21 Cozy Outdoor Ideas

Outdoor living is my favorite. I always feel like our house grows 4 times the size in late spring and summer months. Today I’m sharing 21 Cozy Outdoor Ideas.

We’re all at home right now. We’re all looking forward to warming weather and times with our family and friends. I don’t think I’ve ever been as grateful for our yard as now. I thought it might be fun to round up some cozy outdoor ideas. Some are big projects – like our pool but some are easy ideas like bringing out some pillows and magazines to create a cozy reading nook in an old hammock. Hope these ideas fill you with inspiration and an eagerness to enjoy your backyard. Simply click the titles or the links for more on each or detailed build plans / tutorials.

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In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

21 Cozy Outdoor Ideas

1. Build an Outdoor Dining Table

A few years ago my husband built this cedar table and outdoor bench. I first revealed the look here. He modeled it after a teak table I loved but we couldn’t afford. We still have this table and bench and it’s held up over the years. The chairs are from Target and we actually bought two more and they’ve stood up wonderfully to the elements. I don’t see them on their site now, though.

2. Add Adirondack Chairs

White classic adirondack chairs add a taste of New England to our back yard. These chairs are so comfy to sit and read whilst sipping rose or coffee. We opted for all weather recycled plastic. We left them out all winter and these still look as good as they did last year. We got these from Raymour & Flanigan but they’re also available in multiple colors from Amazon.

3. Add Ambiance with a Fire Fountain

The fire fountain is actually a water feature with a flickering flame int he center. It’s mesmerizing to watch the flicking flame while hearing the trickle of water. I filled ours with beach rocks and oyster shells collected from the beach. You can order your own here.

4. Create Privacy with Wisteria

Each May our deck explodes with the fragrance and beautiful wisteria flowers. Many people have asked me how old this Wisteria is and I don’t know. It was here when we moved in which was 7 years ago this month. This give our deck a very private feeling. We added additional supports so the trailing vines could grow and expand. I will say my husband isn’t as enamored with wisteria as I am as it’s very invasive and he needs to cut it back each week in the summer months.

5. She Shed

A few years ago I was lucky enough to partner with the Home Depot on this sweet She Shed. Luke and I completely redid the basic shed inside and out. I know you guys probably aren’t going to buy a new shed right now but maybe you have an old one that you want to create an outdoor retreat in. Over the years I shared many posts about this space, but I love this one for inspiration.

6. Cedar Door Mat

Welcome guests with this fun and coastal inspired cedar door mat!

7. Cozy up a Hammock

Cozy up an old hammock with shabby chic bedding, indoor pillows, and LOADS of design magazines. A perfect way to relax! Max was sure interested in this option!

8. Add A Pool

I realize this is a big one and many of you might not be dreaming of a pool BUT this was a big dream of ours. We put in our pool 2 years ago and are so happy with the choice. I shared the progress each week on the blog while it was being installed. I even wrote a post on things to consider when putting in a pool here. We’re planning on opening the pool early this year – hopefully this weekend. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to have friends and family over this summer to enjoy it.

9. Crushed Shell Patio

We like our crushed shells here. We originally used them in a patio for the She Shed and decided to use them in the beds around the pool and in front of our home. The dogs run through them and it means the don’t track bark mulch on the pool deck. I love the coastal look it gives our yard.

10. Build Some Raised Beds

We love to garden with our children and have been growing a garden with them since they were very little.

We built two raised beds and love having fresh produce each year. I’ll be sharing more gardening tips this weekend as we just started our beds for this year.

11. Make Beach Stone Garden Markers

Beach stones are a wonderful surface to create nature inspired garden markers.

12. Coastal Window Box

My husband built me a beautiful window box last year with a built in watering system.

13. Fern Wreath

This fern wreath only took me a few minutes. I love how fresh and romantic ferns look in the summer months. If you like ferns you might like the prints and cards available in our online shop.

14. Mix up Some Cocktails

Delicious pina coladas are the perfect sip for a hot day in the backyard. I also love making Rhubarb Mojitos, Sparkling Cocktails and Watermelon Slushies.

15. Cozy Spot for Cocktails and Wine

String lights add a romantic element at night as does candle light in metal hurricanes, rocks and moss scattered across a weathered table.

16. Coastal Tray

Saltwash Powder, some paint and boat cleats make for an easy to create tray, perfect for summer entertaining.

17. Lovely Teak Furniture

I love adding teak furniture to our outdoor areas as I love how it ages to a beautiful gray patina over time. We have several sets by our pool.

18. Make a Mini Version for Kids

Kids love their own versions of furniture. Our kids have since outgrown this set but loved it while it lasted.

19. Lean-to Potting Shed

Simple build plans to create your own area for planting and garden storage.

20. The Perfect Blue for Shutters and Doors

Our shutters and front door are Benjamin Moore’s Buxton Blue. I always get asked online and people asking when they walk by our home. We used high gloss for a luxe, dreamy look.

21. A Modern Coastal Pool House

We converted the She Shed into a pool house last summer. Luke created built in bench seating with hidden storage for pillows and cushions and also added a fridge, butcher block counters and raw edge shelving. We love the new look and looking forward to more time out here in the weeks ahead.

I hope this post gave you lots of ideas for your own back yards. If you’re looking for more things to do over the next few weeks you might like this post.