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11 Incredible Ideas for Your Summer Outdoor Living Spaces

Looking for ways to spruce up your summer outdoor living spaces? Check out these 11 incredible decorating ideas that will have you enjoying the outdoors in no time!

Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, so why not make it just as beautiful?

With these creative decor ideas, you can turn your outdoor space into a gorgeous and inviting oasis.

Once the weather warms up you’ll find me outside my house more often than indoors.

I even bring my laptop out on my deck and work from there most days from spring through fall as long as the weather is nice.

There’s just something about the sun shining and birds chirping that puts me in a great mood.

Since I love being outside so much I’ve created some pretty comfortable spaces around our home.

I can’t wait to show you my deck, patio, and front porch today.

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There are two of us here at Simply2Moms and this week, you’ll be visiting AnnMarie’s home.

Anne shared her summer decorating ideas a few weeks ago.

If you missed it you can see her home all decked out in red, white, and blue here.

And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our blog posts!

Now, grab a cold drink, and let’s take a look at my outdoor home decorating ideas.

How to Decorate a Small Front Porch for Summer

small covered porch with flowers and bench

Even if you don’t have a big wrap-around front porch there are still ways to decorate a small porch or even a set of front steps for the summer.

Welcome your guests with a pretty wreath hung on your front door.

I bought this simple but beautiful wreath filled with different greenery leaves and white berries from Amazon for spring.

But I think it’s neutral enough to stay up on our door right through the summer season too don’t you think so?

bench with pillows on side of porch

Despite the size of our front porch, I was able to squeeze in a bench off to one side.

It makes for the perfect spot to watch our dogs play in the front yard.

Add a few coordinating throw pillows to the bench and now you’ve got a cozy place to relax.

fern and white flowers in containers on front porch

During the summer months, I love to plant annual flowers in pots throughout my outdoor living spaces.

My front porch is no exception!

I discovered Queen Anne ferns several years ago and they are just the right plant to tolerate the hot afternoon sun my porch gets.

A tall plastic planter adds height to the grouping of summer flowers.

Upcycled metal lanterns turned into planters add a fun look for flowers.

Where to Create Focal Point on an Outdoor Patio

patio with pergola and outdoor furniture and firepit

When designing and styling your outdoor spaces think about how you want them to function.

Do you want to relax, entertain, or enjoy a meal outside?

If your outdoor living space allows you can create multiple areas for doing all of those activities.

Since our patio is a fairly large space I created two living spaces out here with defined zones.

pergola with string lights over outdoor furniture

A focal point will help to anchor your outdoor space and make it feel more complete.

The first and most obvious focal point on our patio is the pergola which provides shade from the sun during the summer months.

A pergola is also a perfect place to hang string lights to make your evenings twinkle.

I created a backyard living room under this affordable aluminum pergola with an outdoor sectional sofa.

Make your patio living room even more comfortable with pillows and rugs.

Then accessorize with side tables, lanterns, and of course plants.

patio with deck to side above

The second focal point on the other side of our patio is a DIY firepit that we built years ago.

I recently made a wood cover for the firepit so now it also functions as a table when we aren’t having a bonfire.

Adirondack chairs placed around the fireplace create another seating area in our yard.

Check out how I refinished these chairs and made them look brand new again here.

How to Design Outdoor Living Zones on a Deck

dog laying on top of deck steps outside

Say hello to our girl, Marley!

This is her absolute favorite place to be outside.

Our stairs to the deck come up the side of our house from the patio which is behind our driveway.

Sounds confusing but let’s just say that Marley gets the privacy of being in her backyard with the enjoyment of watching the street from this spot.

deck with two seating areas

We’re lucky enough to have a large deck so like the patio I was able to design multiple areas for gathering and entertaining.

Or should I say dining and relaxing?

Honestly, these living spaces on our deck get used daily by my family for eating, working, and just being with each other.

dining table on deck outside of home

On one end of the deck is our outdoor dining table which I bought 14 years ago.

I’d love a new table and chairs set but there’s nothing really wrong with this one except the style is a bit dated.

But it works, it’s comfortable, and we can all enjoy a delicious meal around this table.

outdoor living room on deck

On the opposite side of the deck is my favorite spot…the outdoor living room.

One of the best ways to make your outdoor space cozy is by adding comfortable seating.

We purchased this 5 piece furniture set from Sam’s Club probably 10 years ago but I found a similar option from Amazon here.

Add throw pillows and a soft rug to help make a more inviting space to relax and unwind.

Create an enjoyable outdoor living space during the summer by providing plenty of shade to make sure the temperature is comfortable.

I have two umbrellas on our deck to protect us from the hot sun.

Why Should You Extend Living Spaces Outdoors

deck with string lights hung from railing

The days of spending all day inside are long gone so get outside and be a part of nature.

You can transform any outdoor area into a beautiful and inviting extension of your home to enjoy day or night.

No matter how much space you have you can carve out a little oasis outside of your house.

Consider adding string lights, lanterns, or even candles to help create a relaxing ambiance.

outdoor tv hung on back of house

Adding a TV on the back of our house definitely made us feel like our deck was a true extension of our home.

A space that is both visually appealing and invitingly cozy makes us feel right at home, making it the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

With a little planning, you can easily create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that you’ll love spending time in.

More Summer Outdoor Decorating Ideas from Simply2 Moms

Shopping Links and Resources

Summer Home Tours

Want even more inspiration for decorating your home this summer?

You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.

A Stroll Thru LifeSimply2MomsOur Southern HomeThe Tattered PewWhispering Pines Homestead

Eleanor Rose Home The House of SilveradoCalypso In The CountryStoneGableMy Wee Abode Southern Home and Hospitality

Worthing CourtThrifty and ChicThe Stonybrook House Decor To AdoreChalking Up SuccessShe Gave It A Go

Shiplap and Shells Pasha is HomeDIY Beautify CitrineLivingThistle Key LaneCountry Road 407

White Arrows HomeIt All Started With Paint Southern Crush at HomeAmy Sadler Designs

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me or leave a comment!

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