The 29 Hottest Outdoor Decorating Trends of 2016
More than ever this year, the outdoors were an extension of our indoor living spaces. See the top 30 ways people made their exteriors cozy, stylish, and inviting in 2016 ahead.
Hanging Bench
A hanging chair adds a touch of whimsy and luxury that homeowners craved in their outdoor spaces this year.
Outdoor Rugs
With the availability of stylish polyurethane and weatherproof rugs, this underfoot decor made the transition outside in a big way.
Trellis
Trellises create shade and privacy — even for the smallest of backyards — so it's no surprise that homeowners were digging them in a big way.
DIY Pergola
DIY pergola curtains create an elegant cabana feel right outside your back door!
Fire Pit
As outdoor spaces became cozy extensions of the indoor living spaces, features like fire pits and chiminias grew in popularity.
Zika-Repelling Plants
As Zika spread, so did the need for mosquito repellers. Plants that naturally repel mosquitoes were of great interest to homeowners and sprouted roots in gardens.
AstroTurf
With major parts of the country in drought, AstroTurf became an enticing grass alternative. Creative bloggers took the trend to the extreme, carpeting their deck in the material for a hip look.
Chalk Art
Not ready to commit to something permanent? Update your patio with chalk art. Cinder block looks fashion forward when stenciled with chalk.
Upgrade Support Beam Columns
You can completely elevate the look of the front of your house by simply swapping out dated and dinky support beams for beautiful ones, like these rustic wooden columns.
Midcentury-Modern Carport Trellis
Beautify an ugly carport by adding a stylish midcentury-modern carport trellis, like this stunning DIY one.
Cinder Block Planters
No need to spend a fortune on planters. Just update cinder blocks to make a stylish, '80s-inspired display.
Outdoor Kilim Pillows
Making your patio an outdoor extension of your living room is a major trend this year. One easy way to do it is by throwing cozy kilim pillows on your outdoor sofa, after waterproofing them of course.
Midcentury House Number
Give your house number a touch of panache in the form of a Palm Springs-inspired makeover.
Paint Front Door
Give your home a fresh look by painting your front door in a vibrant hue.
DIY Citronella Candle
Keep mosquitoes (and Zika) at bay with DIY citronella candles. They're pretty enough to decorate your tabletop.
Shade Sails
It takes time to grow shade-creating trees, but you can quickly filter the sun shade by hanging a stylish sail overhead.
Farmhouse-Style Porch
You can blame it on HGTV's Fixer Upper, but there's no denying that farmhouse style is sweeping the nation. Case in point: this on-trend rustic front porch.
Painted Patio Tile
Perhaps the best way to make over a drab cement patio is to paint it. When covered in a geometric black-and-white print, this once-boring patio is now nearly unrecognizable.
Outdoor Bar Cart
Bar carts are too cute — not to mention convenient — to keep inside. Find a weatherproof version and place it on your deck or patio for a perfect entertaining focal point.
Copper Lights
Metals are getting warmer, and we're not just talking about brass hardware in the kitchen. Update outdoor metals with more on-trend materials like these gorgeous copper lights.
Modern Patio Furniture
Even if your house is decidedly traditional, you can still update your patio with some stylish modern furniture, like this funky table and chair set.
Rustic Potting Station
Take your love of gardening to the next level by building your own rustic potting station right in your backyard. It's as adorable as it is convenient.
Elaborate Al Fresco Tablescapes
Dining al fresco can be more elegant than paper plates. Decorate your table with layers of decor, from plates to creative place cards.
Hanging Light Pendants
You can move your gathering as far away from the power source as you like when you're willing to hang a pendant from a tree for a light source.
DIY Trellis
A DIY trellis helps you gain privacy and separate space in a small yard, not to mention how beautiful it is.
Coordinating Outdoor Prints
Be as thoughtful with the furniture on your deck as you are with that in your living room by coordinating colors and prints down to the dog bed.
Hanging Mirror Outdoors
Don't save your best mirrors and art for inside your house; hang it where the neighbors can see it: outside.
Cozying Up Hammocks
Hammocks have never been more inviting than they are when sheathed in sheepskin throws and a well-worn Persian rug.
Making the Most of Small Spaces
Just because the space is small doesn't mean you can't pack in big style and function. Even the narrowest of spaces can become an outdoor haven. Case in point: this small side alley is a cozy grilling and dining space.