Stunning Images of Outdoor Living Spaces for Your Home Inspiration

Stunning Images of Outdoor Living Spaces for Your Home Inspiration

Why Create an Outdoor Living Space?

There’s a lot of talk these days about outdoor living design and how much of an impact outdoor living space can have on your family time. Having a place to go and spend more time as a family right in your backyard is worth every penny.

Scroll through to see inspiring spaces our customers have made using The Luxury Pergola lineup. Who knows, these outdoor living space ideas may inspire you to start your own backyard renovation!

What is an Outdoor Living Space?

An outdoor living space can extend the living area of your home without the need for a full-on home addition. In the above image, the homeowners used a pergola to create an outdoor dining room with plenty of seating options; while in the below image, a pergola is used to make an outdoor loving room, complete with television and entertainment center.

Designing an Outdoor Space

Plan for Functionality

Consider how you plan to use your outdoor living areas, and plan your space around those. In the below image, we see one Luxury Pergola customer using their backyard space for swimming and chilling by the pool. They have one covered area over the dining table, and another over the outdoor kitchen, both sections directly by the pool. Perfect for entertaining in the outdoors!

Choose Your Features

Whether it's a fire pit, pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchens, or outdoor dining area, there are a lot of cool features you can add to your outdoor living room. Don't just go for the most popular features, pick what makes sense for your lifestyle. In the below image, the homeowners opted for an outdoor bar area/dining table, a kitchenette, and a water slide into their pool! A perfect place for entertaining and relaxing.

Outdoor Living Room Ideas

Often it's useful to think of your patio like an "outdoor living room", and decorate and lay it out like you would an indoor space in your main residence.

In the patio in the below image, comfortable furniture (including an outdoor sofa) and colorful throw pillows on a natural wood deck are used to create a perfect spot for relaxing and hanging out. the plants tie everything together for a perfect outdoor living room.

Outdoor Living Spaces Inspiration

Modern Outdoor Spaces

Modern outdoor patios use blocky shapes, simple color palettes, and clean lines to create an orderly yet distinct look. In the image below, you can see how the landscape architect used square lines and a muted color palette so that the greenery, the seating, and the colored LED lights in the pool would be the first things to draw attention.

Patio Outdoor Spaces

Create a simple outdoor patio living room (like in the image below) by using a paver patio, pergola, and comfortable seating area. You could add some outdoor rugs and throw pillows tom make the space more comfortable and homely.

Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, or add an outdoor kitchen to reduce the back and forth trips between your main house and outdoor living room when eating outside. In this case, they used a large pergola to shade the entire space.

Sustainable Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating a sustainable outdoor living space is not only beneficial for the environment but also adds a unique charm to your home. By using eco-friendly materials and incorporating green features, you can design an inviting outdoor space that aligns with your values.

Consider using reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled plastic for your outdoor furniture and structures. These materials are not only sustainable but also add a rustic and natural beauty to your outdoor living area. Solar-powered lighting is another excellent addition, providing energy-efficient illumination without the need for extensive wiring.

DIY Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Getting the Perfect DIY Outdoor Kitchen

When creating a DIY outdoor kitchen (like the one in the image above) it doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a grill, a countertop, and some cabinets. Adding a sink will require running a water line out - so if you want running water in your outdoor kitchen, make sure to consult a licensed plumber.

Outdoor Living Space Layouts

Layout Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces

When you don't have a lot of space, you have to prioritize: What matters most to you - a general seating area? An eating area? An outdoor kitchen? If you're smart about it, you might be able to set something up that converts between a couple of those options but you definitely can't pick all of them.

In the image above is an outdoor living room designed for a relatively small backyard. It's mostly filled with a covered patio, with a conversation area and an eating area. Small spaces can easily be fitted to become cozy and inviting, a very comfortable extension to your house.

Layout Ideas for Large Outdoor Spaces

When laying out a larger space, it's important to set up a focal point to design around - something that will be eye catching, and define the purpose and meaning of the rest of the patio. It can be a piece of art, a fire pit, or a big table with a centerpiece on it. In the image below, the focal point is the wall and counter with the TV/entertainment set up, which defines the purpose of the chairs and the hot tub underneath the pergola.

Lighting Ideas for Outdoor Spaces

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and function of your outdoor living space. The right lighting can transform your outdoor area into a magical retreat, while the wrong or inadequate lighting can make a space impossible to use.

If you plan on using your patio on more than just the sunny days, but into the cool evening and the dark night, then then warmth and light will become key components in your outdoor room. Light can also create a focal point in your yard, the eye being drawn to the lit space, like in the image below, where the cool modern patio stand out next to the pool thanks to the visual pop of the LED lights installed on the pergola.

Types of Lighting

There are lots of type of outdoor lighting on the market today. String lighting is a popular choice for easily adding a warm and cozy ambiance. Lanterns can add a rustic and warm glow with minimal effort. Fairy lights offer a more whimsical look.

LED lights are highly energy-efficient and can be used to create various lighting effects, from subtle ambiance to dramatic displays. They are perfect for highlighting specific outdoor space features, such as pathways, plants, or water features.

When choosing lighting for your outdoor living space, consider the size and shape of the area, the types of activities you plan to enjoy, and the desired feel of the space.

Conclusion

We hope you've enjoyed the images we've collected here, and we hope that they help you to come up with great outdoor living spaces ideas for your home. And if you're looking for a quality DIY aluminum louvered pergola, don't hesitate to reach out!