10 Relaxing (Restrained) Themes for Outdoor Rooms
Outdoor rooms are built for relaxing, which makes them great spots
to have more of a theme than you might have indoors. Yet the thought of a
themed outdoor room can bring to mind cheap tiki torches and pink
plastic flamingos (not used ironically). Well, I promise you, it doesn’t
have to be that way — these 10 tasteful themes prove it.
1. Marrakech
Romantic lanterns and a brightly colored rug anchor this Middle Eastern–inspired sanctuary. Contemporary furnishings feel on point thanks to low seating heights and brightly colored pillows.
Romantic lanterns and a brightly colored rug anchor this Middle Eastern–inspired sanctuary. Contemporary furnishings feel on point thanks to low seating heights and brightly colored pillows.
Don’t have an enclosed patio? Use outdoor drapery to create a tent-like effect or hang lanterns from a trellis.
2. Nautical
A few nautical details go a long way. Incorporate just a few art pieces, like glass fishing floats and knotted rope decor, to avoid feeling like a theme restaurant.
See more about decorating with fishing floats
A few nautical details go a long way. Incorporate just a few art pieces, like glass fishing floats and knotted rope decor, to avoid feeling like a theme restaurant.
See more about decorating with fishing floats
Prefer a preppier nautical feel?
Add brightly colored, striped fabrics or patterned pillows to teak
furnishings for a New England vibe.
3. Garden
Celebrate a green thumb by bringing your garden right into your outdoor room. The water feature and trellises behind this couch help create flow, but the main attraction is the vase brimming with cut blooms.
Celebrate a green thumb by bringing your garden right into your outdoor room. The water feature and trellises behind this couch help create flow, but the main attraction is the vase brimming with cut blooms.
4. Southwestern
Dial back the details to keep your Southwestern-themed space from feeling overdone. Pick just one or two overtly themed accents, like the potted cacti and bright printed pillows shown here.
Dial back the details to keep your Southwestern-themed space from feeling overdone. Pick just one or two overtly themed accents, like the potted cacti and bright printed pillows shown here.
5. Beach
At this beachfront home, sandy neutrals get a kick from bright nautical stripes without competing with the ocean view. Deck your coffee table in driftwood, shells and sea glass arranged in a beautiful bowl to top off the look.
At this beachfront home, sandy neutrals get a kick from bright nautical stripes without competing with the ocean view. Deck your coffee table in driftwood, shells and sea glass arranged in a beautiful bowl to top off the look.
6. Tropical
Let lush plantings speak for themselves with minimal furniture that can be easily moved under an awning during an afternoon thunderstorm. Nestle Asian-inspired stone figures into the greenery to create a Balinese vibe.
Let lush plantings speak for themselves with minimal furniture that can be easily moved under an awning during an afternoon thunderstorm. Nestle Asian-inspired stone figures into the greenery to create a Balinese vibe.
7. Americana
Celebrate the American flag by hanging one on your front porch, then echo the stars and stripes with a handmade quilt and matching pillow covers. Now all you need is an ice-cold glass of sweet tea and someone to keep you company on that porch swing.
See more about hanging American flags on your home’s exterior
Celebrate the American flag by hanging one on your front porch, then echo the stars and stripes with a handmade quilt and matching pillow covers. Now all you need is an ice-cold glass of sweet tea and someone to keep you company on that porch swing.
See more about hanging American flags on your home’s exterior
8. Tiki
Tuck a tiki hut in a secluded corner of your property for a resort feel. While thatched roofs can last for 40 to 50 years, their longevity depends on materials and climate, so you may want to ask your installer about a longer-lasting synthetic alternative.
Tuck a tiki hut in a secluded corner of your property for a resort feel. While thatched roofs can last for 40 to 50 years, their longevity depends on materials and climate, so you may want to ask your installer about a longer-lasting synthetic alternative.
9. Palm Springs
You don’t have to live in the desert to give a nod to this desert mecca of midcentury design. White furnishings with bright pops of color, a few cacti and a palm tree or two will go a long way toward creating the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
You don’t have to live in the desert to give a nod to this desert mecca of midcentury design. White furnishings with bright pops of color, a few cacti and a palm tree or two will go a long way toward creating the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
10. Alpine
Create a mountain-style escape at any altitude with rustic wood furnishings, wrought iron details (like the lanterns and chandelier here) and plenty of cozy faux-fur throws. A cluster of candles is all your coffee table needs for this style.
Create a mountain-style escape at any altitude with rustic wood furnishings, wrought iron details (like the lanterns and chandelier here) and plenty of cozy faux-fur throws. A cluster of candles is all your coffee table needs for this style.