Home Improvement Ideas Patio Design Ideas and Makeovers Patio Designs 13 Deck and Patio Design Ideas for Outdoor Upgrades By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 21, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Gear up for warm-weather season with these upgrades for decks and patios. Our stylish ideas will help you take advantage of the great outdoors and savor spring, summer, and fall even more. 01 of 13 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 room. A variety of container sizes adds another layer of softness. 02 of 13 Add a Pergola 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. More Deck Pergola Designs 03 of 13 Use Levels 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. 04 of 13 Max Out Your Space Have a deck-patio combination? Maximize every inch of your outdoor living areas with these design tips for furniture, outdoor decor, and landscaping. 05 of 13 Upgrade Materials 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. 06 of 13 Enlist an Island 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. 07 of 13 Blur the Divide 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. Browse Patio Door Designs 08 of 13 Just Add Water Invite the soothing sounds of nature to your patio or deck with a tiny fountain. To make this design, all you need is container water kit, a water-proof container, and a few water-loving plants. 09 of 13 Refresh Railing 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. 12 Creative Ideas for Deck Railing 10 of 13 Brighten Up 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. 11 of 13 Find Cover 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. 12 of 13 Go Big on a Budget 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. How to Build a Flagstone Patio 13 of 13 Coordinate Colors 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit