Create any of these backyard entertaining spaces and your friends and family will want to hang out at your place all summer long.
21 Incredible Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Space
Updated on Apr. 10, 2024
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Cozy Space Comforts
Backyard entertaining spaces don't have to be large to be great. This small corner of lawn—with a table for two, charming brick wall and unique wood shelving piece—is perfect for an alfresco meal with a friend. Plus: These are the must-have items for a picture-perfect backyard and the best outdoor lanterns to spruce up your backyard.
Also, check out these ways to create a wellness yard that are a major inspiration for those seeking serenity.
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Stone Fountain Conversation Starter
You can customize this design to suit your yard without changing the basic construction. Our fountain is about 4 ft. in diameter. You could make yours half as big or twice as big using the same materials and methods. Check out the details here.
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Living Room Outdoors
A comfortable love seat, side chairs, coffee table and area rug give this patio a true living room feeling. Invite guests over for coffee, conversation and relaxation. And don't forget about fun outdoor games!
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Bug-Free Screen House
Escape the bugs when entertaining friends and family with this DIY screen house. Find the project plans here.
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Direct Traffic with Paths and Lighting
The stunning illuminated concrete stairway in this backyard helps to guide guests to the lawn on a lower level. Tiered flower beds add even more visual interest. Check out our best affordable garden path ideas.
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Add Interest with a Garden Arbor
This timber garden arbor can be your place to get away for a quiet retreat or a nook to chat with friends. Get the plans here.
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Convenient Outdoor Kitchen
Bring the kitchen outdoors, so you can prep meals and entertain friends and family at the same time. This outdoor kitchen features a built-in sink and grill. These 12 backyard kitchens will inspire you.
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Easy Indoor Access
Creating an outdoor space next to a sliding glass door, screen porch or adjacent to the kitchen makes for easy access to restrooms, air conditioning and other amenities that your guests may want to use. These 15 perfect patio designs are truly amazing.
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Gather Round a Fire Table
A fire table is a beautiful addition to your outdoor living space—and an invitation to gather around. It's also a stylish centerpiece that gives you a great opportunity to showcase your DIY prowess.
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Built-In Features for Convenience
A finished look with built-in furniture, grilling space, storage and dining area can make even a small space look amazing and spacious.
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Hangout Zones
Creating a few separate hangout zones in the backyard provides variety for guests. This outdoor space features a hot tub, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and a shaded dining table—all great spots for fun activities and conversation.
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Create Privacy
This ground-level deck with pergola and lattice sides makes for a quiet conversation location. Grow climbing plants along the lattice to give the space even more shade and privacy. We'll show you how to build a latticework trellis for your porch.
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Cozy DIY Fire Pit
Enjoy a crackling wood fire in your own backyard. You'll love the warmth and good company it brings to your outdoor space. Do it yourself with these how-to steps.
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Indoor Tech Outdoors
Imagine inviting neighbors and family over to enjoy this outdoor room, which features a built-in hot tub and a wall-mounted TV. The mood lighting along the floor add to the relaxing atmosphere.
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Charming Gazebo You Can Build Yourself
Besides gracing the back yard with its splendor and calming presence, a gazebo is the perfect place to entertain. One look at this beauty and you'll be picturing it filled with family and friends, celebrating a graduation or even a backyard wedding. Click here for the plans.
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String Lights are a Must
Growing in popularity, outdoor string lights add illumination and charm to backyard entertaining spaces. Go with solar string lights for a low-maintenance option. Check out these 10 breathtaking outdoor lighting looks.
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Grill and Entertain at the Same Time
This grillzebo is the perfect place to cook the perfect steak, rain or shine, and it makes a great outdoor bar, too. Get the plans now.
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Open-Air Porch
Sunlight and fresh air pour in through the large open walls of this covered porch. It feels like an indoor room with the best of the outdoors.
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Vine-Covered Pergola
The dappled sunlight created by the overhead latticework of this pergola creates a cool, relaxing environment perfect for backyard entertaining. Click here to learn how to build it yourself.
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Relaxing Ambiance
Pleasing sounds in your backyard can help to create a relaxing ambiance. This trickling fountain and pond provides both visual and audio interest to the outdoor space. Learn how to build a low-maintenance water feature.
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Indoor Comforts Outdoors
Add accents such as throw pillows, cushions, decorative bowls and blankets to your outdoor space to give it a cozy indoor feel. Try your hand at building any of these 30 outstanding one-day outdoor projects.
