How to Make Your Backyard the Best Room in Your House

Suffering from cabin fever? Yes, we are too. So why not focus on creating an inviting outdoor space for your family and your fellow shelter-in-place companions? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has everything you need to know about how to decorate to make your backyard or patio the most luxurious, engaging and best room in your house, including chic luxury outdoor home decor, furniture, rugs and accessories. Let’s get out!

an outdoor living room is the best cure for cabin fever

While the kitchen or living room may be the heart of the home, we’re getting a little stir-crazy…OK, a lot stir-crazy.

It was kind of fun for awhile embracing our introverted sides and doing cozy things indoors like cooking meals from scratch and playing board games with the family. But, we are seriously and truly ready for a change of scenery.

Backyard patio season is coming early this year! No longer an afterthought, this precious underused space might finally live up to its potential as an outdoor oasis.

Now that we don’t have commutes to contend with, we’re imagining having our first cup of coffee outside on a lounge chair. Or setting up a hammock for afternoon siestas. And for sure we will be dining alfresco to make those mid-week dinners a little more special.

how to make your backyard the best room in your house

Whether you have a small terrace or sprawling, manicured grounds, a cohesive style can make a world of difference in creating an inviting outdoor living room. Ahead, five scenes to help you imagine the possibilities.

1. A Calm and Modern Retreat

With all the cacophony going on around us, this space is meant to be a reset. Clean lines, minimal color and soothing natural elements help bring a sense of calm without sacrificing a cool, contemporary style.

Seating and Tables: Article Driftwood Gray Sofa ($1,399), Serena & Lily Coffee Table ($1,598), One Kings Lane Garden Stool ($130)

Lighting: Serena & Lily Rattan Pendant ($548), Restoration Hardware Teak Lanterns ($195-$360)

Planters: Vondom Spaghetti Planter ($955), Vondom Muro Planter ($705)

Decorative Accents: Serena & Lily Turnstone Rug ($798 for 8’ x 10’), Serena & Lily West Beach Pillow ($118), West Elm Tie Dye Pillow ($44)

2. A Colorful and Eclectic Lounge

 This outdoor living room is a carefree mish-mash of colors and patterns that elicit a feeling of spontaneity and joy. It’s casual and elevated and ready for a party whenever you are.

Seating and Tables: All’aperto Tartan 2-Seat Sofa ($2,115), Charlotte 7-pc Teak Dining Set ($1,695), Tacitus Orange Square Cube Stool ($1,295), Round Patio Umbrella ($545)

Planters: Bloomingvale Iron Pot Planter with Legs ($78), Alpine Stone Planter ($120)

Decorative Accents: Kinsley Pink Outdoor Rug ($295 for 9’3” x 12’), Frontgate Leopard Print Pillow ($229), Frontgate Embroidered Tiger Pillow ($49)

Tabletop: Nambe Set of 4 Salad Plates ($36)

3. A Charming and Romantic Courtyard

Whether the day calls for afternoon tea or mint juleps, this garden-inspired space is full of grace and elegance. Even if you are still in pajamas.

Seating and Tables: Parker Outdoor Stripe Sofa ($2,298), Reni Lounger ($499), Winterthur Estate Bar Cart ($1,345), Frontgate Peony Umbrella ($1,299)

Lighting: Pink Bubble Glass Lantern ($28), Capiz Lantern ($48-$78)

Planters: Appian Vessel ($245)

Decorative Accents: Jakoba Outdoor Rug ($248 for 5’ x 8’), Standwood Purple Hydrangea Pillow Cover ($31.99), Jungle Leaf Pillow ($29.99)

4. A Breezy and Rustic Oasis

Now, more than ever, folks are yearning to be out in nature and in the elements. This oasis is grounded in earthy neutrals and organic design elements that echo the feeling of an open-air safari.

Seating and Tables: Article Lubek Lounge Sectional Set ($1,999), Wayuu Hammock ($124.88), Pine Cone Hill Montaro Bar Cart ($2,200)

Lighting: Serena & Lily Outdoor Bell Pendant ($468), Restoration Hardware Morency Lanterns ($185-$1,235)

Planters: Frontgate Painted Urns ($299-$499)

Decorative Accents: Rosalie Outdoor Beige Rug ($375 for 9’ x 12’), West Elm Tie Dye Pillows Set of 2 ($85), One Kings Lane Faye Pillow ($195)

5. A Tropical Seaside Nook

 Bathing in the summer sun with a good book or gossip magazine never gets old. Create your own beach escape with fruity, feel-good colors and soft, relaxed furniture and accessories.

Seating and Tables: Denver Outdoor Sofa ($1,998), Joybird Doheny Lounge Chair ($295), Joybird Vista Side Table ($195), Briner Outdoor Ottoman ($43.99)

Planters: Sydney Plant Stand ($88-$98)

Decorative Accents: Edel Outdoor Rug ($248 for 5’ x 8’), Article Ebba Citrus Yellow Pillow ($79), West Elm Misty Rose Color Pop Pillow ($39)

make your backyard the best room in your house

If you need us, we’ll be in our new favorite room of the house- outside! Let us know which one is your favorite!

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood

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