Backyard Patio Ideas for Elevated Outdoor Living

Longer days and warmer weather calls for an outdoor refresh! Here are a few outdoor ideas we love to elevate your backyard patio for spring and summer. And, don't forget to shop this week's elevated outdoor picks to inspire your own space!

No. 1: Outdoor Furniture & Outdoor Fabrics

Performance fabrics have come a long way in the last few years, which means there are SO many beautiful options for durable, washable, outdoor-friendly fabrics! Here’s a few of our favorites from projects across The Woodlands and Lake Travis.

No. 2: Outdoor Kitchen

Especially in Houston, maximizing your outdoor space is a great way to enjoy our year-round warm weather. And what better way to maximize than with a summer kitchen! From barbecue to grills to pizza ovens, these outdoor kitchens are at the heart of many memories for these Houston families.

No. 3: Outdoor Pergola

Pergolas, casitas, and summer kitchens are a great way to extend your living spaces, while also getting out and enjoying the sunshine. At our River Oaks project, the pergola is the perfect place to hang patio string lights. At our Meadowbrook Homestead project, the casita was custom built to create more livable space, no matter the season or weather. And, the roof of the casita attaches to the main house, making the exterior feel seamlessly connected to the interiors.

No. 4: Outdoor Fireplace

From functional outdoor fireplaces to built-in and gas-lit, exterior patio fireplaces are great to make those backyard patios enjoyable through all seasons. From The Woodlands to Lake Travis, here’s a few of our favorite fireplaces.

No. 5: Outdoor Decor

Whether you go colorful and fun or clean and neutral, outdoor decor is a great way to spruce up your patio from season to season. During the spring, opt for bold and colorful; in the fall, clean and neutral is a great backdrop for colorful autumn tones.

No. 6: Outdoor Lighting

When it comes to lighting up outdoor spaces, here’s a few of our favorite ways to incorporate exterior lighting into your backyard spaces:

Modern chandelier
Outdoor lantern
Hang patio string lights
Exterior recessed lighting

No. 7: Outdoor Fire Pit

What better way to cozy up outdoors than next to a fire pit? There are so many options… from built-in fire pit, to a gas-lit fire pit, to a fire bowl pool feature.