Ideas For Decorating A Patio

With the approach of nicer weather and summer just around the corner, the itch to spend more time outdoors comes on in a big way. Even if you don't have a big back yard, a patio or deck can be just as relaxing and enjoyable. The question becomes how to style the space so that it's functional and feels like a getaway just outside your door. Ideally, the space is flexible enough to be a private retreat for enjoying that morning coffee or a cozy area for your next little cocktail party. Have a look at these great patio decorating ideas.

Multifunctional Patio

An enclosed, arbor-topped patio is just the ticket for entertaining. It's so versatile because with a table and chairs it makes a sublime outdoor dining space. The wood-fired oven can also serve up some heat on chiller nights, creating a perfect place to gather and toast some marshmallows. Designed by Ian Barker Gardens of Australia, this space is a delightful retreat from spring through fall.

Indoor/Outdoor Marvel

Architect Nadine Englebrecht designed this magnificent patio that can be used year round. A stunning architectural glass wall automatically raises up to open the space to the great outdoors and the magnificent landscape. A minimalist concrete floor and rustic dining set are just the right combination to highlight the rolling hills surrounding the home near Pretoria, South Africa.

Zen Patio Space

Lots of greenery and some Asian elements create a Zen patio.

A secluded garden patio surrounded by greenery exudes a real Zen vibe. The former artists' retreat is located in a botanical garden in the Sydney, Australia suburbs. Creating a wall of shrubbery on at least one side of a patio will guarantee a green oasis to enjoy in the summer warmth, both for relaxing as well as entertaining.

A Modern Minimalist Patio

Not every home is surrounded by trees and copious shrubbery, so Zona Architekci designed this modern patio to take advantage of the clean lines and architectural features of the house. This patio decorating idea focuses on modular furniture that mimics the angles of the house and features two sliding screens that visually define the edge of the patio. The wooden arbor structure above make the space feel cozier by limiting the height without totally closing it in.

Tropical Patio

Bring on the tropical drinks with little umbrellas because this chic beachside patio designed by Mexican designer Sofia Aspe is paradise. This patio decorating idea has all the trappings for relaxation, from comfy casual furniture to a tropical bar and hammocks for napping. Everything is set up for enjoying the killer view too.

Poolside Patio

A serene pool courtyard is a beautiful patio setting.

For the most enjoyment, a poolside patio should be more than just a place to sun yourself and Klopf Architecture got everything right when they designed this one. Simple, casual furnishings make this San Mateo California patio a versatile entertaining space and the modern firepit extends the life of the patio into cooler evenings and chillier seasons.

Sunny Southwestern Patio

Modern rustic patios are calm and relaxing.

The weathered furniture on this patio might have a taste of New England about it, but the main aesthetic is southwestern style. Designed by Mark Ashby, this Austin, Texas patio is a comfortable lounging area that can be used through a number of seasons. The weathered stone wall and sleek fireplace create boundaries but still allow you to enjoy the view beyond. With a refined design like this, restrained patio decorating ideas are best.

Desert Oasis Patio

This desert patio has a unique fireplace.

Fully part of the outdoor landscape but shaded from the blazing sun, this stylish, modern patio is an oasis in the desert. Sturdy natural furnishings are the ideal patio decorating idea for a sleek space like this Paradise Valley, Arizona home. The unique fireplace platform extends the use of the patio in cooler months and is a marvelous architectural feature at the same time.

Urban Sanctuary

Located smack in the middle of Sydney, Australia, Garden Life created this patio that s a true urban oasis. Flanked by easy care greenery — and a green privacy wall that blends marvelously with the plantings — the patio has a bit of an exotic vibe. Comfortable chairs and a long bench perfect for guest seating ring the fun herringbone brick floor design.

Related: The Best Swing Chairs for Patios, Gardens and Backyards

Outdoor Room With a View

A long covered patio is great for enjoying the view.

When the view is beyond compare, the right patio decorating ideas capitalize on this benefit. A Brazilian home incorporates a covered patio that runs most of its length. The natural landscaping and nearby pool set the stage for the mountains beyond. Low maintenance furniture and an outdoor fireplace maximize the use of the space and don't detract from the stunning landscape.

Whitewashed and Natural

Endless summer vibes come from this whitewashed pool-side patio with natural accents. Designed by Spanish designer Virginia Nieto, the space is shielded from the strong summer sun (and any rain showers) by the thatched cover and fan-paddle ceiling fixture. Rattan furniture and accents in citrus hues play up the colors from the landscape, which help it feel like a natural extension of the surroundings.

Part of the Landscape

This patio is part of the natural gardens.

Native grasses and plants form a natural border for this rustic patio that makes the most of its secluded location. Placed in the middle of the low-care gardens, the patio has a picnic table as well as a small bistro table for dining. A lovely garden bench is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view, but the patio's connectedness to gardens encourages roaming the Portland, Oregon barn house property.

Private Terrace Patio

An enclosed courtyard makes an ideal patio space.

Any enclosed space can be transformed into a stylish patio with the right plantings and furniture as in this home outside of Sydney Australia. Located in a harborside community, the enclosed space offers a respite from urban life and a grade space for entertaining in beautiful weather. The key is comfortable and functional pieces along with landscape elements that require very little care.

Seaside Living Room Patio

The whole living room becomes part of the patio when the glass is open.

So much a part of the house, it's hard to say where the patio starts and the living room ends. The Cape Town, South Africa home has a main room fully open to the outdoors, only closed off by a glass wall when necessary. The stylish, modern-yet-natural furniture is ideal for creating a symbiotic relationship with the sea view beyond.

Totally Tiled Patio

Multiple types of tile create an easy-care patio.

Tile is an easy-care surface and this patio makes the most of it by using it for the flooring, tabletop as well as the walls. Kingston Lafferty Design of Dublin, Ireland, has created an outdoor patio that can easily be hosed down — or wiped down after a rainstorm. It's the perfect style of patio for a region where weather can be rainy.

Rugged Lined Patio

As rugged as the peaks that surround it in Snowmass, Colorado, this home's patio is a true roof-top haven. The jagged linear design repeats the angles of the main house and incorporates a grand triangular firepit that maximizes the view for those who sit on the v-shaped seat. Closer to the house, a grill and dining counter are ideal for entertaining and even cooking in cooler weather.

Mid-Century Patio

LIght gray pieces blend well on this California patio.

A perfect style fit for its location in Beverly Hills, California, this design by Marmol Radziner makes the most of mid-century modern design on this patio. The pale gray furnishings blend with the concrete tiled surface and bluish-green plantings. The pieces have a light and sophisticated vibe, an ideal patio decorating idea for a chic home.

Edgy and Artful

The grass, furnishings and art blend into a cohesive patio space.

Art lovers will want to emulate the style of this patio design by Ken Fulk of California. The whimsical vibe of the indoors is repeated outside with a large statue and modern furnishings that look like they match the grass and patio sections. The large stone rectangles "mortared" with grass create a casual and natural base for the outdoor living space.

Patio Pavilion

A stand-alone pavilion is perfect for parties.

Taking advantage of the views and ample space, this patio is a stand-alone pavilion situated on a bluff in Austin, Texas. Amazing for entertaining, the patio pavilion also has everything a family could want, from an outdoor kitchen to a television and a huge covered stockpile of wood for the fireplace.

Provencal Style Patio

A gravel base is typical of a Provencal patio style.

There's nothing like a little French flair to create an utterly charming patio space. The Mas de Bigot property in Saint Rémy de Provence has all the elements you could want for whiling away a summer afternoon: Rustic gravel surface, stylish and comfortable seating, pots of plants and dappled shade. A modest thatched cover is all that's needed to shield the afternoon sun. Bring on the wine!

Narrow Patio

Any space can become a patio if designed properly.

Even a narrow alleyway between buildings can be a functional patio. Elevation Architects transformed this San Francisco spot into a long and very charming patio, with a bit California countryside flair. The plantings are not fussy and the materials used — wood and concrete — are low maintenance. The long bench in from t of the firepit makes this an ideal entertaining space too.

Patio Retreat

A wide-open patio pairs well with a reading getaway.

Part of an entire backyard retreat, this open patio sits next to a shed-like structure that is a retreat meant for reading. The outdoor patio space has plenty of room for guests and a hot tub to boot. The firepit and garden plantings complete the feeling of a real getaway for those who like to escape with lots of good books.

Container Home Patio

The patio wood ties together the container house and the outdoor space.

Homes made from shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular and they too can have a patio. This one is made from wood decking that helps tie the home in with this outdoor space. The overall look is natural, but bright blue Adirondack chairs are a great decorating ideal for adding a lively hue to the patio space.

Inner City Patio

Inner city apartments can have rooftop patios.

A little slice of sunshine and greenery in an urban jungle of concrete, this eclectic patio designed by Lorla is a highly prized feature in New York City. Located in the popular Chelsea neighborhood, space is tight so it focuses on comfortable seating and room for potted plants and herbs.

Contemporary Patio

A contemporary home offers up different options for patio decorating ideas. This Santa Barbara patio, designed by NMA Architects features a slatted wall and ceiling that provide a bit of shade and definition while preserving the open feeling. Furniture on this patio is uber stylish and could just as easily have been placed indoors. A large fireplace is a great feature for extending the use of an outdoor room.

Plant-Filled Patio

This patio has a jungalow style feeling with all the plants.

Chock full of plants and a summertime vibe, this Art Deco house has a patio that is all about relaxation. Designed by Chad McPhail, the poolside chairs are super casual and the whitewashed walls give it a south-of-the-border feeling.

Sleek Contemporary

The sleek patio looks like an extension of the house.

Capitalizing on the Colorado views, this modern Denver patio by KH Webb presents the essentials in style: A long firepit, compact outdoor kitchen and large, cushy armchairs. The geometric shape of the stone floor mimics the peaks of the surrounding mountains and is far more interesting than a basic square or rectangle.

Architectural Patio

An architectural style patio is very relaxed.

When the architecture of the house is the most important feature, the patio has to have the same vibe. This airy and green patio is designed by Neil Architecture of Melbourne and has a minimalist look that is still very earthy. Climbing vines on the arbor and a tree in the middle of the wood patio add plenty of natural elements, creating a very relaxing space.

Transitional Patio

A mix of modern and contemporary pieces decorate this poolside patio.

It sits somewhere between modern and contemporary style, but this Dallas, Texas patio has comfort and beauty in spades. designed by Randy Angell, the modern pool has a contemporary fountain feature and the chairs and sofa have hefty contemporary cushions that are great for sitting and relaxing. A long fire pit is an ideal patio decoration idea for a poolside space.

Rooftop Patio

In urban areas where land space is scarce rooftop patios make for the ultimate getaway. This one is right outside the living area and features a cushy couch and industrial wood coffee table. An high-end outdoor kitchen, designed to fit in with the wooden exterior detail of the main building, means that entertaining space is multiplied.

Old-Fashioned Porch

Older homes might not have the place or possibility for a conventional patio in the back of the house, but they often have a porch that can serve as a patio. Really, what is a patio but an outdoor living space? This one decorated by Thread Art and Design combines an old-fashioned feel with more contemporary pieces of furniture that create a homey and inviting patio space.

Bayside Patio

Small and secluded, the patio is a perfect retreat for two.

Small on space but big on charm and relaxation, this patio at 28 degrees Byron Bay in New South Wales is a little escape ideal for two. Okay, so you could also have guests but we'd want to hunker down and enjoy this little piece of plant filled paradise, both in the daytime as well as the evening.

Luxury Urban Patio

Urban patios can still be luxurious and spacious.

Some inner-city rooftop patios might be small and cozy, this one is the epitome of city luxury. Created by Jeffrey Erb Design, it features dining space that has an arbor-style cover and plenty of tree-filled pots to make you forget you're in the middle of New York City. Slatted walls add some wood to the design and privacy to the patio.

All-White Patio

Ascher Smith Design rescued a derelict outdoor space and turned it into this crisp, white patio, perfect for a family. The outdoor living space has plenty of room for children to play and lots of comfortable seating, as well as a dining table. Casual jungalow style furnishings and accessories reinforce the nature of the space and are a great patio decorating idea.

Beach House Patio

As a respite from the shore, this California beach house designed by Lukas Machnik includes a little private patio that is a cozy and modern space. Dark gray brick walls frame the stone patio that has a built-in fire pit and enough room for two seating areas. Potted trees add a little shade and greenery to the space.

Transitional Patio

A patio courtyard is done in transitional style.

This transitional patio is part of a renovated California English Tudor home designed by Page Pierce. It has the feel of a courtyard and is a fabulous family dining and entertaining space. Eclectic traditional accessories spice up the area and enliven the neutral colors.

Mediterranean Patio

Southwestern style patios can be of Mediterranean style.

Done in a Mediterranean style that is popular in the American southwest, this Phoenix patio is called a cocktail courtyard. Designed by Spiral Architects, it is enclosed but feels very open. the desert view beyond is a major feature as is the wall fountain and gorgeous natural stone wall construction. The addition of a console table in an outdoor space is a great patio decorating idea.

Garage-Plot Patio

A new renovated patio has modern style with punch.

A project to rebuild an old garage gave Shelterwerk the opportunity to design this amazing compact multilevel outdoor patio. A combination of a slated dark exterior was mixed with pops of bright color to modernize the look of the garage. Transitional outdoor furniture softens the modern edges and makes it a very inviting and relaxing space.

Detached Patio Structure

A patio pavilion is like another living room in the yead.

Even in a suburban backyard, a patio does not have to be attached to the house. This detached covered patio was designed by Houston Remodeling. It is constructed from custom-milled cypress wood, chosen for its durability and weather-resistance. Housed under the tall roof are a stone fireplace, porch swing and full outdoor kitchen.

Beach Style Patio

An oval patio is perfect for beach watching.

San Diego is surrounded by sun and sea, and this beach style patio by Sage Design is a relaxing spot for taking in the view of both. The covered firepit can serve as a coffee table and there plenty of room for more chairs in the gravel oval. The natural flowers and grasses provide privacy as well as a great dose of greenery.

Expansive Patio

When there's plenty of backyard, an expansive patio is fabulous because it takes advantage of the linear space available. This broad design runs the length of the house and uses white flooring to set off the dark wood paneled walls. Glass walls on both sides of the house allow for viewing both the front yard as well as the back.

Grass and Brick Patio

An eclectic collection of pieces makes a casual patio setting.

Just outside a home in Peru, this casual patio is perfect for family as well as friends. The surface of the patio is brick and the intervening spaces are filled with natural grass. It's the perfect base for the eclectic furnishings used at the dining and bistro tables. This patio is the ultimate in unpretentious and homey design.

Traditional Patio

It'severythingg you could ever want in a patio: A fireplace with covered seating and lighting, an outdoor dining area, and plenty of flower beds. This traditional backyard oasis in Portland was designed by Paradise Restored and has plenty of privacy thank to the fenced yard, which is a great place for some trelises too.

Florida Style Patio

Comfortable furniture is key for a patio that gets year-round use.

In a region where patios can be enjoyed year-round, this Florida design by Morrone Interiors has the comfort you want. Shaded by an arbor, the transitional furniture is super comfortable and right next to the house for maximum convenience. The long concrete panels that make up the patio are divided by strips of grass, which visually tie it in with the yard beyond.

Ultimate Mountain Patio

Super luxurious spaces have more amenities than the typical patio.

It's almost a crime to call this amazing space a patio, but it is open and features gorgeous oversized porch swings. Designed by Jodi Wilkerson and captured by Thompson Photographic, the space is rustic but oh-so luxurious. The big screen television over the fireplace is flanked by windows that offer a view better than anything you can find on TV! The black and green color palette are a serene match to the landscape.