Ideas for Outdoor Living

Design your dream patio or porch, check out your favorite pools, or steal an idea for dress up your outdoor space.

15 Idea-Filled Patios & Porches

Life on the coast means spending more time outside than in. Create the perfect hangout with ideas from these gorgeous spaces.|Text by Katie A. Gregg

Dark-stained wooden shutters allow the flow of air from the outside patio into the airy living room.

Photo by Jean Allsopp

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Let Nature Be Your Guide

All-wood design schemes ground outdoor living areas in the setting. Exotic hardwoods such as teak and mahogany naturally resist pests and stand up to harsh coastal climates.

Use louvered shutters to promote circulation and provide privacy. Shutters also serve as a decorative touch, imparting a Caribbean feel.