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1. Beverly Hills back porch. This serene back porch looks like the perfect spot for sipping lemonade on a hot day. When saving this photo, Houzz readers noted the exposed stone surrounding the space, and the multiple seating areas.
by Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design  
2. Shaded seating in California. Sometimes a spot in the shade is all you need to enjoy the outdoors. This curved stone bench looks incredibly comfortable but still blends in with its surroundings.
by Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates
3. Outdoor living on the East Coast. This winding pathway through a lush lawn brings visitors to a backyard haven. Leafy landscaping and outdoor lighting are just a few of the elements Houzzers liked.
by Surrounds Landscape Architecture and Construction
4. Simple fire pit for Michigan summers. This classic fire pit mimics the shape of the octagonal screened porch connected to the home. Traditional Adirondack chairs in a glossy black match the exterior fixtures on the main house.
by Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.
5. Ubermodern in Menlo Park. Nothing more than a set of lounge chairs is needed to enjoy this modern backyard space in California. The contrasting colors — red-orange wood, blue water and blue chairs — immediately caught Houzzers' eyes.
by Dumican Mosey Architects  
6. Stylish patio in Minnesota. This paver patio and small garden make a great outdoor entertaining space. Houzz readers saved this photo for its small-space inspiration and lush landscaping ideas.
by Southview Design  
7. European-inspired New Jersey trellis. Like a scene in Provence, the porch outside this New Jersey farmhouse has a distinctly European vibe. The wisteria-draped trellis lets just the right amount of sunlight filter through to the plush lounge chairs.
by Cross River Design, Inc.
8. Pristine lap pool in Atlanta. This lap pool mimics the form of the adjacent deck beautifully. Its narrow shape makes it a fit for many backyards.
by TaC studios, architects
9. Secret pathway with a stunning view. A simple stone pathway leads to a perfect waterfront view. Fragrant thyme and beautiful Siberian irises complete this dreamy outdoor space.
by Lankford Associates Landscape Architects
10. Sunny entertaining in Southern California. Outdoor entertaining is easy with a setup like this. The simple dining set gets a boost from patterned pillows and rustic lanterns, turning the entire covered porch into an outdoor extension of the home.

Find inspiration in more outdoor images on Houzz
by Abbott Moon

Comments

Paul D'Amico - Period Design I would love to be in one of these spaces, right now, sipping tea or something stronger with company. But I live In England and today its 3 degrees above freezing. Envy!
4 months ago · ·
Pamela Smart_Oxford These spaces are so inspiring, I have the space, but I am also in England an at best I may get 3/4 months where I can use my garden
4 months ago · ·
schweetlife This is really insensitive. It is cold and dreary in New York City and weather fitting for these wonderful outdoor spaces is months away.
4 months ago · ·
midmodfan These photos are lovely. *sigh*
We had a little bit of snow in Northern Germany today ...
4 months ago · ·
M&C interiors i"ll add a tip of raw African touch to that...
4 months ago · ·
Winona Robinson some great ideas.I will keep them in mind as I plan to redo some rooms in our house next year.
4 months ago · ·
smittycdm Just to make you guys feel better it was a record low in Downtown LA this am (none of these places in DT), 32F. But at the Coast, where I live, not quite as cold & in the Hills, much colder. However, we are back in drought mode in the Not-So-Great-State of JB.
4 months ago · ·
olldroo Works the other way too guys, Australia is having massive heatwave conditions at the moment (40 deg C) - too hot to sit outside anywhere.

Still some great ideas to plan and work towards ready for when the weather is right and even if it is only a couple of months a year isn't it worth it to really enjoy those few short months.
4 months ago · ·
patricia beharry OK, you guys, Don't want to rub it in; but here I am in the Eastern Caribbean, 80 degrees F.,and sunny. Reading this overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Oh my!!!!!!!!!... Forgot to add, I have no money in the bank so I have no worries.
4 months ago · ·
Paul D'Amico - Period Design The climate is crucial in determining your property's outdoor. One thing I miss in England is those timber porches you have in America, like the one by Tim Barber (first photo). To be sitting outside and yet be at home. The pleasure of the shade can only be appreciated if it's too hot in the sun. Hélas with the English climate its more of a question of positioning oneself next to the barbecue.
4 months ago · ·
debmc These pictures are beautiful but every summer as we sail along the shore of Lake Ontario admiring many beautiful estates and huge gardens overlooking the lake, we cannot help but notice the one missing thing is people. I have never seen those spaces being used.
4 months ago · ·
CAROLE MEYER I am a big fan of having a comfortable outdoor space or room if possible. We designed the back of our home to be very private so our family can enjoy the pool, fireplace and view almost as if we were inside our home. I made sure the furniture was comfortable.....a daybed on the north side of the south wall is one of our favorite places to relax! I would encourage every one to make the most of their outdoor space and enjoy nature!
4 months ago · ·
CAROLE MEYER What wonderful outdoor spaces. I love being in my outdoor room....which is a very private terrace on the back of our home. I made sure the furniture is comfortable, there is a dining space, fireplace, lap pool, day bed and view. We use this space so much in the summer and fall. In designing it I was very careful to have 8 ft tall privacy walls that extend out about 16 feet from the main house, then drop down to a normal height....this way, I can sit out there in my PJ's if I want!
4 months ago · ·
eCustomFinishes #9 please no outdoor space beats the beach....
4 months ago · ·
stargazer51 I'm in Sonoma County north of San Francisco. It was cold last night but I just got back from a bike ride. It would be lovely to sit out in the sun now but it's all a construction zone. Pickup trucks and saws don't make for a very peaceful experience!
4 months ago ·
Stevie Carole Meyer, the pictures are amazing of your home....this is in Oregon with the 8' tall stucco walls?
4 months ago ·
AC Custom Upholstery Very Inspiring, I do believe I will be creating one of these. It has been raining here for the last 3 days, and they have even used the S word for tomorrow afternoon, but for the most part we have much more beautiful weather than bad here in Newnan Georgia. Great for every season.
4 months ago · ·
tiachocolate I just had my yard cleared and chopped. I live in the Caribbean. I have nothing like that...like I said, I felt so pleased to get the yard chopped and cleaned...then I saw these... Le sigh...:/
4 months ago · ·
patricia beharry @tiachocolate'
May i ask where you are? I am in Grenada, the isle of spice.
4 months ago ·
Brenda Greer We have a 20' covered outside area and a 12' cage extension. Here in Fl this is common and I've not seen anything about setting this kind of space up. We have a lot of humidity and use our out door area in all but the summer months when it's too hot. Any thoughts and ideas for this space. It open via 4 patio doors into the living room. My hubby loves to garden but has to do it in this area.
4 months ago ·
Conservatory Craftsmen We live in our conservatory everyday all winter long. It helps with the winter blahs!
4 months ago ·
Monarch Stone International Very nice selection of outdoor spaces for this article. Especially enjoy the natural stone used in each image. Here is an idea inspired by one of our clients, a lovely antique cobblestone pathway leading to an intimate outdoor eating space.
4 months ago · ·
lanehouse I hadn't seen the lap pool photo before. It reminds me of a similar pool I saw in Vancouver years ago. The lot was tight, so the pool extended under the driveway and out the other side! Why not, hardly any headroom is needed - a brilliant solution to a space dilemma.
4 months ago ·
alwaysdesigning These are gorgeous, but it really doesn't take a very big space to make over and enjoy every day. I laid pavers in a 5x7 space off the entry sidewalk that was formerly a mudpit next to the house; it is a delightful place now to sit and watch the sunset. Two chairs and two small tables fill the space nicely. Some Knockout roses and begonias line the edges. Perfect
4 months ago ·
Carrie B Brunner I love the second photo! I want to do that somewhere! Great summer project ideas!
4 months ago ·
181963 Thanks for the inspiration...Just moved to our cottage on Echo Lake, Saskatchewan-Canada...The temperature today is -27 (-46 with something we call "wind chill") Keep the fab ideas coming - hopeful for spring in April to put these ideas to work!
4 months ago ·
Maxine Cross wouldn't a outdoor fireplace work for the Englanders?
4 months ago · ·
Mackin Drafting & Design I love #9. The setting makes you want to continue down the path. It is probably the most simple-cost effective design and yet the most beautiful, probably because mother nature did most of the work.
4 months ago ·
OnePlan Beautiful pics !! I too am in chilly UK - but I have a Kadi firebowl that's really cosey after a long walk in the fields with the dog ! With a large mug of hot chocolate !!!
4 months ago · ·
La Lune Collection Wow - love all of these photos, Vanessa - thanks for curating. They really illustrate just how important the right outdoor furniture is for setting the mood. We like this sofa, table, and club chair from La Lune Collection - so comfortable and beautiful too!
6 weeks ago ·
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