Trending Now: 10 Outdoor Rooms to Inspire Summer Lounging
Fire pits, extra-wide seating and stylish shade structures are some of the features you’ll find in these popular photos
Annie Thornton
April 30, 2018
Houzz Editorial Staff
Take a look at the following 10 outdoor rooms and just try not to feel more relaxed. With their deep-seated sofas, conveniently placed fire pits and piles of pillows, these setups inspire what we could all do with a little more of: lounging. This collection features some of the most popular decks, patios, porches and landscapes uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2018. See if any made your most-wanted list.
1. Extra-long built-in seating. This terraced garden in San Francisco features several seating areas, including an outdoor dining room and sunken conversation pit around the fire.
The gravel landing pad between the two primary spaces has its own lounging experience, with a built-in concrete bench and planter that flows into the upper patio. In this extra spot you can take a seat — relax and recline — between the two more formal gathering areas.
The gravel landing pad between the two primary spaces has its own lounging experience, with a built-in concrete bench and planter that flows into the upper patio. In this extra spot you can take a seat — relax and recline — between the two more formal gathering areas.
2. Lawn party. This woodland retreat in Russia is nothing short of idyllic, including the cluster of modern wicker furniture on the lawn just off the back of the house.
Though you might not want to leave patio furniture on the lawn permanently, both for the health of the grass and the longevity of the furniture, it can be a great way to pull people out into the yard during the warm season. (Moving the furniture around every so often should help ensure the grass gets the light it needs.)
Though you might not want to leave patio furniture on the lawn permanently, both for the health of the grass and the longevity of the furniture, it can be a great way to pull people out into the yard during the warm season. (Moving the furniture around every so often should help ensure the grass gets the light it needs.)
3. Cozy country porch. It’s true that the pastoral view and epic stone fireplace are key ingredients in this covered deck in Bozeman, Montana, but its dreamy allure can also be attributed to the furniture and decor, including the breezy outdoor curtains, rustic but cozy textures and materials and the extra-deep, cushy outdoor couch. More throw pillows are always a good idea when you want to make a spot feel more inviting.
See outdoor cushions and pillows
See outdoor cushions and pillows
4. Relaxed rustic dining. There’s nothing wrong with dining and lounging at the same time, as this covered deck in Sydney shows. The built-in bench seating behind the concrete dining table — complete with abundant pillows — provides a great spot for reclining, especially after a hefty meal from the built-in pizza oven. The concrete stools can be pulled out for extra seating — or used as footstools for those sitting on the bench.
5. Warm, contemporary deck. White and wood are always a winning combination when it comes to creating a clean, warm space. This deck in Los Angeles hits that combo perfectly, incorporating black accents via the fire pit, sliding door and light fixtures to really make the space pop.
6. Easy indoor-outdoor flow. This space in Los Angeles highlights the beauty of indoor-outdoor living: The inside and outside spaces feel like they’re ingredients in one large space.
The designer set up the living room and deck to be continuations of the same conversation area, with materials and colors repeated and the two outdoor armchairs arranged to face and frame the sofa and coffee table inside. People inside and out can sit and have a conversation together.
The designer set up the living room and deck to be continuations of the same conversation area, with materials and colors repeated and the two outdoor armchairs arranged to face and frame the sofa and coffee table inside. People inside and out can sit and have a conversation together.
7. Outdoor hangout. This porch in Texas takes a slightly different approach to the outdoor lounge, featuring individual hanging basket chairs rather than club chairs or a sofa. Each seat gives someone the chance to hang solo and relax or engage with the rest of the group.
Browse hammocks and hanging chairs
Browse hammocks and hanging chairs
8. Industrial party patio. No one has to worry about having a bad seat on this Texas patio, where guests can pull up a chair to any spot around the gas fire pit filled with lava rock.
Metal stock tanks are having their moment in the garden, where they’ve been repurposed as everything from raised planter beds to ponds to fire features, as seen here. If you’re looking to add a self-contained industrial touch to the garden, check out more ways to use metal stock tanks outside.
Metal stock tanks are having their moment in the garden, where they’ve been repurposed as everything from raised planter beds to ponds to fire features, as seen here. If you’re looking to add a self-contained industrial touch to the garden, check out more ways to use metal stock tanks outside.
9. The great room. When the weather warms up, so does the grill of the outdoor kitchen. This San Francisco Bay Area home has an extensive outdoor setup, complete with wood-fired pizza oven.
In addition to creating a wonderful cooking environment, the designers made sure the chef will never be lonely — or unable to take a break — by including a comfy, relaxing outdoor lounge just steps from the grill. The extra-wide fire pit can double as a table for drinks and snacks. (Just be sure the fire’s off when you’re eating.)
In addition to creating a wonderful cooking environment, the designers made sure the chef will never be lonely — or unable to take a break — by including a comfy, relaxing outdoor lounge just steps from the grill. The extra-wide fire pit can double as a table for drinks and snacks. (Just be sure the fire’s off when you’re eating.)
10. Adirondack ring. Satellite patios, set off from the house, can be a great way to draw people into the yard. With a ring of Adirondack lounges, shade from an old-growth tree and a sunken fire pit, this stone patio in Chicago is sure to keep people lounging.
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A little trivia...did you know they used to paint the ceiling of porches blue. Birds, bats and bugs would think it was the sky and would be vulnerable to other creatures looking for a meal so they would not build nests or sleep on the porch. That said I live in Wisconsin, if you don't have screens you will be bothered with flies, bees (wasps) and mosquitoes. Now that I am older, I need seating that includes foot rest. Else all of the outdoor areas are beautiful. Thank you for sharing
Building forms and articulations play a key role in shaping outdoor spaces
I love how the orange flowers really pop against the house! Nicely done!