8 Ways to Bring Luxury Outdoors

By Zillow , Contributor

Oftentimes patios, porches and other outdoor spaces are sadly neglected collectors of cobwebs and dead plants. But they don’t have to be. The wealth of options for outdoor spaces means your patio can be transformed into a luxe outdoor living and entertainment space, whether you’re looking to spend a lot or a little. Here are eight ideas to consider.

Incorporate Inside Touches 
Consider making your patio essentially an outdoor living room with touches generally associated with indoors. Professionals can install televisions and sound systems to make the space come alive. Mood lighting can also be installed to accentuate the night sky. Adding soft lighting, like bistro lights and lanterns, can dramatically update your outdoor decor.

Make Use of Balconies
Balconies can be even more neglected than patios, because the narrow spaces are hard to utilize. Consider using narrow and tall tables and chairs for a pub-like atmosphere. Lighting and narrow furniture are the keys to making this work.

Source: Marc-Michaels Interior Design

Create Rooms
Use outdoor rugs and seating to create “rooms” and areas for conversation outside, just like you would for a living room. Two chairs with a table in between are cozy for a couple, then add another space with couches for the family.

Use the Roof
In some locales, particularly in cities, the only way to obtain outdoor space is to create one on top of your regular living space. This can become your urban oasis, incorporating a garden, an umbrella for shade and trendy urban materials such as metal and reclaimed wood.

Utilize the Element of Fire
Bonfires are a classic element of the outdoors, so consider adding a fire pit, gas fire or even a small chimnea to add warmth and atmosphere. Don’t forget the s’more fixings, which you can keep handy in your outdoor kitchen.

Source: Zillow Digs

Bring the Cooking and Eating Outdoors
We all know the pleasures of a grilled al fresco dinner, so plan to enjoy the outdoors every night with a full outdoor kitchen or at least a few extra amenities, such as an outdoor sink or wine cooler. Of course, patios are perfect for dining room tables, too, which can be jazzed up with weather-proof fabric seat cushions and placemats.

Make a Poolside Paradise
A swimming pool, be it an elaborate one with slides for the kids, a lap pool for exercise or an infinity pool for sunset lounging, is an important part of being outdoors. Of course you’ll need to take shade eventually, so add a classic cabana poolside. A bar inside the cabana is especially fun for entertaining.

Source: Zillow Digs

Don’t Forget Sports
Sports for the whole family transform a backyard into the summer Olympics: from lawn croquet and tennis to volleyball and bocce ball. Throw some horseshoes or play a round of shuffleboard. Don’t neglect these classic games; they’re classics for a reason, and offer endless entertainment.