5 Ways to Design the Perfect Outdoor Dining Room

A Santa Fe courtyard is tailor-made for outdoor dining. Here are 5 design ideas that make it work

Sharon Cohoon

1 /6 Steven A. Gunther

Comfortable courtyard

Shade trees, flagstone furnishings, and Santa Fe style give this courtyard its easy charm. Click through to get a closer look at all the details.

2 /6 Steven A. Gunther

Shade trees

Lacy-leafed locusts (Robinia x ambigua 'Purple Robe'), underplanted with dwarf plumbago, provide welcome shade during outdoor-party season, then drop their leaves in winter to let in sunlight.

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Rustic trellis

A grid of unpeeled Gambell oak prunings, mounted against the wall, supports climbing roses that bear coral blooms. Its rough-hewn look complements the weathered-wood front door.

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One-color hardscape

The brick paving and stucco walls that provide privacy are the same soft salmon color as the flagstone.

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Flagstone Furnishings

This custom-built dining table is right at home in this Southwestern courtyard. The table is made from the same flagstone as the slender serving counter tucked against the wall.

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Stone pots

Planted with curly parsley, the pots have a creamy color and rough texture that enhance the courtyard's Santa Fe style.

Design Richard Wilder, Wilder Landscaping, Santa Fe (505/989-8524)