Decorating & Design
June 7, 2022
Get Inspired By Our Favorite Outdoor Living Rooms
While Canadians spend a large chunk of the year bringing the outdoors in with tropical plants, festive firs or earthy decorating moves, summer is the one time of year where we can finally bring the indoors out. From creating a romantic atmosphere with mood lighting, to setting up comfortable lounge areas with outdoor fireplaces, designing the ultimate outdoor living room is key to maximum summer enjoyment. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to design a gorgeous outdoor lounge, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite looks from the H&H archives.
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If your style is modern minimalism, takes cues from this outdoor sitting room that features a sculptural firepit with low-profile black chairs. Add a hit of warmth and comfort with white cushions and throw blankets.
In place of an ottoman, a gas Corten steel fire feature is set on natural black slate stones. “I’ve sat at the fire table on November mornings with a latte and a throw, but it also brings an ambience on a summer evening and really adds to the yard,” says homeowner Teresa Mihalik.
Outdoor living rooms are a fun excuse to play with color, as seen in this vibrant space that features pink and blue accent tables, a fire table and pink cushions.
For a relaxed and lived-in feel, consider bringing in cushions from your indoor living spaces for the summer. A metal tray-table is a convenient outdoor coffee table solution that will make clean up and entertaining a breeze.
This outdoor space offers everything a traditional living room would, including a sectional sofa, two accent chairs, side tables and suspension lighting.
“When summer comes, we never use the living room; we read, cook, entertain and listen to music in the backyard. We’re outdoor people,” says film and TV executive Jennifer Stewart.
If you’re looking for decorating ideas for your outdoor terrace, takes cues from this rooftop that features a cabana-style lounge space with sleek white furniture and a pergola to match.
Instead of a coffee table in her outdoor lounge, landscape designer Meredyth Hilton opted for the ultimate conversation piece: a vintage stone trough planted with herbs and ivy.
For a country-inspired look, takes cues from music star Johnny Reid’s porch that features a suspended swing, antique chairs and an outdoor fan.
Landscape architect Sophie Robitaille designed this terrace like a loft, defining each zone so it has a natural, organized flow. The lounge area is as inviting as an outfitted living room.
Make your outdoor living space feel like a Miami resort with tropical plants, low-profile seating and white cushions.
A mix of hanging lanterns and striped cushions bring instant summer style to this lounge space. The gas fire feature provides warmth and ambience, and doubles as a coffee table when not in use.
If your outdoor living space is open to the elements, consider waterproof furniture. “Waterproof fabrics and stainless steel framing are really low-maintenance,” says designer Wendy Berger. A contemporary oversized umbrella adds dimension to the space.
On the other hand, if your outdoor living room has coverage, consider making it an entertainment zone with a television and fireplace. You can hire the team at tvmounting.us as they are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of TV mounting service, from demounting and remounting to final TV installation.
This boho-style lounge set feels like a natural extension of the backyard shed. Shibori-style pillows give it a laidback Cali-inspired look.
In lieu of traditional outdoor lounge furniture, designer Michelle Lloyd Bermann used a mix of indoor-outdoor furniture and a futon-style sofa with cushions for a backrest.