Our 20 Favorite Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces

One area of the home to come the furthest in terms of design over the years is the outdoor living space. These were once just spaces to place a patio furniture set and maybe a grill. But these days, people are including televisions, entire kitchens (including the kitchen sink) and dining areas fit for a restaurant. Many outdoor living spaces have fire pits that are works of art, and sometimes even full fireplaces. So if you’re ready to update your outdoor living space in a big way, take a look at the inspiring photos below. You might just find an idea for your next backyard remodel.

Outdoor living spaces with a TV

One of the key ways in which outdoor living spaces have evolved is the inclusion of technology right in the backyard. Thanks to the modern convenience of flat screens, it’s easier than ever to hang a television anywhere. There are several different ways to make a television work in an outdoor space, though it’s important to install them in enclosed spaces to guard them from the weather. Take a look below for some of the best ways to make use of a television in an outdoor space.

Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Tree Plants – Outdoor Couch

PC Photography/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Wooden Sofa – Outdoor Center Table

lidsspb/Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Pool Chair – Adirondack Ottoman

TimAbramowitz/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Round Fire Pit – Outdoor Sofa

Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Wooden Outdoor Chair – Dinnerware

Outdoor kitchen spaces

Nowadays, outdoor spaces feature entire kitchens. This means there are spaces for small refrigerators, a variety of cooktops and sinks outdoors.Modern outdoor kitchen appliances also tend to come in stainless steel, since that makes the appliances more resistant to the weather and other wear and tear. A common design aesthetic is to put stainless steel in stone or brick. The rustic stone and modern stainless steel combination creates interesting contrast. The stone also helps anchor the appliances in place and gives them a more outdoorsy look.

JodiJacobson/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Faucet

Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Oven – Mini Fridge

Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Counter Chair

Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Counter Stool

Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Oven

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits

A classic mainstay of an outdoor space is the fire pit. Many of us have spent fond evenings relaxing around the fire as the heat of the day dissipates. However, fire pits have adopted an artistic bent over the years, looking more like “fire features” than traditional fire pits.Another development is taking the traditional fireplace from inside the home and placing it outside. These usually provide seating areas and a backdrop for TVs.

sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Ceiling Fan

mylove4art/Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Fire Pit – Sectional Sofa

MargJohnsonVA/Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Wooden Chair – Round Fire Pit

Artazum/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Throw Pillow – L-Shaped Outdoor Sofa

bezikus/Shutterstock

Shop These Products Now: Outdoor Center Table – Outdoor Wooden Sofa

Outdoor dining spaces

Perhaps it wouldn’t be a full outdoor living space without bringing the dining room outside, too. Outdoor dining spaces these days are so detailed that they look like they belong indoors — that is, until you look closer and realize that everything is designed to stand up to the elements.Some outdoor living spaces boast long, full tables similar to what you would see in a dining room. Others make use of bar areas. Still others resemble kitchen islands. With so many options surrounding space and materials, the outdoor dining space is truly customizable.

MargJohnsonVA/Twenty20

Shop These Products Now: Dining Chair – Dinnerware

TerryJ/Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Counter Chair

Getty Images

Shop These Products Now: Wooden Dining Table

Shutterstock

If you’re looking to remodel your backyard, options for outdoor living spaces are nearly endless. Did you find inspiration in any of the outdoor living spaces above?