16 Beautiful Backyard Pavilions That Extend Time Outside
These creative pavilions are designed for gathering and relaxing from spring to fall, and even beyond
Pavilions, with their solid roofs and generous proportions, bring a sense of permanence to a landscape while adding welcome shelter from the elements. Outfitted with features such as integrated heating, ceiling-mounted fans and lighting, they can easily become true extensions of homes — comfortable for three seasons or even all year, depending on the climate. Read on to discover how architects and designers added their own special touches to this well-loved outdoor structure.
2. Rustic Retreat
This handsome pavilion is in suburban Brookhaven, Georgia, but its stone-clad walls, antler-inspired chandelier and thick mantel with a fireplace below would be equally at home in the mountains. Soorikian Architecture used a texture-rich palette and natural materials to make the space feel warm and inviting. An outdoor bar with a sink, drinks fridge and cabinetry for storage sits to the right of the seating arrangement.
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This handsome pavilion is in suburban Brookhaven, Georgia, but its stone-clad walls, antler-inspired chandelier and thick mantel with a fireplace below would be equally at home in the mountains. Soorikian Architecture used a texture-rich palette and natural materials to make the space feel warm and inviting. An outdoor bar with a sink, drinks fridge and cabinetry for storage sits to the right of the seating arrangement.
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3. Countryside Views
This spacious pavilion is the favored gathering spot year-round for an outdoor-loving family in Burlington, Vermont. Peregrine Design Build situated the pavilion for easy access to both the pool during the warmer months and the area used for a hockey rink in winter. No matter the season, it’s the perfect place for taking in views of the surrounding New England countryside while staying cozy and sheltered from the elements.
Yard of the Week: Pavilion Serves Pool and Hockey Rink
This spacious pavilion is the favored gathering spot year-round for an outdoor-loving family in Burlington, Vermont. Peregrine Design Build situated the pavilion for easy access to both the pool during the warmer months and the area used for a hockey rink in winter. No matter the season, it’s the perfect place for taking in views of the surrounding New England countryside while staying cozy and sheltered from the elements.
Yard of the Week: Pavilion Serves Pool and Hockey Rink
4. Variations on a Theme
For this three-season pavilion at an Annapolis, Maryland, family home, Hansen Architects drew inspiration from the main house, echoing the architecture with a few distinctive twists. For example, the team minimized windows on the front and most of the sides, enclosing just enough space to shelter the kitchen, while a peaked roof open at one end allows breezes to flow through and provides protection from sun, rain and wind. When conditions are ideal, a pergola-covered patio on one side offers a dining area, and a large deck in front of the pavilion invites lounging and relaxation.
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For this three-season pavilion at an Annapolis, Maryland, family home, Hansen Architects drew inspiration from the main house, echoing the architecture with a few distinctive twists. For example, the team minimized windows on the front and most of the sides, enclosing just enough space to shelter the kitchen, while a peaked roof open at one end allows breezes to flow through and provides protection from sun, rain and wind. When conditions are ideal, a pergola-covered patio on one side offers a dining area, and a large deck in front of the pavilion invites lounging and relaxation.
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5. Backyard Centerpiece
A solid pavilion and an attached pergola take center stage in this London, Virginia, backyard designed by Pristine Acres. Positioned between a pool and a basketball court, the structures form an axis for the backyard and provide a place where the homeowners can hang out while watching their kids play. Inside the pavilion, seen here, the family can relax in the shade under the fan, while the adjacent slatted-roofed pergola offers seats in the sunshine around a gas-burning fire feature.
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A solid pavilion and an attached pergola take center stage in this London, Virginia, backyard designed by Pristine Acres. Positioned between a pool and a basketball court, the structures form an axis for the backyard and provide a place where the homeowners can hang out while watching their kids play. Inside the pavilion, seen here, the family can relax in the shade under the fan, while the adjacent slatted-roofed pergola offers seats in the sunshine around a gas-burning fire feature.
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6. Dining Destination
This dining pavilion in Palo Alto, California, proves that good things can come in small packages. Its timeless simplicity is a perfect match for the 1920s home, restored by Fergus Garber Architects. The pavilion, sited under heritage redwoods, features wraparound bench seating integrated into the structure, which both saves on space and creates a pleasantly cocooning effect.
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This dining pavilion in Palo Alto, California, proves that good things can come in small packages. Its timeless simplicity is a perfect match for the 1920s home, restored by Fergus Garber Architects. The pavilion, sited under heritage redwoods, features wraparound bench seating integrated into the structure, which both saves on space and creates a pleasantly cocooning effect.
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New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Covered Cabana
At this poolside pavilion in Milton, Georgia, many features draw the eye, but the large stacked-stone fireplace is the highlight. It ensures that the space remains inviting well before swim season begins and long after it ends. Boyce Design + Build added a timeless touch with a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, complemented by crisp white posts and beams, creating a classic, welcoming atmosphere.
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At this poolside pavilion in Milton, Georgia, many features draw the eye, but the large stacked-stone fireplace is the highlight. It ensures that the space remains inviting well before swim season begins and long after it ends. Boyce Design + Build added a timeless touch with a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, complemented by crisp white posts and beams, creating a classic, welcoming atmosphere.
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8. Year-Round Hangout
The pavilion at this home in Renton, Washington, creates plenty of room to be outside even when the weather is less than ideal. The timber-frame structure, by Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, is large enough to house a spacious seating area with a fire pit as well as a full outdoor kitchen with bar-style seating. Ceiling-mounted heaters keep the seating areas feeling cozy on chilly evenings, while integrated lighting casts a soft, inviting glow.
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The pavilion at this home in Renton, Washington, creates plenty of room to be outside even when the weather is less than ideal. The timber-frame structure, by Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, is large enough to house a spacious seating area with a fire pit as well as a full outdoor kitchen with bar-style seating. Ceiling-mounted heaters keep the seating areas feeling cozy on chilly evenings, while integrated lighting casts a soft, inviting glow.
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9. Desert Retreat
While the Southwest may be known for rich desert colors such as red and ocher, landscape designer Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery of Boxhill embraced a cooling, beach-inspired color palette for this Tucson, Arizona, pavilion and outdoor dining area. She designed the pavilion with an angled tin roof that provides full shade from the sun while keeping the seating area open to views and breezes. String lights overhead and a fire in the hearth create ambiance for enjoying cool desert evenings.
Beach Style Meets Desert in a Tucson Backyard
While the Southwest may be known for rich desert colors such as red and ocher, landscape designer Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery of Boxhill embraced a cooling, beach-inspired color palette for this Tucson, Arizona, pavilion and outdoor dining area. She designed the pavilion with an angled tin roof that provides full shade from the sun while keeping the seating area open to views and breezes. String lights overhead and a fire in the hearth create ambiance for enjoying cool desert evenings.
Beach Style Meets Desert in a Tucson Backyard
10. Statement Piece
A large stone fireplace draws one’s eye across the water to this poolside pavilion, designed by architect David C. Fowler for a home in Morningside, Georgia. Inside, a hanging seat and a pair of plush armchairs create inviting spots for unwinding and taking in the scenery. A large ceiling fan keeps the air comfortable during warmer months, while a fire pit adds warmth and ambiance on cool evenings.
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A large stone fireplace draws one’s eye across the water to this poolside pavilion, designed by architect David C. Fowler for a home in Morningside, Georgia. Inside, a hanging seat and a pair of plush armchairs create inviting spots for unwinding and taking in the scenery. A large ceiling fan keeps the air comfortable during warmer months, while a fire pit adds warmth and ambiance on cool evenings.
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11. Island Getaway
The views from this pavilion-style porch on Kiawah Island in South Carolina are stunning no matter which season it is. Designed by Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, the space combines a subtle beach-inspired aesthetic with comfort and functionality; it features an outdoor fireplace, a grill, an overhead fan and plenty of seating. A neutral color palette makes the space feel light and airy, perfectly suited to its coastal setting.
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The views from this pavilion-style porch on Kiawah Island in South Carolina are stunning no matter which season it is. Designed by Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, the space combines a subtle beach-inspired aesthetic with comfort and functionality; it features an outdoor fireplace, a grill, an overhead fan and plenty of seating. A neutral color palette makes the space feel light and airy, perfectly suited to its coastal setting.
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12. Northwest Style
Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction designed this expansive pavilion in Woodinville, Washington, capturing the rustic charm typical of the Pacific Northwest. Ceiling fans keep the space comfortable on warm days, while heaters and a fire pit ensure cozy gatherings in cool or rainy weather. Whether the family is enjoying a meal together or adults are socializing while keeping an eye on children playing on the nearby lawn, the pavilion provides a versatile, welcoming retreat.
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Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction designed this expansive pavilion in Woodinville, Washington, capturing the rustic charm typical of the Pacific Northwest. Ceiling fans keep the space comfortable on warm days, while heaters and a fire pit ensure cozy gatherings in cool or rainy weather. Whether the family is enjoying a meal together or adults are socializing while keeping an eye on children playing on the nearby lawn, the pavilion provides a versatile, welcoming retreat.
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13. More Than Meets The Eye
It’s easy to see that this Libertyville, Illinois, pavilion offers everything needed for year-round outdoor entertaining: a full kitchen, a spacious lounge and overhead heaters and fans. However, Joey Rossa of JMR Landscaping and Nick Shaver of Century Bay Builders didn’t stop there; the pavilion connects to a full guesthouse with another kitchen and dining area, a place for games, a family room and a full primary sleeping space upstairs. Interior designer Laura Demetrio completed the vision with a sophisticated, beach-inspired aesthetic, furnishing the pavilion so it doubles as an extra living space.
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It’s easy to see that this Libertyville, Illinois, pavilion offers everything needed for year-round outdoor entertaining: a full kitchen, a spacious lounge and overhead heaters and fans. However, Joey Rossa of JMR Landscaping and Nick Shaver of Century Bay Builders didn’t stop there; the pavilion connects to a full guesthouse with another kitchen and dining area, a place for games, a family room and a full primary sleeping space upstairs. Interior designer Laura Demetrio completed the vision with a sophisticated, beach-inspired aesthetic, furnishing the pavilion so it doubles as an extra living space.
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14. Sleek Spa
Set at one end of the pool at a McLean, Virginia, home, this outdoor pavilion is designed for ultimate relaxation and year-round enjoyment. The team at Pristine Acres crafted a spacious lounge area on one side, complete with a ceiling fan to keep things cool, a fireplace for chilly evenings and a TV for entertainment in every season. On the other side, a large spa elevates the experience, offering the perfect place for unwinding and recharging.
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Set at one end of the pool at a McLean, Virginia, home, this outdoor pavilion is designed for ultimate relaxation and year-round enjoyment. The team at Pristine Acres crafted a spacious lounge area on one side, complete with a ceiling fan to keep things cool, a fireplace for chilly evenings and a TV for entertainment in every season. On the other side, a large spa elevates the experience, offering the perfect place for unwinding and recharging.
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15. Drawing Card
This comfy corner of a Minneapolis backyard draws family and friends outside from spring to fall. Created by The Professional Landscape, it has a stone wall anchoring one end, with a TV for watching a favorite show or sports game. A gas fire pit in the center of the space acts as both a focal point and a coffee table. A bar-level countertop, a corner of which is seen at the bottom left of this photo, is ideal for setting out appetizers, drinks and even full meals made in the outdoor kitchen just behind it.
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This comfy corner of a Minneapolis backyard draws family and friends outside from spring to fall. Created by The Professional Landscape, it has a stone wall anchoring one end, with a TV for watching a favorite show or sports game. A gas fire pit in the center of the space acts as both a focal point and a coffee table. A bar-level countertop, a corner of which is seen at the bottom left of this photo, is ideal for setting out appetizers, drinks and even full meals made in the outdoor kitchen just behind it.
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16. Twin Take
Noble Architects created two identical pavilions at this Dickson, Tennessee, home. The pavilion on the left, set at a slight angle to the pool, is meant for entertaining in all kinds of weather, thanks to its large fireplace and comfortable seating. Directly facing the pool, the pavilion on the right houses an outdoor kitchen with its own seating and a TV. Open roof ends on both structures promote air circulation on warmer days, complemented by ceiling and wall fans, while beam-mounted heaters create warmth as temperatures drop.
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Noble Architects created two identical pavilions at this Dickson, Tennessee, home. The pavilion on the left, set at a slight angle to the pool, is meant for entertaining in all kinds of weather, thanks to its large fireplace and comfortable seating. Directly facing the pool, the pavilion on the right houses an outdoor kitchen with its own seating and a TV. Open roof ends on both structures promote air circulation on warmer days, complemented by ceiling and wall fans, while beam-mounted heaters create warmth as temperatures drop.
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More on Houzz
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Browse thousands of patio photos
Find a landscape designer or architect
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Great American Landscapes designed this expansive pavilion in Rockville, Maryland, to accommodate large family gatherings with ease. Echoing the comfort of an indoor living room, the space features plush outdoor furnishings, soft throws, an area rug and even wall-mounted artwork. Overhead heaters provide warmth during cooler months, while a nearby pool and ceiling fan offer refreshing options when summer temperatures rise.
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