Depending on where you live, outdoor dining season is officially upon us, which means it’s also time to bust out the outdoor dining necessities. But even if you have a few weeks to go before the warmer days have settled in, it’s never too early to start dreaming up your perfect exteriors.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of eighteen stunning outdoor areas that offer some incredible inspiration for amping up our own patios, backyards, and balconies to create the perfect warm-weather dining space.
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01
of 18Keep It Breezy With Neutral Colors
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Along with being practical for the summer sun, bright neutrals are an instant way to make your outdoor space feel laid back and breezy. Plus, when used in a dining area, they also let the food pop as its own source of stunning color and decor.
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02
of 18Make a Statement With Your Outdoor Flooring
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There’s nothing wrong with traditional pavers, but if you’re looking to make a statement in your outdoor dining area, flooring is a great way to go bold. We love how this pick pulls the marble effect up into the backsplash of the outdoor kitchen.
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03
of 18Create Separate Zones or Stations
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Creating a few different seating areas or zones instantly gives off the impression of a host who knows what they’re doing. With one place for pre-dinner drinks, another for the main event, and a final, more relaxed spot for a post-dinner wind down, your guests will feel more than welcome and at ease in any part of your backyard.
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04
of 18Make the Most of Shade
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If your home has any naturally shaded areas, it’s a good idea to consider placing your dinner table here. A patio umbrella is just fine, but in some cases, it can only get you so far, and it can be a pain to constantly reposition with the sun.
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05
of 18Create Flow from Your Indoor Dining Area Out
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If your outdoor dining area is just off your kitchen or living room, you can create a more cohesive feel by tying together the design elements. This will encourage your guests to move in and out effortless, and give the illusion of more space in your home.
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06
of 18Treat the Design as An Extension of Your Home
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No matter where your outdoor dining area is located, treat the decor as an extension of your home. This is especially important if it’s adjacent to your home, but the same rules can apply even if it’s set further away or can’t be seen from inside.
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07
of 18Get Playful With Seating and Accessories
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If you’re looking for a touch of whimsy, play around with your outdoor seating options. No one says you have to have eight chairs tucked neatly around a matching table. Look for swinging sofas, egg chairs, or other fun shapes that bring character to the space.
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08
of 18Go Bold With Color
Credit: Stephanie Watkins for Casa Watkins Living
As chic as a bright and neutral outdoor space can look, there’s plenty to love about the bold use of color. This can be a particularly fun way to decorate smaller outdoor dining spaces, especially if your color palette mirrors your interiors.
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09
of 18Upgrade Your Cooking Set-Up
Credit: Photo: Spacecrafting Photography / Design: Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions
If you’re looking to really splash out on your outdoor dining area, consider your options for an outdoor kitchen. Whether you install a fully functional cooking space or you upgrade your barbecue to the best model you can afford, this is one way to make outdoor cooking even more fun.
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10
of 18Don’t Let Space Limitations Hold You Back
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A sprawling backyard might be lovely, but a small balcony is nothing to sneeze at. Make the most of this perk with a small table and simple decor, and treat it as the extension of your home it is.
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11
of 18Install An Oversized Light Fixture
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It’s easy to get caught up in furnishing your outdoor space, but exterior lighting is incredibly important, too. Along with and path lights and wall fixtures, you can also go bold with a fun and funky overhead piece having above your dining table.
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12
of 18Use Vertical Space
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If your outdoor dining area lines a wall of your home or a fence, consider playing with decor pieces that have height or can be hung. Vertical space is often ignored in outdoor areas, but this can be a great way to add some depth and character.
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13
of 18Add Areas for Entertainment
Credit: Photo: Amy Bartlam / Design: Chelius House of Design
Whether you have children who love to relax outside or you’re all for hosting events that involve some TV time, an outdoor television can be a handy addition to your exterior space. Plus, with the right channel, it can function as some added ambiance during dinner parties.
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14
of 18Keep It Casual
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Your outdoor eating area doesn’t have to be a fussy affair with a matching table set. In fact, a collection of low-rise chairs positioned around tables or next to a fire feature can be a great spot for more laid-back meals with friends.
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15
of 18Decorate With Plants
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Of course, adding plants to an outdoor space might sound silly, but depending on the location of your outdoor dining area, they can be the perfect accessory. This is particularly true if your outdoor dining room is in an enclosed space or is covered by an overhang. Though in this case, it’s also worth noting that you should consider decorating with plants that do well with indirect light.
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16
of 18Make the Most of Bar Seating
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Just as your outdoor dining area can be low to the ground, it can also be up high. Don’t shy away from high-top tables or bar seating, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a full outdoor kitchen. These can be adjacent to your larger, more official dining area, or a perfect place for a casual, smaller meal.
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17
of 18Add Minimal Pops of Color
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If you’ve opted for a minimal and neutral color palette, add small pops of color with your decor. You can easily swap these items out throughout the season, or upgrade them for special events—but sticking with one accent color has an instantly stylish effect on the space.
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18
of 18Incorporate a Fire Feature
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Create a built-in dessert zone near your dining area with the perfect addition—a fire feature. Whether you use this for making s’mores or plan to enjoy a nightcap with friends around a cozy fire, this is an instant way to add ambiance to the space.