Ways to Transform Your Deck + Patio

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Create Boundaries</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Give your patio an edge with a wall of plants. Stagger pots along the perimeter of the patio to create the feeling of a room. A variety of container sizes adds another layer of softness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Create Boundaries" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/8/6/101667410.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Add a Pergola</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Use a pergola to turn your backyard into a private getaway. A shallow pergola design adds both style and structure to this charming deck without taking up much space.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Add a Pergola" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/28/102144131-pergola-urban1.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Use Levels</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A deck that gradually steps down creates multiple areas for entertaining. Designate the functions of each level with furniture. On one landing, add a table and chairs for meals. On another landing, place chairs in sets of two to encourage conversation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Use Levels" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2013/10/17/101986311.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Upgrade Materials</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Timeless design begins with materials selection. Focus on durability and weather resistance to create outdoor living spaces that never go out of style. A large sandstone wall presents an artistic tableau with built-in niches that house candles or fresh flowers. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Upgrade Materials" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/9/9/101092699.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Enlist an Island</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Islands aren't just for the kitchen; they work wonders in outdoor rooms, too! A wood-and-metal island and barstools are a budget-savvy choice for outdoor dining. A tabletop salad garden adds a soft touch, while a pea gravel patio promises easy upkeep underfoot. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Enlist an Island" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/8/6/102167182-saladgarden1.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Blur the Divide</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Install a new patio door design to blur the boundaries between indoor and out and enhance your home's architectural style. In this modern home, expansive glass panels admit light and views. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Blur the Divide" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/11/27/101120352.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Refresh Railing</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Even a basic railing design can transform the look of your deck. Driftwood-color decking and charcoal risers and posts make this newly updated deck look decidedly modern. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Refresh Railing" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/6/20/102130053.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Brighten Up</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Punch up your home's exterior with color. Bright patio furniture is an easy and inexpensive way to add color to the home. Use spray paint to give plain patio furniture new life.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brighten Up" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/06/101216725.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><h3><span style="text-align: justify;">Find Cover</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A porchlike covered deck provides a cozy setting for casual gatherings. The simple lines of the iron table and chairs complement the classic look of the home's exterior. A curved polycarbonate-top roof adds interest to the area and keeps the deck dry during wet weather.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Find Cover" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/06/100654928.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Go Big on a Budget</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Let nature take center stage with a simple patio design. Flagstone-look pavers lend natural style to this patio at an affordable price. A simple cinderblock retaining wall and shrubs around the patio's perimeter look like an extension of the landscape.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Go Big on a Budget" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/3/12/101617128.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Coordinate Colors</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Add decorative flair outdoors with a painted deck floor and furniture. The soothing gray, white, and black color palette permeates the deck on the seating, accent pillows, and planters.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Coordinate Colors" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2013/10/3/101951009.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br />

Ways to Transform Your Deck + Patio

Create Boundaries Give your patio an edge with a wall of plants. Stagger pots along the perimeter of the patio to create the feeling of a ro...

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Casual Porch and Patio Dining

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Unexpected Mix</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A rustic, farm-style table is paired with two white modern chairs and a contemporary outdoor love seat. A cool color palette of wood tones, white, and green make the three pieces work together and the juxtaposition of styles adds visual interest to the dining area. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Unexpected Mix" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/102035740.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Elegant and Eclectic</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A table topped with chalk paint gives kids a fun drawing surface while corbeled table legs bring a certain elegance to the mix. A color palette of charcoal gray, white, and brown keep this patio feeling sophisticated. A wiry chandelier gives the space a slightly vintage feel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Elegant and Eclectic" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/6/5/102028227.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Industrial Touch</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A rustic wooden table and industrial-style chairs combine to form a dining area that has its own unique style. The straight lines of the table juxtapose the curves of the metal chairs which adds additional visual interest to this backyard dining space.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Industrial Touch" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/101340559.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Perfect Patina</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">This screened-in porch feels quaint and cozy with several rustic and worn pieces. A farm table pairs up with patinaed chairs that are painted green. A weathered buffet is repurposed into a clever flowerbed.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Perfect Patina" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/101340609.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Take a Seat</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">On this small porch, a slim folding table is paired with white wooden benches that allow for several people to share a meal. A painted black floor adds contrast to the white benches, railing, and siding of the house and a contemporary light fixture gives the space a candlelit glow at night.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Take a Seat" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/101487712.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Splashes of Color</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">This almost all-white porch is brought to life with small but powerful bursts of color. A coral throw pillow and director’s chair pair well with the remaining pillows in lime green, turquoise, and yellow. With these strategic pops of color, the mainly white space feels vibrant and fresh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Splashes of Color" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/101729466.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Keep It Simple</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Simple, geometric shapes make this screened-in porch feel modern and up-to-date. Bright red chairs add color to the scene while a gray floor helps to further define the space. A clean linen tablecloth gives the space a relaxed, beachy vibe.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Keep It Simple" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/mwl/Images/2012/01/101670957.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Loud and Proud</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">On this gray patio, a lime green table and bright blue folding chairs bring bold color into the picture. Since the furniture is slim and compact, the colors work to give the patio high impact without overpowering. Several plant containers scattered around the patio help the space feel organic and natural.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Loud and Proud" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/6/20/101987570.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Calm and Cool</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A tranquil color palette of sage green and beige makes this patio a relaxing and peaceful space. A hearth with a vertical mirror and tall candelabras gives the area a homey feel while terra-cotta pots have a distinctly outdoor look. A rustic wooden table with a metal top brings in a dose of texture.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Calm and Cool" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/102002119.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Spanish Flair</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A Spanish-style table and chairs add warmth to this small patio. Burlap sacks cover the backs of chairs for a unique and eclectic look. Tissue paper pom-poms bring a bit of whimsy to the space while matching perfectly with a striped table runner. A rustic stone floor finishes off the look and connects the patio to the garden.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Spanish Flair" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/102009589.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Working with White</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">This airy porch looks laid-back and relaxed thanks to an all-white color palette and a pair of traditional chairs. A small, round table with a simple white tablecloth brings the slightest amount of formality to the space. A petite chandelier helps to illuminate the scene after the sun goes down.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Working with White" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/101319289.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Basic Burlap</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A burlap cloth brings texture to this metal table and chair set and even adds some country character. Little touches like fresh flowers and a bucket used as a planter make this small space feel quite cozy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Basic Burlap" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/07/101320809.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Echo the Exterior</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A simple yet elegant dining set keeps this patio feeling sophisticated. The patio set and umbrella echo the colors of the home’s exterior; a classic beige and black color combo. A metal lantern adds some visual interest to the small scene.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Echo the Exterior" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2013/10/17/102037775.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Make It Complete</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Black woven wicker chairs contrast a simple, striped tablecloth. The fringed linen tablecloth of coral, yellow, turquoise, and ecru works to lighten up the space and make the scene not so serious. Turquoise glass vases and cups bring the right pop of color the table needs to be complete.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Make It Complete" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/102080502.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Tuscan Touch</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">A Tuscan-style table is paired with weathered wicker chairs. The curved edges of the table legs and chairbacks help to make the pieces feel cohesive. A low built-in bench increases seating in this outdoor dining area. A brick pillar helps to support the porch roof and adds a bit of visual interest to the space.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tuscan Touch" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/7/2/102104622.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br />

Casual Porch and Patio Dining

Unexpected Mix A rustic, farm-style table is paired with two white modern chairs and a contemporary outdoor love seat. A cool color palette ...

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Fire Pit Ideas

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Multi-Tiered Fire Pit</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">One-of-a-kind designs are the hallmarks of 21st-century home style, and that’s true for fire pits, too. This multi-level version has two distinct fire pit areas, one lower than the first. It’s an unusual arrangement but one that complements the sectional seating as well as the oversize paver path.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Multi-Tiered Fire Pit" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2014/4/21/101920200.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">An Unusually Shaped Fire Pit</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">For very narrow landscape spaces, a full circle may not be feasible for a fire pit. That’s OK: Like so much else in our homes, fire pits very much adapt to our personalized style as well as our space restrictions. This half-circle fits neatly into a sloping space that’s not deep enough to accommodate any wider diameter.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="An Unusually Shaped Fire Pit" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2011/05/101258790.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Landscape-Inspired Fire Pit</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">The choice of materials can make your fire pit feel as though it's a seamless extension of your existing landscape design. Although the larger paving stones on this elegant and Mediterranean-style patio gave way to smaller version in the fire pit, the color palette remains mostly the same, helping preserve cohesion.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Landscape-Inspired Fire Pit" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2013/12/3/101237134.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Cozy Fire Pit with Contrasting Materials</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">People naturally want to draw closer together when seated around a fire pit. This elegant tall version includes a few enviable features. More comfy seats equal fewer spots for a side table; the fire pit eliminates that need with enough height to double as a narrow shelf, too. Two materials offer subtle textural and color contrast in the patio space to help heighten visual interest.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Cozy Fire Pit with Contrasting Materials" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/04/101024304.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Fire Pit with Built-In Seating</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">All permanent fire pits have some sort of fireproof material as a surround; it acts as a barrier to prevent people from getting too close and as a buffer to any loose, hot materials that may escape the structure. If you have the space, a wider than normal decking can be easily integrated into the fire pit’s permanent seating, for a setup that mimics this space. Here, a slightly raised surround elevates the narrow ring of the fire pit and offers casual seating for larger gatherings.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Fire Pit with Built-In Seating" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/05/100556445.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Quiet Fire Pit Respite</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Although fire pits are often a central part of backyards, portable versions are good options for encouraging more secluded seating nooks. Here, a change in material underfoot -- from gravel to pavers -- marks the quiet square. It's just big enough for a cozy sofa and chair as well as the central fire pit.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Quiet Fire Pit Respite" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2013/4/15/101913755.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">A Portable Fire Pit</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">The wide range of portable fire pit options means it’s easy (and not overly expensive) to try one out before diving into a permanent location or design. However, make sure to measure the fire pit space available and review existing details in your home and furniture to help guide your purchase. Here, the pretty curve in the chairs as well as the richly finished color supplied easy guidance for the choice of focal point fire pit. Another welcome detail: The outdoor space includes a clever nook for stashing needed firewood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Portable Fire Pit" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/09/05/101228026.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">An Organic Fire Pit</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Loose and casual, the distinctive design of this fire pit makes it feel as though it springs naturally from the paved patio area. Although the fire pit is a central part of the secluded backyard, the homeowners tucked it in a seating corner, surrounding it with benches and chairs to better manage the main traffic flow in the landscape.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="An Organic Fire Pit" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/11/101485341.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></div>

Fire Pit Ideas

A Multi-Tiered Fire Pit One-of-a-kind designs are the hallmarks of 21st-century home style, and that’s true for fire pits, too. This multi-l...

Read more »