Pretty Outdoor Spaces & Ideas to Try

Time to celebrate inspiring outdoor living spaces as we explore outdoor spots for relaxing, dining, meditating, reading, and connecting. We won’t be concerned with perfectly manicured lawns, bountiful gardens, or even slick pool houses ahead. Instead, unfussy and rustic yet elegant spaces for deep breaths are in the spotlight. While I favor a French inspired or European Country style, there’s plenty of overlap with country/cottage/modern farmhouse that it seems silly to apply labels to everything! Pretty Outdoor Spaces & Ideas to Try is comin at ya!

Park and Oak designed beautiful outdoor living oasis with dining table and umbrella. #outdoorliving #patiodesign #patiofurniture
Park and Oak – Pretty outdoor spaces as well as resources and ideas to try

Pretty Outdoor Spaces & Ideas to Try

Full disclosure: the only outdoor oasis I have created thus far at the new house? Placing these comfy, good looking chairs (below, on our former patio) on the front porch for porch sitting. Which brings us to our first ACTIONABLE IDEA to try.

Grey rattan patio chairs with light blue linen lumbar pillows create a peaceful conversation area outdoors - Hello Lovely Studio. Come explore 3 looks for a modern outdoor oasis!
Hello Lovely Studio – Rattan Chairs – Pretty outdoor spaces as well as resources and ideas to try

1. Mindful Designing: Adopt a Fresh Perspective of “Wellth”

I plan to measure “wellth” this spring and summer in part by the amount of time spent sitting on the porch in a comfy chair.

I won’t pressure myself to engage in productive activities (creating content on a laptop, reading, listening to an inspiring podcast, or even journaling). Rather, breathing deeply and listening to birdsong and just being present are the idea.

In our former home, I hung out in the French country inspired courtyard with its potted lavender, boxwood, and seasonal blooms. There are things I miss about that lovely area we customized just for ourselves and a few things I don’t.

Believe it or not, my peace was consistently disrupted in that courtyard, and I don’t mean by deer and wild turkeys. This brings me to our next actionable idea inspired by beautiful outdoor oasis living areas.

Rustic knotty alder exterior door with walnut stain and speakeasy in our European country cottage entry - Hello Lovely.
Pretty outdoor spaces as well as resources and ideas to try

2. Create & Protect Privacy & Seclusion

I can’t tell you how many times I was startled by solicitors, scam artists, and strangers who showed up unannounced. In some cases, they were simply insensitive to my personal space EVEN during the height of the pandemic. But in other cases, there was aggressive behavior where I had to leave, lock the door, and call the authorities.

Charming French country inspired garden with pea gravel and boxwood. #hellolovelystudio #gardendecor #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcourtyard #peagravel #outdoordecor
Pretty outdoor spaces as well as resources and ideas to try

It happened so many times in our “sleepy, safe, suburban neighborhood” that I nearly gave up on the prospect of peacefully settling in my own yard. Not even a gate prevented the trespassing, and there were too many paths to access my little sanctuary.

Hello Lovely's courtyard through the window in early fall.
Inspiring Outdoor Living Design Ideas as well as Resources to Get the Look

Ring cameras help to alert us on our iPhones, but I don’t like being tethered to my phone. I dreamed of designing our outdoor area with better protection from uninvited company, and if we had not moved, it would have been a priority.

Rustic French country cafe dining in the garden with white roses on the table - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcafe #frenchcountry #bistroset #cafeset
Hello Lovely Studio – Inspiring Outdoor Living Spaces In Case You Love Patios, Decks, and Porches

So do think about privacy panels, locked gates, security cameras, and fences to preserve your patio privacy. You would never suspect that in our former neighborhood, such serial trespassing and theft threats would be issues.

Industrial farmhouse metal chair with a grainsack cushion on my front porch with vintage watering can. #hellolovelystudio #frenchfarmhouse #metalchair #vintagestyle #wateringcan #outdoordecor

In fact, I had to become very aggressive in several instances where folks tried to physically enter that home! I am not the type who worries about home invasion or frets about neighborhood crime so these experiences were extra startling and wake up calls to be more intentional about home security.

3. Think Green for Your Oasis

There’s something so calming, lifegiving, and natural about soft sages and French green in the garden.

Provence French farmhouse known as Bonnieux Villa is a vacation rental from Haven In and offers inspiring gardens, romantic Old World rustic elegance, and interior design inspiration from the South of France!
Bonnieux Villa, Haven In

Sometimes just the color story from inspiring images can spark your creativity. In this moment from Vivi et Margot below, French green, grey stone, and pops of lavender set a glorious tone. See THIS for serene paint color ideas to get the look.

Muted sunny golds and aged terracotta can also be magic with green:

Cheerful green shutters on warm sunny-hued stucco Chateau Mireille in Provence. #frenchchateau #frenchhome #houseexterior #shutters #outdoordining #southoffrance #vacationvilla #provence
Chateau Mireille, Haven In

Sometimes you can find that warm sunny stone right here in the USA:

Outdoor french farmhouse dining at Sunstone. #frenchfarmhouse #outdoordining
Sunstone Winery; Photo: Michele Beckwith

4. Spare Outdoor Spaces Can Be Soothing Too

Gardens and lush vegetation can take time to grow, but airy outdoor living spaces can still be soothing and elegant. I love Erin Fetherston’s style, and her lovely California home’s outdoor dining space has that minimal luxe look that feels understated and easy to maintain.

Even a big rustic bowl of succulents for a small balcony, little patio, or wee porch space can be beautiful. Window boxes and gardens blooming with flowers are wonderful for gardening types. But even a few containers that are easily cared for may be enough for non-gardening types.

Jenni Kayne also knows her way around spare yet beautiful minimal luxe simplicity. Here’s a taste of what you can expect from her gorgeous book PACIFIC NATURAL:

Earthy organic outdoor tablescape by Jenni Kayne for PACIFIC NATURAL - a must own lifestyle book with recipes.
PACIFIC NATURAL by Jenni Kayne (Rizzoli, 2019) – see more of it in THIS

I love container gardening since I can move things around creatively depending on the mood!

Pink petunias in a pot in our French country courtyard garden with pea gravel - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

5. Outdoor Sheds

No matter how you feel about shabby chic, backyard storage shed that morph into potting stations, reading nooks, or hideaways can be magical.

Charming vintage she shed greenhouse exterior has a glass roof, original wood, and a breathtaking shabby chic interior! #sheshed #sheds #greenhouse #outdooroasis #gardenshed #pottingshed
Country Living (photo: Janis Nicolay – design: Heather Cameron)

No room for a she shed? Maybe there’s a spot for a party maker like this:

Murphy bar Lilly drop down bar from Barsoutdoors on Etsy. #murphybar #dropdownbar #outdoorbar
Lilly Drop Down Bar, Barsoutdoors on Etsy

See more she sheds in THIS.

Charming cottage garden shed with blue door (painted BM Jamestown Blue), hydrangea, window boxes, and Cape Cod style - @thisoldcapebarn. #tinycottages #gardensheds #capecodstyle
@thisoldcapebarn

Perhaps the actionable part of this idea is investing in a good book about creating a she-shed or tiny guest cottage…start HERE.

6. Spruce Up Your Planters

Maybe your “oasis” can begin with helping a few potted plants or flower baskets live larger in pretty containers. Here are a few I own, and while they aren’t pieces I can leave outdoors across the seasons, I have found ways to use them indoors as well.

And do get creative about your conception of “container.” I picked up this old non-functional vintage bicycle at a yard sale, knowing I would use it as a garden sculpture and for its basket to hold flowers.

Vintage bicycle with white roses in basket in our French country courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchbicycle #bicyclebaskets #whiteroses

Keep your eyes peeled at estate sales and local yard sales for vintage and Old World style containers that have aged to perfection like these:

French formal gardens and tree shaded outdoor dining with pea gravel - see more of this Stunning French Château Near St-Rémy-de-Provence by Haven In. #frenchgarden #frenchcountry #frenchchateau
Chateau Mireille (photo: Haven In) – see more of its beauty HERE.

7. Inspiring Books to Help

If you are familiar with Patina Farm (a dream property imagined and created by Brooke and Steve Giannetti), then you know!

Patina Farm glass bathroom with soaking tub, double shower heads, and a glorious surrounding garden - Brooke Giannetti. #patinafarm #bathroomdesign #soakingtub
Giannetti Home – Patina Farm glass bathroom photo by Velvet and Linen

That property has too many outdoor oasis moments to name!

Take a peek at the indoor and outdoor moments of inspiration:

Andrea Gibson quote (poetry) about heartbreak, love, and music on Hello Lovely Studio.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

8. Get the Look of a Modern French Bistro

Is it possible to create an oasis moment outside in one fell swoop without spending a fortune? Oui, madame. Imagine yourself bringing Paris to your balcony, terrace, deck, or even indoors.

Here’s an idea for a splurge in the dreamiest of blues:

I love the modern black containers on our front porch which flank the front door and look awesome year-round. Whether its ferns, trailing blooms, or evergreens at Christmas, these planters elevate the ordinary.

Blessing quote by John O'Donohue on Hello Lovely Studio. #blessing #inspirationalquote #johnodonohue

Sometimes just a simple addition can get your gears moving.

I have seen these distressed rustic barrels styled in countless ways by designers for porches, decks, patios, mud rooms, and beyond.

Here’s a simple set which includes cushions and could be customized in any number of ways. I can see it on a deck, in a courtyard, on a screen porch, or on a simple concrete patio.

These charming handcrafted metal outdoor hurricane lanterns would work in any number of outdoor locations where you care to add some glow. I often put battery operated fairy lights in mine.

If you love minimal design and softer colors, this friendly-priced slightly coastal arrangement may appeal – the aqua stripes are so soothing, and I have the Malta lanterns myself and have purchased them as gifts – folks love em!

John O'Donohue inspirational quote about small miracles on Hello Lovely Studio. #miraclequotes #inspirationalquotes #johnodonohue

Outdoor Oasis Look 3: Modern Rustic Dining

What I admire about modern rustic design is its simplicity with clean lines and minimal fussiness as well as the zen mood it often imparts.

Mother's Day quote on Hello Lovely Studio - mothers are like buttons...#mothersday #motherquotes #momquotes #parentingquotes
If you’re thinkin’ about Mother’s Day, make sure to see THIS for ideas.

View a Lovely Backyard Makeover!

Remember, you don’t have to leave comments or questions publicly below…if you subscribe, posts come to your inbox, and you’ll simply hit ‘reply’ to the email, and it’s me (a real person) on the other end, ready to respond.

p.s.

Encouragement quote (It's not too late to...) on Hello Lovely Studio.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

2 Comments

  1. Mspoon
    April 4, 2024 / 11:44 am

    Oh my gosh I can’t believe you had unwanted visitors on your property so scary. I have a similar problem with having an orange tree right in front of my home. I’ve had watched people from my kitchen window drive up park their car go to the trunk of the car and pull out a shopping bag walk on to my property and pick oranges off my tree, calmly get in their car and drive away. People have seem to have lost their sense of respect for others. I usually don’t like fences but in this case I’m thinking I should get one that is decorative to deter people from doing that.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 4, 2024 / 4:30 pm

      Wow. I would post a sign that says “Hi there – you’re on camera, and my fruit should not be plucked and stolen. Have a great day.” No soliciting signs never worked at that property, and I have never had so many uninvited strangers. I’m so happy to be done with that issue! I hope you come up with an effective solution.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing