Pretty Outdoor Living Spaces

Soft-hued flowers such as roses, peonies, and irises soften the landscaping of this beautiful Ohio backyard. See the terraces, container plantings, outdoor kitchen, and stonework that make this a special garden.

An inviting dramatic entry took shape when 'Patriot' hostas and boxwood shrubs, framed by cobblestone edging, were used to line the existing stamped-concrete walkway.

Inviting vignettes on the spacious front porch accessed by the home's three front-entry doors, provide the perfect setting for coffee or cocktails.

Hardscape materials and plants, such as hostas and stone columns, appear in the home's front landscape and repeat on the back patio, unifying the property.

A dining room terrace is one of three distinct but connected patio spaces used for cooking, eating, and relaxing.

Garden borders -- romantic roses, soothing hosta foliage, and cheerful container combinations -- lend charm to the intimate setting of the dining room terrace.

Flowers play a vital role in the garden, softening the extensive hardscaping with pretty hues from container combinations.

Mixing in light floral hues, like this pale pink rose, goes a long way in softening the fieldstone and tumbled-stone pavers.

The living room terrace is dedicated to relaxing and socializing, with comfortable furniture that creates a relaxed environment. This is also the central space of the patio, with an entrance to the home through French doors, as well as step-down access to the other terraces.

Dark green outdoor furniture, repeated in the barstools and dining set on the other terraces, avoids stealing the show from the colorful flora, instead playing a supporting role.

The homeowner opted for neutral tones. "We didn't want the furniture and accessories to be the focal point of the terraces," she said. "We wanted to keep it neutral and have the emphasis on the flowers and plants."

Bluestone-topped columns add substance to the landscape, while flowers soften the look.

A built-in grill sits next to a raised dining bar with several barstools. It also doubles as a buffet and allows the cook to chat with guests before the meal.

A large sink, wide counters, and abundant undercounter storage are thoughtful design elements of the outdoor kitchen.

The kitchen terrace is adjacent to the dining room terrace for easy transport of food to the table, but it's removed from the main flow of traffic in and out of the house.

In this small backyard, scalloped radius fencing defines each outdoor room.

The white fencing that separates the terraces from the backyard ties into the white railings found on the front porch.