Discover 22 summer outdoor living space ideas to refresh your backyard, porch, or patio. From cozy porch styling to vintage garden decor, get inspired to create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space for the season.
Looking to refresh your backyard or porch this season?
These 9 summer outdoor living space ideas will inspire you to create a welcoming and stylish retreat using vintage charm, cozy seating, and timeless patio decor.
This round-up of ideas is hosted by my friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse—a big thank you for bringing us all together here today!
Beautiful Summer Outdoor Living Ideas for Your Porch, Patio, and Backyard
Transform your outdoor spaces this season with these creative summer outdoor living ideas that work beautifully on porches, patios, backyards, and even front entries. From cozy fire pits and vintage patio furniture to welcoming front porch decor, these ideas will help you style every corner of your home for relaxed, seasonal living. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet mornings with coffee, these charming spaces are sure to inspire.
1. Backyard Fire Pit and Stone Patio Ideas for New England Living | Dabbling & Decorating
I start off today with a reveal of our new fire pit patio and conversation set. It was two years in the making, and it was all so worth it! Join me around our backyard fire pit, and let me share with you our conversation furniture set, patio, and views from our home in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Shop Fire Pit Patio Furniture and Fire Pit
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”
2. 5 Summertime Back Porch Tips | The Ponds Farmhouse
Rachel has a large farmhouse front porch and loves filling it with gorgeous flowers and plants. However, keeping everything looking great all summer long is daunting. Here are Rachel’s 5 summer outdoor living space ideas that she uses to help keep her porch looking fresh all season long.
Seasonal Porch Decorating with Vintage Style
From lilacs in spring to ski lodge charm in winter, this year-round guide shares how I decorate our Vermont porch with vintage style through every season. It’s packed with table settings, thrifted finds, cozy layers, and simple decorating ideas to bring timeless charm to your own outdoor space.
Recommended Reading
You may also find more summer decorating inspiration in this 35 Spring & Summer Wreath Door Ideas.
3. Back Porch Curb Appeal on a Budget | Robyn’s French Nest
Robyn shares with you one of the top requested DIY projects from her exterior…which happens to be her very favorite one too! Wait until you see her beautiful summer outdoor living space before and after!
4. Life is Better on the Back Porch: The Joys of Porch Life | WM Design House
For centuries, back porches have served as an outdoor living room where families could retire and spend time together at the end of a long day. At one time, porch sitting was viewed as a social status. Although mainly a casual activity today, porch life is a lifestyle to be taken seriously by some. Wait until you see Wendy’s beautiful home and porch.
Easy DIY Home Decor Projects with Vintage Style
Explore our easy DIY home decor guide with vintage style, using thrifted and repurposed finds. Simple, beginner-friendly ideas to decorate your home with charm.
5. The Back Terrace Project is Complete | Life at Bella Terra
Mary, a native New Englander, shares her amazing terrace from her home in Arizona. Mary’s terrace, outdoor kitchen, dining room, and patio will certainly have you swooning.
6. Bienvenue Summer Back Porch Tour | Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Join Amber on her French Country style back porch, welcomed in by a basket of real lavender on a chippy white chair. Her fabulous ferns adorn the porch. I would love to have a glass of Amber’s iced tea and sit a spell on this cozy porch.
Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
10 Vintage Decor Ideas I Spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont
7. Summer Back Porch Decor in Blue and White | White Arrows Home
Traditionally, Kristin decorates with red geraniums and lots of greens, but last year, she switched things up and used white geraniums, blues, and whites with her greens. This is my favorite color combination, too!
8. The Prettiest Thrift Flip Idea for the Back Porch | Stacy Ling Blog
Do you love shopping for bargains and repurposing your finds? Wait until you see this beautiful vintage thrift flip idea for the back porch. Stacy just moved into this large new beautiful home, you won’t want to miss any of the details.
9. 7 Simple Outdoor Summer Decorating Ideas | Thistlewood Farms
Looking for outdoor summer decorating ideas? KariAnne shares her simple ways to add color and summer style to your outdoor spaces. From the table to the planter!
I hope these summer outdoor living space ideas spark your creativity and help you turn your porch, patio, or backyard into a space you’ll truly enjoy this season. From cozy fire pits to colorful porch styling, summer is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor decor and make the most of every warm-weather moment.
Try a Styling Tip!
Looking for simple, vintage-inspired decorating ideas you can try in an afternoon? Explore all my Styling Tips for easy seasonal projects, quick DIYs, and creative ways to style your home with charm.
If you loved these ideas, save this post to Pinterest or share it with a friend who’s ready to give their backyard a summer glow-up! And be sure to explore more vintage-inspired seasonal decorating ideas right here on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Outdoor Living Space Ideas
How can I decorate my outdoor living space for summer on a budget?
Decorating your summer outdoor living space on a budget is easier than you think. Try shopping thrift stores for vintage planters, repurposing furniture with outdoor cushions, or using string lights and lanterns for cozy ambiance. Simple touches like DIY centerpieces or layered rugs can make a big impact without breaking the bank.
What are the best outdoor furniture ideas for a small porch or patio?
For small outdoor spaces, choose space-saving furniture like bistro sets, vintage folding chairs, or benches with storage. Look for lightweight, portable pieces you can move around easily. Adding vertical elements like wall planters or hanging baskets also helps maximize your space.
Bring the indoors out by using soft textiles, like throw pillows and outdoor rugs, alongside vintage-style lighting and comfy seating. Incorporating a coffee table, end tables, or styled trays gives your outdoor living area the feel of a cozy indoor room. Don’t forget candles or a small outdoor lamp for ambiance!
Try layering outdoor rugs, adding thrifted or antique planters, styling a beverage cart or table, and using potted flowers for seasonal color. Mix in natural textures like rattan or wicker, and consider setting up a casual dining area for al fresco meals. Decorative lanterns and cozy seating make the space feel inviting.
Add vintage charm by incorporating weathered wooden furniture, galvanized buckets with flowers, enamelware accents, or old ladders used as plant stands. Thrifted outdoor fabrics, antique garden tools, and classic rockers or gliders also lend timeless appeal to your summer porch or patio.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Pin forLater!
So many gorgeous porches all in one!
Thanks Kim💙
So fun participating in the round-up with you! Love your outdoor space!
😃😃
Ann I love how your patio turned out with those fabulous Vermont mountain views!!! Ella must love that cozy spot too! Thanks for sharing me with this roundup one of these days we will connect in Vermont!
Thank you Stacy🙌🏻
This is such a fun and inspiring way to do a hop!
Yes so much fun🙌🏻
Ann, I adore your style and the way you put this outdoor seating area together,
Of course, the color is perfect, and that view is fantastic.
It was so fun to share with you today.
Thank you so much Wendy💙😘
Ann,
I’m just loving this fire pit area and that view. Thanks for sharing today.
Thank you so much Rachel🙌🏻
So many inspiring ideas! Love it, Ann!
Thank you kindly Robyn💙💙