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    Decorating Advice | Decorating & Design | Outdoor

    April 21 2016

    Best Outdoor Spaces: 20 Perfect Summer Patios

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    Clear out the cobwebs and dust off the barbecue, because patio season is just around the corner. From natural designs that embrace the beauty of nature, to sleek spaces that offer luxury with minimal maintenance — here are 20 beautiful patios with inspiring outdoor decorating ideas to help you create a dreamy open-air retreat.

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    Up Next

    Look Inside Beautiful Castles With Interiors Fit For Royalty

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    Honey-colored tiki umbrellas contrast white lawn chairs on this neutral patio. A low wraparound bench makes entertaining groups easy, but doesn’t obstruct from this charming Lake Simcoe cottage’s lush view.

    Photographer:
    Angus Fergusson
    Source:
    House & Home July 2012
    Designer:
    Karyn Gordon and Brent Penner

    Layer to add visual interest. In this manicured backyard, stone and greenery introduce texture to the sophisticated space. The low-maintenance, high-style patio is complemented with modern furniture that makes it prime for entertaining. The dining and lounging areas are separated by a koi pond.

    Photographer:
    Virginia Macdonald
    Source:
    House & Home August 2013
    Designer:
    Terry Ryan of Cubic Yard Design

    At Colette Van Den Thillart’s Barbados beach house, a private balcony off the principal bedroom is made for relaxation. Coral accents pick up on the interior’s color palette, while the breezy hammock is the perfect spot to enjoy a nap, or a lazy afternoon taking in the lush views.

    Photographer:
    Virginia Macdonald
    Source:
    House & Home May 2013 issue
    Designer:
    NH Design

    Design editor Joel Bray gave his drab condo balcony a serious upgrade by adding classic elements like painted latticework and a tall pedestal urn. Potted cedars, boxwood and dense yew give the space a lush, garden feel. Joel even “refinished” the floor by laying a thin sheet of cement board on the existing concrete and gluing on 12″ x 12″ Montauk Black slate tiles.

    See Joel Bray’s balcony makeover on H&H TV.

    Photographer:
    Alex Lukey
    Source:
    House & Home July 2014 issue
    Products:
    Slate tile, The Tile Store; cement board, lattice, cedar trees, The Home Depot; lattice colour, Hague Blue (30), Farrow & Ball; canopy dewing, Tonic Living; canopy fabric, Sunbrella; chairs, Bacon Basketware; table, L'Atelier; urn, Elte; small shrubs, Sheridan Nurseries; lanter, West Elm.
    Designer:
    Joel Bray

    Sometimes, less is more. In Lara Irwin’s relaxed seaside patio, a simple brown color palette ensures that nothing distracts from the view. String lighting and nautical accents keep the mood friendly and informal, while a zinc-topped table adds weathered texture.

    Photographer:
    Heather Ross
    Source:
    House & Home July 2013
    Designer:
    Lara Irwin

    Pair pieces with different styles for a setting that looks inviting and charming as opposed to straight-from-the-showroom-floor. Here, a vintage teak bench, authentic Parisian park chairs and an antique Quebec farmhouse table add old world style and French country comfort.

    Photographer:
    Michael Graydon
    Source:
    House & Home September 2009 issue
    Products:
    Garden design, construction, Box Design Build; plants, Humber Nurseries; sedum mats (foreground), Xero Flor.

    This balcony feels much bigger than its 100-square-feet, despite the surprising choice to go with an all-weather sectional instead of a bistro set. Sailcloth-upholstered cushions add a fun hit of pattern, while a brass-topped coffee table, bright throw and elephant sculpture give the small space an exotic vibe.

    Photographer:
    Janis Nicolay
    Source:
    House & Home September 2013 issue
    Products:
    Wicker sectional, Canadian Tire; pillows, coffee table, cushions, elephant, The Cross.
    Designer:
    Joanna Vagelatos

    In the screened-in porch of this expansive Muskoka cottage, a comfortable outdoor daybed and cozy armchairs are covered in crisp white Sunbrella fabric, so it’s both pretty and hard-wearing. Huge windows maximize views to the lake outside, while the white floor and ceiling feels fresh and light.

     

    Photographer:
    Michael Graydon
    Source:
    House & Home July 2013 issue
    Products:
    Armchairs, Lee Industries; daybed, Muskoka Living Interiors.

    The homeowner, designer Heidi Smith, was inspired by Cape Cod beach houses. On the upper level of her two-tiered outdoor space, she paired a cedar trestle table with vintage chairs and bright stools for a relaxed, casual look. Sweet cushions in summery hues add to the rustic feel.

    Photographer:
    Jean Longpré
    Source:
    House & Home July 2013 issue
    Products:
    Table, Cedtek; stools, Au Coin du Jardin.
    Designer:
    Heidi Smith

    Designer Sarah Hartill made this concrete stool, which adds artistic flair to an otherwise neutral patio. The brushstrokes and soft colors stand out against the spaces’s natural tones.

    Learn how to make a DIY: Painted Patio Stool.

    Photographer:
    Angus Fergusson
    Source:
    House & Home July 2014
    Designer:
    Sarah Hartill

    Arren Williams’ patio features freestanding cedar plank walls that draw the eye toward the luxurious dining area. Open sight lines and an oversized umbrella make for a great entertaining space despite the lack of square-footage. Sunny yellow accents are found throughout the yard, while ornamental switchgrass add movement.

    Photographer:
    Angus Fergusson
    Source:
    House & Home June 2015
    Designer:
    Joel Loblaw

    Homeowners Priscilla and René Wikkerink built their fence with sections of lattice — all stained a dramatic opaque black — boxed in with frames and posts. They backed the lattice with solid boards for privacy on their small upper deck. A graphic rug adds a stylish hit to the mostly black patio, and potted plants add greenery without taking up too much space.

    Watch a tour of this deck on H&H TV.

    Photographer:
    Angus Fergusson
    Source:
    House & Home August 2012 issue
    Products:
    Table, Restoration Hardware; rug, Dash & Albert; pillow and seat cushion fabric, Kravet.
    Designer:
    Terry Ryan

    TV hosts Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman initially wanted black wrought-iron dining furniture for their rooftop terrace, but happened upon a teak set with caned chairs and a glass-topped table. “The teak is just starting to fade into a gorgeous grey that matches the flooring,” says Steven. Rooftops are windy, so hardy trees that do well in containers — such as the evergreens placed on either side of the mirrored armoire — are a good pick..

    Photographer:
    Michael Graydon
    Source:
    House & Home May 2011 issue
    Products:
    Napkins, napkin rings, Angus & Company.
    Designer:
    Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman; landscape architect, Meredyth Hilton.

    A deck and built-in banquette provide plenty of stylish entertaining space. The classic color scheme of grey-browns and white can be easily updated with new throw pillows.

    Photographer:
    Michael Graydon
    Source:
    House & Home April 2012 issue
    Products:
    Architect, Gillian Green; Schumacher pillows fabrics, Bilbrough & Co.; pillow sewing, Pat Walker; table, chairs, Fresh Home & Garden; pots, planters, Ikea; French doors, Ply Gem; plants, Sheridan Nurseries; fence stain, Behr's Coffee (DP-358), The Home Depot.
    Designer:
    Gillian Green

    Laying acacia wood, cut-to-fit floor tiles in a cross-hatched pattern overtop the existing concrete floor instantly warmed up this balcony. A traditionally shaped chandelier rendered in white plastic balls keeps the overall look fun.

    Photographer:
    Michael Graydon
    Source:
    House & Home Condos 2010 special issue
    Products:
    Dining table, Fresh Home and Garden; dining chairs, Gloster Furniture; small rectangular throw pillows fabric (on dining chairs), Robert Allen; chandelier, Ikea; tall red grasses, The Home Depot.

    With the help of H&H style editor Michael Penney, executive editor Beth Hitchcock added casual homey charm to her former concrete condo balcony. Plants in various colors and shapes create height, dimension and character.

    See a tour of Beth’s old condo interior on H&H TV.

     

    Photographer:
    Angus Fergusson
    Source:
    House & Home Condos 2010 special issue
    Products:
    Chaise, chaise cushion, Ikea; plants and terracotta pots, Lowe's; runner, Dash & Albert; cushion fabric, Y&Co; paisley throw, Hollace Cluny.
    Designer:
    Michael Penney

    A trellis acts as a focal point above this Philippe Starck Bubble Club sofa the same way a mirror or piece of art would above an indoor couch.

    Photographer:
    Martin Tessler
    Source:
    House & Home Condos 2009 special issue
    Products:
    Wicker rockers, Chintz & Company; bowl, 18 Karat.

    When we think of gardens, we think of lush, natural spaces, but don’t be afraid to embrace synthetic elements. This secluded industrial patio is made cozy with piles of white and cream pillows. Concrete benches double up as seating and a place to serve meals, while greenery pops against the neutral palette. Pea gravel keeps the space low-maintenance.

    Photographer:
    James Mitchell
    Source:
    House & Home July 2012

    Moroccan-style accent pieces add a dash of the exotic to this shady backyard oasis, while a casual low-slung sofa makes for easy lounging and amplifies the height of the courtyard’s leafy trellised walls.

    Photographer:
    Mark York
    Source:
    House & Home July 2012

    Anne Cote embraced this century-old French country home at the foot of Mont Orford, Quebec, for its charming natural garden. Nestled among an abundance of greenery, an airy white tent provides seclusion for dining al fresco.

    Photographer:
    Monic Richard
    Source:
    House & Home June 2014
    Designer:
    Designer Anne Cote, contractor Reginald Clark and architect Douglas Dawson
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    Tags:
    Balcony deck outdoorfurniture patio patiodeck porch terrace
    • funnyface

      Its koi not coy unless its the pond is giving come hither looks.

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