Patio Inspiration Just in Time for Summer and Warmer Weather

Dreamy outdoor spaces invite family and friends to gather for al fresco enjoyment

During the warm summer months, a comfortable, stylish outdoor living space becomes the family-favorite spot to relax and unwind. Whether used for cooking, dining, entertaining or simply relaxing, an inviting patio allows you to enjoy the extra hours of sun from the comfort of your own backyard. The patios featured on the following pages showcase chic furniture, inspired lighting and incredible views that combine to establish a gathering space where family and friends meet to enjoy the great outdoors long into the evening hours.

A complete renovation was necessary for this expansive outdoor patio, located a mere 100 yards from bustling ski lifts in Park City, Utah. JLF Architects and Verdone Landscape Architects worked closely with the recently retired homeowners to craft an outdoor oasis featuring multiple intimate gathering spaces for summer entertaining. The homeowners enjoy endless views of the surrounding vistas while in their impressive swimming pool, which rests above a wood-planked wall with spillways. “The pool is built up above eye level so that from the main floor of the house you do not know that it is there,” explains project manager Todd Crowther of contractor Big-D Signature. “With the glass windows in the house, it looks like the pool is flowing into the water feature below.”

Strategically placed outdoor plants create a nature-inspired living space that blends seamlessly into its site. “The landscaping specifications and plant selections make a big difference,” says Crowther. “The natural sod around the patio truly makes you feel like the mountains blend perfectly into the patio space.” Steel columns, moss rock and a wainscot of bonderized metal further marry the architecture to its natural setting. “The landscape designers did an outstanding job,” says the homeowner. “The in-out flow works so well.”