Outdoor Living 388 Ideabooks

Outdoor ceiling fans have been a practical way to cool outdoor spaces since the 1900s — particularly in the South, where they've been as obligatory as sweet tea when it comes to beating summer heat. Today, porch ceiling fans are a wonderful way to create... more »

Vacations to warm escapes often include long, lazy days relaxing in lush, oversize outdoor beds. Bring that same faraway feel of tranquility to your home and provide plenty of guest seating to boot with an outdoor bed. Whether they're over the top or... more »

In any room, indoors or out, lighting is a subtle but crucial way to set the mood and style. Hanging lanterns are a wonderful choice for outdoor entertaining areas that can feel both classic and contemporary. Just as a chandelier welcomes you to a home,... more »

There's something very tranquil and compelling about stones and glass swirling across the ground, creating beautifully patterned mosaics. The ripples of color and texture bring so much life to the surface of a barren patio, and the most glorious part... more »

If you have a boring backyard spot, a spacious roof deck or even a blah driveway and you like playing chess, consider a supersize set that you can enjoy outdoors. I never learned how to play chess, so I get very impressed when I see a set out; it makes... more »

Outdoor spaces benefit from the same design philosophy as our interiors: Add the unexpected, keep it fun and reimagine the space. From creative display techniques to sumptuous texture and color and unusual lighting, these outdoor spaces are exercises... more »

This garden arbor is simple to build and has a beautiful end result — the best of both worlds for a do-it-yourselfer. The base of this arbor consists of a basic structure that can be as simple or as ornate as desired, and the piece can be used in many... more »

An affordable vacation might sound like an oxymoron, but it's just a matter of staying in your own backyard. If you're looking for a fun family activity this summer, consider taking to the great outdoors for a night. Setting up a campground in your yard... more »

It's swimming season! Perhaps the only thing more luxurious than lounging by a shimmering turquoise pool is knowing that a fruity beverage, a fluffy towel or spare sunglasses are just a few steps away from your chaise. Although a pool house might seem... more »

Beating the summer heat can be as simple as hanging out in an air-conditioned room, but the lure of a pool can often be too strong for us to stay indoors. For those looking to invest in building an inground pool, the task can be daunting in terms of all... more »

There are few things better than partying down with friends and family, but our small home's current design isn't ideal for hosting even one person — let alone a whole crew. While our interior is highly lacking in the space category, our exterior... more »

Summer is in full swing, and outdoor gatherings are at their peak. Each night as I descend upon my outdoor patio, I thank my lucky stars for string lights that whimsically resemble ... well, lucky stars. The simple, cost-effective and nonpermanent outdoor... more »

With summer in full swing, it's natural to want to spend more time outdoors. If you live on sprawling acreage without another person in sight, then worrying about maintaining your privacy probably isn't high on your priority list. For the rest of us,... more »

The desert landscape of Las Vegas is tough: Water is at a premium, and the soil is poor. Luckily for this couple, their property abuts conservation land that provides a canopy of shade over their backyard, and they found landscape architect Jonathan... more »

A fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to breathe new life into your front- or backyard fence this summer. Choose a shade that blends with your house or garden, or go bold with an unexpected hue. Whatever you choose, the right color could... more »