The Prettiest Patios on the Internet & How to Get the Look

There are few things dreamier than sipping your morning coffee outside while reading a new book, or toasting the end of another work day with a glass of rosé on the patio. But after a long, cold winter, your patio or porch may look more like a sad, brown mess than an outdoor oasis.

That’s where we come in: We’ve rounded up some of the most enviable spots out there to bring you some major inspiration. Take a look and then go forth and whip your outdoor space into shape!

The look: Soft textures, global-inspired patterns, and a slew of mood-setting string lights give this plant-filled patio an eclectic-yet-relaxing feel.
Idea to steal: Roll out a cute rug.

Megan, one half of the blogging duo behind The Fresh Exchange, pretty much nailed all the must-haves with her outdoor revamp. You can create an equally cozy space by stealing her idea to put down a rug. Not only will it help differentiate the area from other spots in your backyard (like, say, a grilling zone), but it also adds a touch of warmth that can sometimes be missing from outdoor spaces. Just make sure you select a style that’s deemed “indoor/outdoor” so it can stand up to various weather conditions.

See the whole space: An Outdoor Revamp with At Home at The Fresh Exchange

The look: Loads of greenery make the tiniest space feel fun and fresh.
Idea to steal: Add life with lots and lots of plants.

Homeowner and blogger Whitney Leigh Morris is a master at maxing out her space (she lives in a pint-sized 362-square-foot bungalow she’s lovingly dubbed the “Tiny Canal Cottage“). Instead of sacrificing much-needed patio floor space, Whitney figured out a way to hang plants from baskets and all around the walls. Even though you’re already outside, extra natural touches will never hurt.

See more pics: Spring Updates to the Tiny Garden at Tiny Canal Cottage

The look: A soothing palette of rustic wood and sleek black results in a tranquil space that looks more like a restaurant than a backyard.
Idea to steal: Use wood to warm up a space.

Victoria from SF Girl by Bay transformed her cinderblock-centric patio into a lounge and dining space ideal for those warm California nights using nothing more than wood, wood, and more wood. She opted for red cedar, which is highly durable and naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. A few walls, a pergola roof, and some floating benches instantly made the space feel more natural and cozy. If you have a patio (or a view) that’s meh, consider adding your own wood walls.

Check out the transformation: My Patio Before + After at SF Girl by Bay

The look: About as cool as it gets, this patio is a light, bright, and white space with coastal textures and just a bit of pattern.
Idea to steal: Rethink your seating.

A hanging chair — like this one at Amanda Fitzimmon’s New Zealand home — is 10 times more fun than a traditional lounge chair and even better than a hammock. Choose one in a natural texture, like rattan, to ensure it doesn’t break down over time.

Tour the whole space: How a Tired Ex-Rental Became a Bohemian Dream at Homes to Love

The look: Simple yet sophisticated, this brownstone’s black and tan backyard provides a reprieve from bustling city life.
Idea to steal: Put a mirror outside!

Stylist and designer Megan Pflug painted inexpensive trellis panels in the same hue as the rest of the fence (Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur), and then backed it with mirrored plexiglass and hung it on the fence. If you have a small patio or balcony, this is a smart way to give the illusion of more space and add a touch of glam.

See it all come together: Our Brooklyn Backyard Makeover at Megan Pflug Designs

The look: A tiny terrace packed with patterns and throws becomes a charming extension to a city apartment.
Idea to steal: Decorate like you’re indoors!

Your first instinct may be to hit the aisles of a hardware store for hearty outdoor furniture and extras, but a covered terrace is a great place to work in a few accessories typically found inside traditional homes. Designer Jacquelyn Clark filled her 5×9 apartment balcony with all the comforts of home — literally — opting for piles of pillows, cozy throws, and charming small-scale furniture.

The look: With bold hits of color and retro-tinged touches (like a geometric floor and funky umbrella), this space transports visitors to a desert oasis.
Idea to steal: Paint boring wood or concrete flooring.

Homeowner and DIY pro Laura Gummerman (she’s part of the team at A Beautiful Mess) used porch paint to transform a basic concrete slab. She painted a faux tile pattern and the result is way more stylish than plain gray concrete. It’s a great way to add pattern and personality to your space without dropping a ton of money.

See the before and after: Painted Patio Tile DIY at A Beautiful Mess