As much as we love our gardens to be filled with pretty flowers and a lush lawn, an outdoor space somehow doesn't feel complete without a stable place to sit and relax. And with social distancing measures still in place, we'll be entertaining lots more outside, so it's even more important to make sure your space is in order. Whether you prefer a traditional stone tile with a bistro table and chairs or a stretch of urban decking with a bright sunlounger, click or scroll through to check out these stylish patio and decking ideas to create a terrace worthy of those summer nights...
Brighten up a grey concrete-clad corner with garden furniture that echoes summer's vibrant colour palette. Mix and match a rattan-style table and chairs in tutti frutti tones and if you're brave enough paint a wall a funky fiesta blue to tie the fun tones together.
When it comes to creating an outdoor artisan vibe choose garden furniture that's made of softly curved wicker and offers a handcrafted look. Continue the texture by adding an outdoor rug and squashy cushions in natural or earthy tones.
Even tiny terraces can look fabulous. This pint-size patio has been transformed into a little ray of sunshine with a glorious bright yellow wall offset with black painted cladding and a funky monochrome pattern floor. A bistro-style bar table and stools take up hardly any space but fit the look like a dream.
Stop your walled decking space from feeling closed in with colourful paint effects. Keep the decking neutral and run a similar colour up the lower part of the wall to really open out a small space and then add a clash of coral and orange in painted blocks. Finish the Mexico-inspired look with desert plants and retro string garden furniture.
Enjoy a staycation every day with an outdoor patio filled with coastal charm. Layer with a wicker and linen corner sofa with sea and sand coloured cushions. Lay down a striped rug and display glass storm lanterns on a coffee table. Accessorise candles with decorative seashells and you might just hear the ocean waves too...
What's more welcoming than a laid-back alfresco feast on the patio, Mediterranean style? Keep the look rustic with simple styling; set up a table with mix-and-match chairs in earthy shades and tie a canopy above from trees for shade. Portable outdoor lamps give this rural scene a modern twist and mean the dinner party will last into the night as it should.
You expect to see a patio or decked area by the back door right? Wrong! Why not think outside the box by taking your terrace elsewhere in the garden. This is especially clever if you have a north-facing garden that will fall in shade in the afternoon. This raised decked area has become a central stage with a quirky shade sail to anchor the stylish garden scene.
In small gardens, set up a social space that's understated and open. Invest in stylish, quality pieces of furniture that will stand the test of time and choose pieces that look uncluttered with weaved design and narrow legs to create an illusion of more space.
A simple metal garden bistro set will look timeless nestled in a country corner patio and framed by an abundance of flowering plants and shrubs. Pop in traditional outdoor accessories like this birdcage wall mirror and adorable dog-shaped planter to build on the homely character.
Use patio furniture to set a certain style. This textured grey and black furniture set creates a city slicker vibe that's cool, smart and contemporary. Create a comfortable indoor-outdoor feel and anchor the inviting scene with a geometric outdoor rug. Frame the look with contemporary pots planted with rich green foliage that stands out in amongst the strong monochrome theme.
As we blend the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living it's becoming increasingly popular to adorn garden walls with indoor-style decoration. Contemporary planters and mounted outdoor shelves can create striking results that will turn boring brickwork into stunning exterior feature walls full of colour and interest.
If you're lucky enough to own a large outdoor terrace create garden zones as you would an indoor open-plan room that is suitable for each outdoor activity. Squeeze in as much outdoor furniture as possible in set areas to offer a handful of guests plenty of space to relax, dine and sun worship.
Give a raised patio the perfect combination of style and function with porcelain patio slabs that add cool and subtle pattern. Here, a touch of decorative pattern highlights the step while the same detailing zones and anchors a contemporary alfresco dining table.
Enhance a minimalist patio with strong lines and structural plants. Just like an art gallery, white walls in an outdoor space create a blank canvas to display a striking exhibit. The colour and shape of these oversized cacti in colourful pots jump out from the background with sunbaked style. Modern black garden furniture adds to the contrast.
Seeing as rattan is such a strong interiors trend, of course, gardens are going to be full of this hot look this season as (after all) that's where the natural cane material seating was originally designed for. Look out for updated designs that fuse modern shapes and a neutral palette for a sophisticated urban edge.
If you only have a small garden and square of patio, add outdoor furniture that makes practical use of the limited room you have. A bistro bar-style table and benches will add height yet take up less space. Add mini potted succulents as a decorative centrepiece for urban interest.
If you have worked hard to create a country garden, position your patio and furniture in a sunny spot that offers a good view of your outdoor space. Create a courtyard-style corner that's in keeping with the rest of the garden and add simple and timeless furniture that blends into the setting.
A loggia structure over a decked area creates the feel of an outdoor room. Although roofed, the architectural feature by Danske BoligArkitekter is open to the elements and supported by beams so you have the best of both worlds. This monochrome scheme using stone and stained wood cladding looks smart and sleek. Finish with a hanging swing chair for a fun feature.
Keep a gravel patio rustic and chic with just a few pieces of mix-and-match garden furniture. A circular bamboo hanging seat will create a serene hideaway within a wildflower garden, while petite tray tables are easily transported from one place to the next. Solar festoon lights add vintage ambience.
Create an intimate patio space for two with an outdoor love seat that's perfect for snuggling in the sun. Intensify the comfort with plenty of outdoor cushions. Here, a novelty 'dice' side table adds an interesting surface for refreshments.
Renting? No problem. You don't need expensive garden furniture to set up a sought-after patio scene that suits your style. A large rug, a rustic old low-level table and exotic floor cushions create an enchanting and casual corner that's perfect for relaxing on a hot day, plus you can take it all with you if you move.
Statement flooring is so hot right now so it was only a matter of time before the trend grew into the garden. This fenced terrace patio looks striking and unique tiled with an assortment of 45 different designs married together with a cool grey colour palette. A simple white outdoor sofa and wooden planter keep the look clean and uncluttered.
No budget for new tiles? Jazz up drab and boring concrete slabs with a stylish faux tile look. Blogger Hayley Stuart created this striking monochrome garden path using white and black masonry paint and a funky stencil. To finish it was sealed with two coats of patio and paving seal to protect the surface from the elements. As garden upcycles go, this is pretty dreamy, hey?
Rugs aren't just for indoors, this gorgeous turf-green patio rug has textured tufts that mimic the neat lawn striping all groundsmen aspire to. Offset by zesty orange cushions it designates this relaxed and chic lounge area perfectly.
A small white decked porch can be made modern and striking with a series of matt black word art prints. The addition of natural rope textures and feather silhouettes breaks up the display and adds a boho touch to this monochrome chill-out zone.
If a cumbersome barbecue is not your style why not turn your deck into an outdoor kitchen that blends into the background? Frame the space with a wooden pergola to grow your own foliage and herbs as a natural canopy. Then two-tone a fence splashback with deep hues of green – this slatted version has gaps to hang handy tools and finally add a butler table or worktop for food prep.
A coat of rich terracotta on walls will totally transform a patio into an exotic paradise. Enhance the look with global print tasselled cushions, seagrass belly baskets and spiky structural plants. Add a useful shaded canopy using a plume of sunset orange fabric to finish the scheme.
Give your decked garden island flavour with everything you need for fun open-plan living. This outdoor area has been cleverly zoned with rugs and floor cushions for additional seating, while the modern grey outdoor table is suitable for dining. To top it all, there's a funky island-style bar for refreshment that will certainly add some tropical vibes.
Black fencing is becoming a popular garden trend as the dramatic shade can really make lighter patio furniture and green foliage pop. Here, a display of copper plant pots is absolutely gleaming against the dark backdrop, making this sophisticated patio shine.
Trailing plants from a pergola create the feeling of a cocooned garden room on this sophisticated summer terrace designed by Lauren Nelson Design. The focus is on comfort, so these large lounge-style sofas and armchairs would not look out of place in an actual living room. Dress with cushions, just as you would indoors.
Carve out a shaded nook to while away the days in secluded style. Choose comfortable and classic outdoor sofas generously upholstered with shower-proof cushions set around a relaxed low-level coffee table. Earthy, muted tones that blend into a rustic garden's surroundings create a calming and effortlessly chic atmosphere.
Unpainted wooden decking and fencing is easy on the eye, warming and super stylish. The neutral finish works with every colour scheme and, of course, looks totally at home in the garden. Be sure to keep it in tip-top condition with a yearly coat of clear protective wood stain.
A smooth slate-effect patio looks streamlined and contemporary. On closer inspection, you can see the same flooring is used both inside and out to blur the boundaries between both the internal dining space and outdoor patio lounge. Soften the look with greenery planted in integrated beds built high enough to put furniture up against it, to maximise the space on a small terrace.
Cosy up a suburban patio area to enjoy into the evening with plenty of soft texture. Add a small L-shaped sofa plump with thick seat pads and scatter with blue and grey blankets and throws. Soften the hard floor with outdoor rugs and floor cushions in the same tone and bring out silver storm lanterns for when the light fades.
Create the ultimate outdoor kitchen on your patio with a professional finish that's fit for a chef. Cement-effect paving creates a sleek contrast against smart fitted units in warm blonde wood. Complete with appliances that work outside: a barbecue-style oven, a sink with working taps and top with an electric awning so you can grill in all weathers.
Add pops of strong colour to a natural decked area for a bright and cheerful outdoor dining space. A primary mix of red, white and blue furniture is striking for outdoor celebrations. Keep a caddy on castors handy for drinks and nibbles and hang a cluster of paper lanterns for an attractive centrepiece.
A hammock chair and a circular fringed rug will create a relaxed yet chic space to enjoy lazy afternoons. Add natural baskets and potted palm trees to layer texture and finish the boho look.
Build a palette of rich colour that focuses on one shade. These cosmopolitan window shutters look vibrant in teal blue and pick out the pretty allium heads that frame this intimate country space. Complete the look with timeless soft silvery cobble patio stones.
Let the green lush foliage of your garden do the talking by painting your decking area a muted shade of grey. Complement the look with pale blue furniture and lift the scheme with bright plant pots painted in rich teal or sage green. For a relaxed way to do shade, create your own sail with cotton canvas tied onto trees or splash out on a ready-made one.
A sunken patio and decked terrace will give a garden an element of luxury and depth only landscaped gardens can master. This stylish horseshoe-shaped seating area is so inviting. Large modern shrubs and grasses frame the curved seats to create a gentle shield from the elements.
Give your garden curve appeal by laying circular patio paving at different levels, like this Outer Spaces project. Of course, these can be bought in kits from hardware shops with laying instructions, though you'll need some expert advice to tackle this job as a beginner. The beauty of these round shapes is the flow and soft structure they give the space; it instantly feels more welcoming yet put together.
Dark rattan or teak outdoor furniture upholstered in crisp white fabric and accessorised with navy cushions will give a garden patio a smart nautical vibe. Three oversized chrome lanterns make a luxurious focal point. And don't forget a canvas parasol to keep the sun off on hot days.
Building a raised area at the end of your boundary for a patio or decking area will elongate the feel of the garden. And it's perfect for enjoying the sunshine in north-facing plots.
A landscaped patio can add wow-factor to a sunny corner. A professional designer will know what benefits the visual impact of a space. This splendid circular decked area, for example, has been framed by curvaceous cement planters to add contemporary and dynamic movement to the garden.
Make the most of the outdoor furniture and materials you already have with some simple and speedy upcycling makeovers. Wooden pallets or strip wood fencing can be transformed into a striking benched decking area when painted vivid green and fresh white. A collection of soft cushions and lush plants turns this corner into an urban oasis.
Create a jigsaw-style sandstone patio that is durable and timeless. Continue the linear theme with a neat landscape lawn and rattan modular L-shaped sofas arranged around a handy coffee table. Easy to put together and slow to date, this look is a simple winner in so many gardens.
Refresh your decking for the summer months with modern outdoor furniture and bright cushions. White modular furniture is relaxed and comfortable, with citrus cushions adding an uplifting tropical note. It's the perfect place to chill out with a fruity cocktail.
Grow a tiny outdoor oasis on your terrace with tropical foliage and bright colour. A statement floor will look exotic and make a striking base to surround with lush leafy plants like banana leaves, figs and small palms. Add a sunset tone by painting a masonry wall deep orange and bring in wooden furniture for lounging.
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