The time has come to bring some much-needed love to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re working with a tiny porch or a pint-sized patio, the right combination of outdoor seating, greenery and color is all you need to bring a dull space back to life after a long winter.
From the perfect porch swing to planters and outdoor textiles, spring into the season with these effortless ideas from around the web.
In this beautiful bohemian outdoor sanctuary, exotic textiles and lush greenery bring a dose of California cool, regardless of location.
Photographer: Carley Summers
Designer: Carley Summers
Color, pattern and plenty of texture create a laid-back look in this boho backyard patio. An outdoor rug warms up the floor and oversized pillows create more seating when space is limited.
If your porch roof is strong and mighty, a hanging bench is a fun and unexpected addition. This pillow party features the wonderful patterns and vibrant textiles of Katie Kime .
Catch a summer snooze or some reading time in this hanging love seat made from natural rattan. A cushion-topped bench provides additional seating, while pillows in the same palette tie the two together.
Layering rugs is a great way to add dimension to a small space. A striped outdoor rug above a textured jute rug creates an earthy, yet contemporary look in this enclosed porch.
Designer: Alicia Lacy
Who says alfresco dining is only for the backyard? A patio is the perfect place to dine, garden and people watch all at once. This multifunctional patio’s bold bistro set is softened with a textured jute rug and surrounding planters.
While lush flowers never hurt, the true showstopper on this porch nook is the blue feather-printed pillow that brings a boho vibe to the vintage bench.
Photographer: Beth Bryan
Varying textures and styles come together for a charming and eclectic mix of alfresco dining furniture. A wall lattice wrapped with minimal ivy is a simple way to create separation among neighboring tenants on an apartment balcony.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home September 2009 Issue
Bold Acapulco chairs pair nicely with a rope-wrapped table to create a modern, yet exotic back patio design.
Photographer: Peter Lyons
Designer: Visual Jill
In this understated back porch setting, the Acapulco chair flies under the radar as this pretty pastel planter takes the stage.
We love how H&H ‘s Joel Bray utilized this cottage veranda by creating an entryway outdoors with all the fixings from the console to the wall hooks.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Designer: Joey Bray
Feeling minimalist? These rounded mesh chairs create a Zen ambience for the perfect quiet corner.
If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with a private porch or balcony straight off your bedroom, go for a breezy, dream-like feel with soft pastels and macrame textiles like in this Barbados beach house.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Designer: NH Design
Instead of a paint job, refresh tired outdoor furniture with casual throws for a cozy nook that feels cool and collected.
Photographer: Sharyn Cairns
Designer: Tracie Ellis
A cottage porch substitutes Muskoka chairs for butterfly chairs and tiki umbrellas resulting in a beachy, resort feel. Who needs Hawaii when you have the ultimate island paradise right at your doorstep?
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Designer: Karyn Gordon and Brent Penner
Looking for the ultimate hideout? Furnish your patio with seating for one, and layer the rest with lush flowers, planters, soft accents and your favorite reading material.
Designer: Meine kleine Oase