31 Inspiring and stylish outdoor room design ideas

Been longing to design your own stylish outdoor retreat but have no idea where to start? Whether you have a porch, pool, or patio, take advantage of the warm summer weather and create your own stunning outdoor space with our inspiring collection of outdoor spaces that will help guide you in creating a luxurious outside lounge. To create a truly functional outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining requires some careful planning. Just like you would design an indoor space, you will need to consider such design aesthetics as architectural style, color harmony, good traffic flow, space requirements and comfort. An outdoor room has its own special challenges, including designing for privacy and creating shelter from the elements.

You will need to determine both the size and layout of your outdoor space, which will depend mainly on the activities you wish to accommodate as well as the size of your property. Whether your outdoor room is cozy and intimate or large and spacious, you will want to consider creating separate zones for various activities—such as cooking, conversation and relaxation—while ensuring there is good traffic flow throughout the space. When situating your outdoor room, also consider the natural elements such as prevailing winds and sun orientation.

We have more design tips suggested for you as you look through our collection of 31 simple ways to create a stylish, inviting outdoor room.

Complement your home’s architectural style. The patterns and colors possible with decorative concrete are unlimited. Narrow down the options by choosing a design scheme that harmonizes with your home and landscape and echoes the design of your indoor rooms.

Create a room with a view by orienting seating areas to overlook flowerbeds, water features and other attractive scenery.

Plan for privacy. Your outdoor room won’t have walls, so if privacy and noise are concerns, you’ll need to install a fence or tall landscaping plants between you and the neighbors. For design continuity, consider installing a precast concrete fence or screening wall with a decorative stone or brick pattern that complements your concrete patio.

Consider convenience. Your outdoor room should be easily accessible from the house, with food preparation areas located near your indoor kitchen to reduce trips back and forth. Also consider access to power and water.

Provide a sheltered retreat. Awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, and pergolas supported by decorative concrete columns are all ways to shelter your outdoor guests from harsh sunlight and light rain while creating intimacy.

Take it in stages. If you’re on a tight budget, you can build your outdoor room in stages, starting with a decorative concrete patio and a concrete countertop for serving food. You can install other features later, such as an outdoor fireplace, a decorative concrete fountain, landscaping and lighting.

Get help pulling it all together. Work with a landscape architect and decorative concrete contractor to make your design ideas reality. These professionals can help you plan an outdoor room that matches your budget, aesthetic and functional requirements.

Photo Sources: 1. FormLA Landscaping, 2. Incorporated, 3. Dufner Heighes Inc, 4. Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape, 5. Ana Williamson Architect, 6. SchappacherWhite Ltd., 7. AMS Landscape Design Studios, 8. Kemp Hall Studio, 9. Outer space Landscape Architecture, 10. Charmean Neithart Interiors, 11. Dresser Homes, 12. Michelle Walker architects, 13. Tim Clarke Design, 14. J. Grant Design Studio, 15. Pinterest, 16. Architectural Digest, 17. Pedersen Associates, 18. Sennikoff Architects, 19. Sealy Design Inc., 20. Cornerstone Architects, 21. Paradise Restored Landscaping, 22. Chandos Interiors, 23. Allen Bianchi, 24. Sutton Suzuki Architects, 25. Bianchi Design, 26. MJ Lanphier Interior Design, 27. Castro Design Studio, 28. Summerour Architects, 29. Molly Wood Garden Design, 30. Culbertson Durst Interiors, 31. Urban Jobe Architecture

Sensational interior and garden designs by Sandy Koepke

Sandy Koepke is a Los Angeles, California based designer who creates stunning outdoor rooms for her clients for entertaining, dining and the pure enjoyment of being immersed in nature along with beautiful interiors that are timeless design that radiates warm and comfortable family environments. “Sunlight. Space. Sophisticated comfort. These are the elements I incorporate into every home and garden design. Yet each project is as individual as the clients — compatible with the specific site and architecture, and reflecting their own style and needs.”

Sandy has a BFA from the University of Nebraska and an MFA from Arizona State University. She developed her incredible design style from living in sunny Southern California. Her style is fun and relaxed, combining the best ingredients in imaginative ways; creating seamless transitions from indoors to out. Twinkling layers of vintage lighting and masses of succulents in California pottery and salvaged containers add charm and color to her outdoor living environments.

“I love the design process: the attention to detail, partnership with my clients and collaboration with architects, contractors and artisans. Most of all, I love turning ordinary spaces into beautiful places that welcome you home. Timeless and effortless….a light-filled and light-hearted approach to interior and garden design.” Sandy’s work has been featured in national shelter magazines, design books and on HGTV.

Photos: Courtesy of Sandy Koepke

Luxury Provencal hideaway on the Bay of St. Tropez

This luxury charming villa has recently been restored to an exceptionally high standard, in a luxuriously contemporary, Provencal style, retaining its original charm and character by its designer owner. Set within an acre of stunning floral gardens, making it extremely private and within the exclusive gated domain of Beauvallon, Villa La Chenoiserie boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of St Tropez. Decorated in an elegant, luxurious style, the villa retains charming features such as the big open fire in the living area, and cool stone floors. The place is filled with gorgeous French furniture, delicate fabrics and vintage armoires.

La Chenoiserie features four bedrooms each with en-suite or private bathrooms. Additionally, there is a two bedroomed garden cottage, which also has its own living room, kitchen and bathroom. The main house offers a spacious internal living/dining area and open plan kitchen, plus library/study. Outside, there is a covered loggia leading off the living area, a large pool with its delightful pool house and ample terracing which offers secluded relaxation amidst the luscious gardens with a breathtaking view over the Bay of St Tropez.

This luxury villa is attended by dedicated members of staff, during the high summer season, giving you the opportunity to totally relax, as the villas staff will attend to your every need from preparing breakfast in the morning to candle lit dinner in the evening prepared by a gourmet chef overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bay.

Rates at Villa La Chenioserie are from 15,538 per week, from here.

Exceptional Mediterranean vineyard estate

Spotted on Sotheby’s Realty is this impressive 50 acre residential vineyard estate, sprawled in the countryside and surrounded by rolling vineyards in Sonoma, California. Meandering pathways link the amenities of this beautiful estate, from the refined vintage style barn and spectacular kitchen garden to the stunning main residence, pool and terrace. The sophisticated 6,067 square foot, three bedroom, five bathroom estate was designed by renowned San Francisco architectural firm, BAR Architects. Exuding a clean, crisp, classic and elegantly informal design, the residence combines European old world architecture with modern design elements that blend harmoniously to create soft rustic warmth with modern style.

The entire residence has been completely renovated with a thoughtful floor plan that flows easily between public and private areas. The residence has been crafted with the highest quality and premium design features such as limestone flooring, stonework, artisan crafted cabinetry and designer fixtures. Features of the home includes, chefs kitchen, home office, library, guest suite, indoor pool, spa/hot tub, barn, gardens, guest house, outdoor pool and shower, terrace, balcony, outdoor BBQ/fireplace and fabulous mountain and vineyard views.

This stunning vineyard estate is listed for sale at $11,500,000, from here.

Stunning farmhouse retreat in Provence

Domaine Laurentine is an old farmhouse that has been converted into a luxurious house in Luberon, Provence, France. The main house features four bedrooms with four bathrooms, professional kitchen, dining room and salon with a fireplace. Attached is the guest house with a salon, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The guest house is attached to the main house but has a separate entrance. There is also a small chapel for reception or a wedding. The houses are nestled in one hectare landscaped garden located in a secure 40 hectare estate shared with the owner who lives nearby (independent and separate access).

Outside is a huge heated and electrolysis treatment swimming pool, equipped with a countercurrent. There is a separate shallow swimming pool with a fountain for children. There is also a tennis court, child friendly garden, and a lovely and very well equipped pool house with summer dining room, fully equipped kitchen with pizza oven, fridge, oven, microwave, BBQ, a bathroom with a shower, toilets and wash basin, garden furniture. The tennis court is only 200 meters away with night lighting and a ball launcher.

To stay at this heavenly French retreat, prices range from $5,240 – $5,242 per night, from here.

Coconut Beach Villa in Sri Lanka

Kadju House is a serene, relaxed and intimate vacation rental located in the village of Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Overlooking the pristine crescent-shaped Coconut Beach, the house offers four en-suite bedrooms, an Ayurvedic spa and an infinity pool with sweeping sea views. Designed to be integrated completely into its environment, it contains nothing superfluous, built from only necessary forms, almost more a fortuitous configuration of materials in nature than a manmade structure — something found. Walk through the rooms: without knowing it, you move from inside to outside, from outside to inside. The design blends a simple tropical aesthetic with modern luxury.

The four bedroom, four en-suite bathroom house is located in a cashew grove and close to nature reserves and temples. The in house spa can provide massage and Ayurvedic treatments along with in house yoga or sessions at the local yoga studio. Only a handful of private homes have direct access to the picture-perfect beach, with its soft white sand and swaying palms. The warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean are ideal for body-boarding and swimming all year round.

Rates run from $600 – $1,500 per night, from here.

Sprawling Texas Ranch style home

This sprawling Texas Ranch style home was built as a Southern Living Idea House by Jefferson Christian Custom Homes. Spotted on Sotheby’s International Realty, this uniquely designed single story retreat rests on 1.76 acres overlooking a beautiful golf course. In addition to the main house, the property includes a casita and impressive outdoor living areas featuring covered terraces, an infinity edge pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, brick oven and lush landscaping.

The heart of this home includes the great room, kitchen, dining and master suite, while a separate wing includes an over-sized game/media room and two additional bedrooms, each with private baths. A gorgeous chef’s kitchen features commercial grade appliances. Recently added signed baccarat pendant lights illuminate the large T-shaped center island. Exotic granite, copper vent hood, antiqued mirror door cabinets and stone accent walls add texture and interest to this remarkable space.

The master suite includes morning bar, comfortable study, fireplace and a luxurious bath with a large center island, double vanities and an inviting soaking tub. Additional areas include a craft/hobby room complete with a rolling island for projects, a gallery to display favorite collections and an efficient office complete with cork walls. Guests will love to stay in the casita with its fully equipped kitchen, living space, separate bedroom and an outdoor living area with wood burning fireplace.

This absolutely stunning property is listed for sale at $1,985,000, from here.

50 Inspiring and delightful outdoor spaces

It is that time of year again, time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for summer. There are numerous ways to infuse life into your outdoor living spaces and create your own personal backyard oasis based on your budget and limitless creativity. Outdoor living is a dream for all of us; it is an extension of your home so it must be a beautiful and cozy place for it to be a pleasurable experience to spend time in this environment. Whether your plans include creating a cozy courtyard or an expansive patio or terrace with all the amenities, you just need some ideas and inspiration to make your space a truly beautiful and relaxing place to be. We have gathered a collection of inspiring outdoor spaces for all budgets, chalk full of ideas, whether you want an outdoor movie theater or a heavenly tranquil oasis where you can curl up and read a book. So sit back, relax, and be inspired for summer with this collection we put together for you of 50 inspiring ideas that will be sure to rock your senses. Don’t forget to let us know which outdoor living space is your favorite!

A stunning rustic holiday home in Portugal

This holiday home in the countryside is filled with charm and simple expression which guided the reform of this house in Palmela, Portugal, very close to Lisbon. There, where holm oaks, cork oaks, broom, lavender, rockrose, sings an endless green symphony, we find this haven in which interior designer Monica Penaguião of Poeira Estudio-Tienda, combines the agricultural origins of construction with a very current project based on a new and sophisticated nature.

The house features whitewashed walls and a gabled roof, showing an exquisite simplicity in its praise for the calm life. The interior also has sought comfort in the spaces eliminating excessive compartmentalization to bind environments. This way, the white walls and wooden painted ceilings, enhances clarity and also exercises its unifying power, emphasized by the unique polished concrete flooring.

The choice of furniture and details flows throughout the home with ease, blending seamlessly with the environment. Capellini, Flos or Marcell Wanders are mixed with pieces of industrial, artisanal and eco procurement, as natural fiber carpets and chairs recycled by Piet Hein Eek – or tissues of ethnicity, which put the colorful note. Its result is a cosmopolitan, cultured and relaxed happy heterogeneous mixture. Via

Stunning LA property with fascinating views

This stunning home in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California is a custom designed home and built to cater for those who want it all! This ultimate trophy compound with three bedrooms and three and a half baths is a work of art. The execution is the fineness revival of the most stylish and famous case study 22 in today’s modern form set just above the famed Sunset Strip in the coveted bird streets. Sweeping views from downtown to the ocean, accessed via an unparalleled location on a quiet cul-de-sac off famed Blue Jay Way. The most extraordinary wet edge pool and spa with solar and gas heating, glows cascading water into the explosive jet-liner featuring city views. Terrazzo flooring makes up the front courtyard and patio decking around the pool area with up lighters and step lighting that takes you below the pool to a custom designed theater made with velvet seating for 9 with a 2inch thick Perspex underwater pool window. Only the finest brands and materials were used throughout, including American Walnut floors, terrazzo, Macassar Ebony, B & B Italia furnishings, Poliform, Gaggenau, Sub Zero, Crestron, Dornbracht faucets and Caesar stone countertops in the kitchen, Boffi accessories and fixtures, Antonio Lupi and Paola Lenti outdoor furnishings. This fabulous home is listed for $9,900,000 here.