Contemporary Outdoor Room

Best for

Outdoor rooms are most convincing when the landscape defines them.

Designer move

Use fewer, larger zones with comfortable circulation, year-round planting, warm low lighting, and materials that connect back to the house.

Trend note

Outdoor rooms are most convincing when the landscape defines them. Place dining, lounging, cooking, or bathing zones around sun, wind, privacy, and the view, then soften every built edge with planting. Plan lighting, drainage, power, storage, and weather protection from the beginning.

Avoid

Avoid dropping a furniture set onto an oversized patio. Without enclosure, shade, planting, and a reason for each zone, it will feel exposed and rarely used.