose, form, and function will truly set the tone." Case in point? Note the chic textiles and living room-inspired lounge vignette that Farmer brought to life while working on this project.

  • The Most Creative Backyard Decorating Ideas

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Comfort Zone

Credit: Katie Charlotte

If you plan on using your backyard patio, porch, or deck for entertaining, Cortney Bishop—who designed this party-ready space—recommends investing in plenty of plush, but sturdy seating options. "Think about the largest crowd you might have in your outdoor space and plan for enough seating accordingly," she says. "Durability is key, so I encourage our clients to make strong investments in quality, long-lasting outdoor furnishings and textiles."

  • 15 Stylish Outdoor Entertaining Essentials You'll Use All Summer Long

4 of 11

5 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fabulous Fabrics

Credit: Melanie Johnson

According to Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25, utilizing outdoor fabrics, like the visually dynamic textiles seen on these in-water lounge chairs, is essential to the longevity of an outdoor space—but you don't need to sacrifice coziness for durability. "To create a cozier feel in a covered space, I like to replace the 'outdoor' inserts of pillows with down inserts," she says. "Just make sure you bring them in during bad weather since they won't hold up over time."

5 of 11

6 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sustainable Wood

Credit: Tim Williams

Searching for a strong, but stylish material to construct a sustainable outdoor space? Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo says Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian walnut, is the way to go. "Ipe wood is long lasting and won't rot," she says, noting that her clients used the wood type when creating this built-in outdoor seating area. "Also, you can let it patina over time to a beautiful gray."

  • Go with the Grain: Caring for Wood Floors and Furniture

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Plenty of Shade

Credit: Paul Dyer

No well-designed outdoor space would be complete without a shaded area to retreat to. If you don't have a partially-enclosed area to work with, like the modern covered patio seen here, get creative. "Design a seating area with a place to set a drink that allows for sun or shade, depending on the desire," says Kendall Wilkinson. "For entertaining, integrate hidden speakers for music and space heaters to allow for year-round use."

7 of 11

8 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fire Pit

Credit: Jacob Snavely

Nothing elevates the ambience of any space faster than a roaring fire, which is why Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller suggests installing a fireplace in your outdoor area (how cozy is this outdoor fireplace?). "The same way that a fireplace is the natural place for people to gravitate inside the home, it happens outside, as well," she says. "If it's not in the budget to build a fireplace, consider adding a fire pit at a lower price point."

8 of 11

9 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Privacy, Please

Credit: Haris Kenjar

Privacy is crucial in any outdoor area, and Charlie Hellstern suggests using screens—like the tile-inspired cut-outs she used in this project—that don't completely disconnect you from your surroundings. "Consider privacy screens with small openings you can slightly see through," she says. "While safety is a must, be careful not to build in solid walls that keep you from enjoying your view from a seated position on your terrace."

  • Gardening Tips That Make Creating a More Private Space Simple

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Focal Point

Credit: Sean Litchfield

Becky Shea says it helps to design your outdoor space around a designated focal point. "In a living room or a dining room, for example, there's always a focal piece and an axis point," she says. "Consider a unique tree, sculpture, pond, or path to be that focal point outdoors, and use that element to build out your space on the axis." Here, a breathtaking (and extra-long!) swimming pool commands attention.

  • How to Plan the Perfect Pool Party

10 of 11

11 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mind the View

Credit: Aubrie Pick

If you're lucky enough to have a scenic view from your outdoor area, Lauren Nelson recommends playing it up as much as possible. "The main factor to consider when designing an outdoor space is how to optimize views and scenery," she says. "Arrange a furniture layout that maximizes a good view, whether it's the swimming pool or ocean."

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caroline Biggs

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 11
2 of 11 Function First
3 of 11 A New Room
4 of 11 Comfort Zone
5 of 11 Fabulous Fabrics
6 of 11 Sustainable Wood
7 of 11 Plenty of Shade
8 of 11 Fire Pit
9 of 11 Privacy, Please
10 of 11 Focal Point
11 of 11 Mind the View

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

10 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces That Will Make You Rethink Your Current Backyard
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.