This Summer’s Patio Design Essentials
The best outdoor spaces aren't just beautiful — they're designed to be lived in.
During the summer months, patios become an extension of everyday life. Morning coffee moves outdoors, dinners linger long after sunset, afternoons are spent poolside, and weekends are filled with family and friends gathering together. When thoughtfully designed, outdoor spaces can feel just as inviting, comfortable, and functional as any room inside the home.
As we head into the heart of summer, here are a few of our favorite ways to create an outdoor space that feels effortless, elevated, and ready for the season ahead.
Photography by Nathan Schroder, Styling by Heidi Adams
1. Create Comfortable, Layered Seating
Just as you would inside the home, outdoor living spaces benefit from layers. Comfortable seating, soft textiles, and thoughtful furniture arrangements help create spaces that naturally encourage conversation and relaxation.
At this Naples, Florida residence, upholstered lounge seating from Kravet, accent chairs from JANUS et Cie, and a custom striped rug work together to create an outdoor room that feels every bit as comfortable as the home's interior spaces. Layered textiles and natural materials add warmth while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that outdoor living should provide.
The goal is simple: create a place where people want to stay.
2. Think Beyond Furniture
Some of the most memorable outdoor spaces are shaped by the smaller details.
Acrylic glassware, woven serving trays, outdoor dinnerware, lanterns, and decorative vessels can elevate everyday moments while remaining practical for outdoor use. We often encourage clients to treat their patios the same way they would a living room or dining room by incorporating accessories that make entertaining feel effortless.
This summer, we're especially drawn to acrylic drinkware, which offers the elegance of traditional glassware with the durability needed for outdoor entertaining. Linen napkins from Yietri bring a collected, effortless feel to outdoor tablescapes, while portable lamps from Addison Ross and Zafferano create a warm glow that extends gatherings long after sunset.
These finishing touches help outdoor spaces feel collected, personal, and ready for guests at any moment.
Photography by Nathan Schroder, Styling by Heidi Adams
3. Design for Poolside Living
Whether you have a pool or simply enjoy spending long afternoons outdoors, comfort is key.
Poolside spaces should feel relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to unwind. Comfortable lounge chairs, convenient drink tables, umbrellas for shade, and beautifully displayed towels all contribute to a more enjoyable experience.
We love incorporating elevated outdoor essentials such as striped towels, storage baskets, and shade solutions from Business & Pleasure Co. For a touch of summer fun, thoughtfully selected pool floats from FUNBOY add personality without sacrificing style.
When thoughtfully considered, even the most functional outdoor necessities become part of the overall design.
4. Don’t Forget Lighting
Great outdoor spaces shouldn't disappear when the sun goes down.
Layering exterior lighting from Visual Comfort & Co. & Urban Electric helps patios remain inviting well into the evening. Decorative lanterns, sconces, landscape lighting, and candlelight all contribute warmth and ambiance while making outdoor spaces feel more intimate after dark.
Lighting is often one of the simplest ways to extend the use of a patio throughout the season.
5. Let Landscaping Complete the Experience
Landscaping plays an essential role in how outdoor living spaces look, feel, and function.
Thoughtfully layered plantings soften architectural edges, frame views, and create privacy while preserving openness and light. Around pool terraces, covered patios, and garden seating areas, landscaping introduces depth and permanence that allows outdoor spaces to feel established over time.
When furnishings, architecture, and landscaping are considered together from the beginning, the result is a space that feels seamless, natural, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Photography by Stephen Karlisch, Styling by Benjamin Reynaert
The Details That Make Summer Feel Special
At the end of the day, great outdoor design isn't just about creating a beautiful patio. It's about creating a place where life naturally unfolds.
From comfortable seating and thoughtful accessories to poolside essentials and layered landscaping, the most successful outdoor spaces invite people to gather, relax, and enjoy the season. Those small details often become the moments we remember most.
Amanda's Must-Haves
Treat your patio like an interior room by introducing texture, accessories, and personal details that reflect the way you live.
Invest in performance fabrics that can withstand sun, water, and everyday use without sacrificing comfort.
Keep outdoor entertaining essentials within reach so gathering feels effortless and spontaneous.
Layer lighting sources rather than relying on a single fixture to create warmth and ambiance after sunset.
Incorporate landscaping early in the design process to help outdoor spaces feel established and connected to the home.