The Best Outdoor Spaces: 22 Envy-Inducing Outdoor Spaces

Summer has surely made its sultry, steamy appearance in the South (hello, 95-degree days!) and while some days or scorchers, we can't deny our love for outdoor BBQs, days spent by the water, and long sits on the front porch. As part of our greeting to the new season, we’re sharing some of the BEST Outdoor Spaces we’ve discovered... 22 envy-inducing outdoor spots that have us eager for an afternoon spent with friends and family soaking up that June, July, and August heat!


1) A Natural Habitat: We love the natural wood and plants paired with the whites and greys! 

Photo Credit: Polished Closets

2) Gather 'Round, Ya'll: If this outdoor scene doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does! The simple Adirondack chairs paired with simple striped outdoor pillows, the string lights, and the glow of the fire have us begging for a glass of iced tea and stories and songs around the fire pit!  

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Limestone

3) Simple Elegance: This simply elegant space filled with neutral tones and textures is the perfect mix of natural and high-class. The stone in the fireplace, wicker chairs, and wooden beams are a texture-feast for the eyes and we can hardly contain our desire to sit down and soak it all in with a nice glass of wine and a good friend. 

Photo Credit: Traditional Home

4) Awe-Inspiring Spunk: This sweet patio by Dimples and Tangles is everything the color-lover could dream of! The contrast of navy and kelly greens with pops of red and pink paired with the brick home's backdrop and the funky rug are a nice drink of cold water for those of us who love unique spaces!

Photo Credit: Dimples and Tangles

5) Perfect Backyard Simplicity: Sometimes simple is the best way to induce the ultimate relaxation... and this Lowe's sponsored backyard makeover by Brookyln Limestone is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. We love the unexpected touch of the curtains!

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Limestone

6) Boho Chic: Can we say "patio heaven"? This backyard patio is one to be envied by all! From the string lights and unique fixture, to the wicker plant baskets, to the tiled floor and neutral rug, to ALL the pillows and cozy blankets, the scene just needs a few friends to make it complete! 

Photo Credit: Warm Cozy Home

7) Sweet Southern Color: In the south we have a little thing we like to call "porch sittin'" - a leisurely activity that can be enjoyed as a form of solitude or entertainment alike. We're loving this color-filled, pattern-rich porch featured in HGTV!

Photo Credit:HGTV 

8) Rockin' for Days: Sometimes all you need is a pair of brightly colored rockers, a few throw pillows, and a small table to add a sense of "welcome home" to your space. The lettered frame is just a nice little piece of added comfort!

Photo Credit: The Blissful Bee

9) Coral, Blue - the Perfect Summer Hues: This porch by Southern Living is the epitome of beauty and grace. From the painted blue ceiling to the pops of coral to catch our eyes, this is absolutely what outdoor space dreams are made of.

Photo Credit: Southern Living

10) Southwestern Glam: Even tiny spaces can bring all the coziness! We love the rustic-chic look found in this room! The built-in, stained seating paired with cozy cushions, pillows and a fur throw is welcoming without overdoing it. The galvanized fire pit, leather-pouf, camping lantern, and deer head add character and a special spin on southwestern/outdoor inspired decor! 

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: homestyle.co.nz

11) Natural, Neutral Glam: The wooden tubs and coffee table make this outdoor space what it is! Pairing the wooden materials with the natural greenery backdrop is unexpected and beautiful! 

Photo Credit: Emily A Clark 

12) A Canopy of Lights: We can almost hear the crickets chirping and feel the humid, summer night air looking at this photo! This string lighting and pillow-filled scene is to be envied!

Photo Credit: Grey House Studio

13) Beauty in the Blue: If you've been around PillowCubes at all, you've probably picked up on our love for the color blue and all it entails! Its soothing appearance is a favorite around here and within many decor spaces. We love this outdoor space and how the fading brick wall is brought back to life with just a few unique lighting sources, neutral furniture, and a handful of various-sized pillows!

Photo Credit: Rue Magazine

14) Light Up the Night: This cozy porch space is warm and inviting without being too wintry or cold. Who's ready to sit down for a strum on the guitar? It looks like the perfect place for a cozy singalong. 

Photo Credit: Kelley Nan

15) A Garden of Life: Can we say absolutely dreamy? The below scene looks like something straight out of a summer memory! We love the use of bright and varied flowers to bring life to the evening. The use of combined vases, jars, and containers provide a more relaxed vibe while simultaneously tying everything together perfectly. Now all it needs is a bottle of Rosé! 

Photo Credit: The Garden Glove

16) The Coziest Place of Summer: While the below isn't necessarily a porch or patio, our jaws nearly dropped when we first came across this sweet little garden playhouse. While it was technically created as a child's play space, we can't help but dream of all the relaxing summer afternoons spent inside with a good book!

Photo Credit: Lazy Sunday Cooking

17) Lounging All Summer Long: No room in the budget or schedule to transform an entire patio, deck, or porch? Adding a hammock and some string lights will completely transform any space in no time! Don't skimp on the pillows and you'll be ready to lounge all summer long. 

Photo Credit: By Stephanie Lynn

18) Classic Beauty: Inspired by all of the wedding decor covering your Pinterest feeds but no wedding on the horizon? Why not transform your outdoor space into a Pinterest-wedding inspired space? Add candles, greens, and whites to create a space filled with classic beauty and refined elegance. 

Photo Credit: Front Gate

19) Porch Swingin' Memories: Ah, the front porch life. Imagine lounging on this bad boy for the afternoon! Perhaps one of our favorite aspects of this #Pinspired space is the use of bolsters to soften the ends of the swing, transforming it instantly into more of a daybed look. 

Photo Credit: Popy Home

20) Give Us all the Neutrals: The graceful, crisp appearance of the space below is pure Southern Glory. While there seems to be a bit of starkness, it does not take away from the almost audible sigh of "Ahh... relaxation" upon first glance! 

Photo Credit: Popy Home

21) Let's Make the Summer Love go 'Round: We absolutely adore the use of circular shapes throughout this entire deck makeover, put together by A Place to Nest! The galvanized tub turned table, the rug, the candle holders, the food and drink tray, and the flower pots all make up the perfect space!

Photo Credit: Remodelholic 

22) The Perfect Place to Hang: This porch redo featuring plenty of seating and the prettiest of live plants has us feeling all kinds of summer vibes! 

Photo Credit: Inspired By Charm


While it's almost impossible to narrow down all of the beautiful choices of outdoor spaces to "The BEST 22", we've realized that the thing that makes any space come to life is the people you share it with. So, whether you opt for simple rocking chairs and throw pillows on the front porch or a full-fledged, Pinterest-worthy, candle-laden space, as long as you're spending time in these spaces with those you love and cherish the space will be YOUR best.