20 Backyard Patio Ideas to Transform This Space Into an Outdoor Haven

Create your very own oasis with these designer-inspired patio ideas.

Wendy Rose Gould

STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG, RICHARDSON & ASSOCIATES

Whether your patio stretches far and wide or it’s a petite space, it has the potential to become your favorite destination. Even small adjustments—like adding comfortable furniture, soft lighting, or lush potted plants—can make a patio feel more inviting. The key is to lean into your personal style and add thoughtful details that make the space feel complete and welcoming.

Seeking some inspiration? We spoke to designers who shared their favorite backyard patio, all of which will help you create a sanctuary where you can unwind and reconnect with nature.

Use Textured Brick Pavers

Brick pavers can transform any plot of grass into a defined patio area. You’ll need to level the space and set the pavers carefully. Once you’ve done that, you can dress up the space with patio furniture or a dining spot, as pictured in this design by Collected Interiors, where the herringbone pattern adds even more charm.

Incorporate a Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit to your patio instantly makes this outdoor space feel more cozy and welcoming. A long, white gas fire pit is the perfect focal point for this chic space designed by Alice Lane Interior Design, but you’ve got many options to choose from.

Opt for an Earth-Inspired Palette

Earth tones like soft sage, brown, and even blue can help evoke a sense of serenity in your patio. Consider keeping things streamlined and simple or incorporating subtle texture via patterns, light fixtures, and décor, as done here.

Use Gravel to Create a Defined Space

If you don’t want to mess with installing pavers, consider leveling a designated area and laying gravel instead, as done in this beautiful patio design by Serenbe. This simple solution feels organic and creates a defined space for your patio furniture and décor.

Lay a Rug

You’ve heard that rugs help “tie a room together,” and that advice applies to outdoor spaces, too. Rugs create a defined space while lending warmth and somewhere cozy for your feet to land. Lauren Wills Grover of Wills Design Associates went for a bold print here, which she paired with fun details like rustic planters and a duo of intricate side tables.

Elevate the Space With a Bar

Consider incorporating a fun detail like an outdoor bar into your patio setup. Nickell Morgan of Simply Handmade proves that you can do this even when working within the confines of a small space. A splashy tile adds character and contrast, while bistro lights lend to the effect.

Add Potted Plants

Don’t underestimate the power of plants when it comes to simple ways to brighten up a patio. In this sleek and streamlined outdoor space designed by Studio BV, black furniture sets the stage, while a potted plant on the table and a nearby paddle cactus lend a pop of color and texture.

Incorporate a Chimney Fireplace

Those who reside in chilly locales might get more use out of their patio by offering a source of warmth. A chimney fireplace offers just that in this beautiful outdoor space by Natural Instincts Interior Design—while also providing a focal point. The chimney is double-sided, providing heat and ambiance for both sides of the patio.

Create a Charming Pathway

If your patio is located farther from the house, make it feel extra inviting by creating a charming path that invites you to wander through your landscape. In this design by Richardson & Associates, long concrete stepping stones are laid in gravel, and the path is lined with sculptural elements and plants.

Provide Shade With a Pergola

Pergolas are a smart and elegant way to provide more shade. The open beams offer sun cover without eliminating airflow or creating a too-dark space. In this patio created by Price Hart Design, a long pergola covers both a dining area and grilling station.

Embrace Nature

To help you feel more at one with nature, surround your patio with as much greenery as you can. Here, Cailini Coastal opted for a rugged gravel ground cover and surrounded the space with a mixture of varying shrubs, flowering plants, and grasses.

Install Folding Patio Doors

Installing doors that open fully can instantly create more fluidity between your indoor and outdoor space. Richardson & Associates used metal folding glass doors here, which create a sleek modern feel, but large sliding glass doors and French doors can also work.

Play With Texture and Color

If your patio feels a bit flat, there’s a good chance it could benefit from some multidimensional texture. Take your inspiration from this beautiful design by Richardson & Associates, which incorporates texture via a lime-washed brick fireplace, wicker furniture, and patterned throw pillows.

Try Contemporary Minimalism

If eclectic charm isn’t your speed, perhaps a more contemporary minimalist approach is the way to go. In this gorgeous patio by Price Hart Design, a palette of cool gray, white, and black feels elevated and intentional. Cozy furniture and greenery help keep things from feeling one-dimensional.

Create an Entertainment Zone

Speaking of entertaining, consider creating a patio that doubles as a moonlit living room. This one, by Richardson & Associates, features a painted brick fireplace with a TV for movie nights under the stars.

Keep It Simple

Don’t feel like you need to go overboard with your patio design. Sometimes, less is more, as proven in this gorgeous outdoor space by Farmscape. A retaining wall lined with cacti, gravel, and a simple dining table provides the perfect retreat for taking in sweeping views.

Add a Built-In Grill Station

Anyone who loves to grill or entertain will get plenty of use out of an outdoor grill station. This design by Collected Interiors features a large gas grill complete with an extended island—perfect for prep and dining—along with sleek metal cabinets for storage.

Mix-and-Match Furniture

Interior designers often warn against buying a singular furniture set and calling it a day. This matchy-matchy approach can lack charisma and feel uninspired. Mixing and matching pieces, on the other hand, is a way to put your own personal thumbprint on the design. Here, Collected Interiors combines a set of unique outdoor sofas with funky black chairs.

Make It Formal

Big on hosting meals for your favorite people? Transform your patio into an inviting al fresco destination for family and friends. A long, beautiful table serves as the focal point, while cushioned chairs with sophisticated covers encourage people to linger longer. Add a fun light fixture to help the outdoors feel more like an indoor space.

Integrate Different Seating Areas

If your patio is on the larger side, creating two or more seating areas can help to break up the space while making it feel more functional. It’s also ideal for entertaining since it allows people to congregate and mingle in small groups.