Outdoor Living Areas and Decorating Tips

Los Angeles patio

A Fresh Outdoor Space Starts with a Lick of This White Paint

We dropped in on Backdrop co-founders Natalie and Caleb Ebel to find out how they created their dreamy courtyard patio in Los Angeles.

June 16, 2022

October 27, 2022

Courtyard seating area in Arizona

This Arizona Courtyard Will Make You Want to Spend All Day Outside

To get the most out of a patio, a Phoenix real estate agent turned to designer Charlie Ray for a garden that’s cool and composed.

May 31, 2022

August 5, 2022

tiburon patio yellow chairs

Steal the Casual, Sunny Look of this Outdoor Dining Room in Tiburon

The garden was designed by Arterra and featured in Sunset back in 2013 for its use of water-wise landscaping. It recently got a stunning refresh.

May 13, 2022

May 14, 2022

waterwise gravel garden

Consider These Affordable Alternatives If the Drought Is Killing Your Lawn

Let’s face it, the drought means it’s high time to replace your lawn. Here’s everything you need to know about two popular—and affordable—options.

May 18, 2022

May 23, 2022

The Latest From Sunset

Saffron + Poe Patio Overview

This Pocket Patio Is a Masterclass on How to Maximize Space

Let two designers show you how to fit everything you need in less than 400 square feet.

November 25, 2022

November 25, 2022

Birkinstock Clogs

Wait, This Common Gardening Shoe Is Chic Now?!

You won’t believe what fashionistas are wearing out of the house these days—but it might be time to jump on the trend.

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

An orange tree hangs over two square, raw concrete fire pits

Here’s What We Wish We’d Known Before We Put in a Firepit

We asked designers to weigh in on what you should consider before you install one.

October 13, 2022

October 17, 2022

Kids on Slip N Slide Lead

I Don’t Have a Pool—So I Turned My Backyard Into a Water Park

It’s hot out there, but don’t just huddle inside all day. Here are eight products that can turn even the smallest garden into an at-home water park.

August 25, 2022

August 25, 2022

Extend Your Living Space

Black cat on porch

How to Easily Transform Your Garden on a Budget

A new book by Kier Holmes gives great tips on how to “garden smartly” while saving big.

May 16, 2022

May 28, 2022

Airplantman's courtyard with lanterns

The Best Ways to Light Your Garden at Night

Lighting your backyard can create drama, safe spaces, and even a feeling of romance—just use these tips.

April 25, 2022

May 4, 2022

Point Reyes Station meadow front yard

How to Plant a Meadow Garden—Even in the City

A meadow can be in a front yard, backyard, on a hillside, even in urban areas. Here are the tips you need to plant one at home.

January 20, 2022

January 24, 2022

Terra Outdoor furniture

Make Your Patio Furniture Last a Lifetime with These Tips and Tricks

From teak to wicker to light-weight aluminum, outdoor furniture comes with different levels of care.

August 4, 2021

January 28, 2022

Molly Sedlacek Outdoor Seating Area

This Landscape Designer Creates Enduring Gardens Full of Childlike Wonder

Landscape designer Molly Sedlacek draws on Oregon and California influences to create gardens that evoke childlike wonder and a sense of discovery.

September 29, 2021

September 29, 2021

birdbath

Ravens, Bobcats, Deer, Oh My! A Suburban Backyard Turns Into a Wildlife Oasis

This Los Angeles backyard wildlife habitat attracted Western screech owls, turkey vultures, bobcats, a large tarantula, and a pregnant squirrel named Ms. Bonita.

November 12, 2021

November 12, 2021

Beyond the Lawn

Outdoor shower

Installing an Outdoor Shower Is Easier Than You Think. We’ve Got the Ultimate Guide

You want an outdoor shower, but have you thought of everything you need? Three design experts weigh in.

May 26, 2022

May 27, 2022

Sun + Water tubes

Your Pool Toys End up in Landfills. These Options Are Way More Sustainable.

These beach and pool accessories are built to last.

June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022

Pool in a desert backyard

You Don’t Need a Big Pool. This Perfect Little Garden Proves Why.

A small Los Angeles garden has everything one needs for the perfect spring hang.

March 23, 2022

March 31, 2022

Outdoor movie screen and setup

Give Your Backyard a Glow-up with Lawn Games That Actually Look Good

Up your summer entertaining game with grownup versions of your favorite backyard games and activities.

April 15, 2022

April 19, 2022

More Stories in Outdoor Living

This Pocket Patio Is a Masterclass on How to Maximize Space

This Pocket Patio Is a Masterclass on How to Maximize Space

Wait, This Common Gardening Shoe Is Chic Now?!

Wait, This Common Gardening Shoe Is Chic Now?!

Here’s What We Wish We’d Known Before We Put in a Firepit

Here’s What We Wish We’d Known Before We Put in a Firepit

I Don't Have a Pool—So I Turned My Backyard Into a Water Park

I Don’t Have a Pool—So I Turned My Backyard Into a Water Park

Whimsical Garden Ideas from the Ultimate Palm Springs Backyard

Whimsical Garden Ideas from the Ultimate Palm Springs Backyard

A Surprising New Garden Trend Lets You, Ahem, Let It All Hang Out

A Surprising New Garden Trend Lets You, Ahem, Let It All Hang Out

We Turned This Pool Deck into an Outdoor Living Room in 6 Easy Steps

We Turned This Pool Deck into an Outdoor Living Room in 6 Easy Steps

A Wildfire Destroyed Their Malibu Home. What They Rebuilt Is Inspiring—and Our 2022 Idea House

A Wildfire Destroyed Their Malibu Home. What They Rebuilt Is Inspiring—and Our 2022 Idea House

Maximalism Is Still Thriving. Just Check out This Bright, Sunny (and Affordable) Patio

Maximalism Is Still Thriving. Just Check out This Bright, Sunny (and Affordable) Patio

A Fresh Outdoor Space Starts with a Lick of This White Paint

A Fresh Outdoor Space Starts with a Lick of This White Paint

Two Sisters Transformed Their Family Vineyard into the Home of Their Dreams

Two Sisters Transformed Their Family Vineyard into the Home of Their Dreams

Take It Outside: Waterproof Bean Bag Chairs Are the Ultimate Outdoor Loungers

Take It Outside: Waterproof Bean Bag Chairs Are the Ultimate Outdoor Loungers

Your Pool Toys End up in Landfills. These Options Are Way More Sustainable.

Your Pool Toys End up in Landfills. These Options Are Way More Sustainable.

This Arizona Courtyard Will Make You Want to Spend All Day Outside

This Arizona Courtyard Will Make You Want to Spend All Day Outside

You Can Turn Your Neglected Garage into a Party Pavilion. Here's How to Do It

You Can Turn Your Neglected Garage into a Party Pavilion. Here’s How to Do It

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