Backyard getaways don’t have to be reserved for large grassy lawns. Make the most of your covered outdoor living area, and transform your deck with vibrant colors and comfy furniture. Hang plants and place a patio table or outdoor furniture set to give you and your guests some privacy and a space to eat. Make your deck the ultimate relaxing space by adding cozy throw blankets and pillows on chairs or benches.

Be the Game Day Destination

Try a Backyard Pergola and Canopy 

Design a Poolside Paradise

Become the Neighborhood Grill Master

Or Start Small with a Soothing Water Feature

Socialize with Friends at the Bar

If you live in a city with hot summers or you’re an avid swimmer, you may want to include a swimming pool or pond in your outdoor living area. A water feature will naturally become the focal point of your entertaining space, so you should begin planning and decorating to create a seamless aesthetic. Infinity pools, waterfall pools, pools with slides, elevated pools, built-in jacuzzi pools, and swim-up bar pools are all pool designs that will elevate your backyard.

An open and inviting outdoor living room encourages gathering together. Try adding a fire pit, hammock, porch swing, or setting up an outdoor game in your backyard living space. If you’re trying to create an outdoor living area in a small backyard, no problem! Providing comfy chairs and sofas, trendy houseplants, a place to set your drink, and an emphasis on coming together are all it really takes to design an outdoor living room.

Looking for outdoor living space ideas? As a top dream backyard idea, designing an outdoor living area has a lot of factors to consider—the amount of space you have, the local climate, and how much you’re willing to spend. Here are some ideas to create and design an outdoor living space!

Escape to a Secret Garden

Utilize Deck Space

A backyard living area is the perfect space to host a cookout. Looking to become the neighborhood hotspot for bratwursts and burgers? An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic addition to your backyard, allowing you to easily cook and store your food without leaving your guests. Stash your grilling tools in your outdoor kitchen’s drawers or cupboards to keep the area decluttered and organized.

A budget-friendly outdoor living space design idea is to opt for smaller, unique water features. Add an outdoor fountain or beautiful sculpture in the center of your outdoor space to add a focal point. Pave a small courtyard around your fountain, or provide seating options so you and your guests can admire your outdoor garden feature. Or go for a small, bubbling creek to create a backyard paradise!

Design your outdoor living area to include a tucked-away garden escape! After all, not every backyard getaway has to be about entertaining. Landscaping around a stone walkway, planting tall shrubbery, or creating visual appeal with a dry stream are all simple landscaping ideas. Bedazzling garden stones, hanging plants, and installing a garden arbor can transform your backyard living space into a secret garden that fits any budget.

Want to dedicate your deck or patio to your love of sports? Place a TV at the center of everything! Investing in an outdoor TV will make your backyard the perfect destination for game day. Tailgating in your backyard with your team’s logo emblazoned on decorations is another option to show off your team spirit at a game day party. Entertain guests during commercial breaks or halftime in a designated space for outdoor games like corn hole, frisbee, or horseshoes.

Ice-cold drinks are a staple of any great outdoor gathering! So, if you know your parties will center around mixed drinks, design your outdoor living area around the bar! Even if you don’t have space for an outdoor living space with a complete kitchen, you can still keep guests happy and hydrated at outdoor parties with a small outdoor bar.

Explore Outdoor Living Space Ideas

There are countless ways to transform your backyard—no matter the size. Get inspiration from these outdoor room ideas before you choose a theme and begin making over your space!

Embrace the Classic Outdoor Living Room

Not only will these deck or patio shades create visual interest, but an outdoor canopy will also help block the wind and sun at your next garden party. Stick to traditional design styles with a fabric sail or create a canopy with lush vines and leaves for a more natural feel. Or make your own shade by finding the perfect material and canopy design for your outdoor living space.