Outdoor Spaces

When the editors of Pottery Barn's Inside & Out blog challenged me to style some of their new outdoor accessories at home, I knew my barren yard would be put to the test. I'd been aching to create an outdoor space where I could sip cocktails while catching up with friends, but my commitment-phobe tendencies always ruled out traditional dining sets or gigantic loungers. Small, dispersed trees in my yard made stringing lights nearly impossible. I started with four leather Mexican patio chairs and an unflattering floodlight, but with the help of some accessories and simple styling tricks, I managed to turn my outdoor fantasy into a reality. Keep reading for tips on how to tackle this in just a day!

While Summer is the perfect season for indulging in fun-filled barbecues and festive outdoor dinners, it seems as though this sweet season always draws to an end much too quickly. Before Labor Day comes and goes, you owe it to yourself to cram in a few more Summer bashes. With that in mind, we're bringing you 12 essential items to make your end-of-Summer party the best one yet! From lighting to signage, tablescapes to lawn decor, we've got everything you need to throw the ulitmate outdoor fete.

With the lines blurring between outdoor and indoor furniture and decor, now's the time to get creative with your boundaries. By bringing in outdoor pieces to your indoor spaces, you can add unique and unexpected style. Even better: shop the pieces at the end of the season and you can score them on sale! Keep reading to see a dozen of our favorites.

While we all dream of far-off destinations, sometimes it's just not in the cards, especially this late into the Summer season. Instead, why not let some of the world's most gorgeous vacation destinations serve as inspiration for your staycation? Today, we're cribbing notes from the incredibly gorgeous Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the Maldives. See how you can capture this look on your own patio or poolside.

Were you wowed this weekend at the Olympics opening ceremony by the flower-like Olympics cauldron? Created by London-based designer Thomas Heatherwick, the cauldron was truly a stunner. Keep reading to learn more about how it was created, as well as what will happen to it after the Olympic Games. We've also rounded up nine totally design-worthy fire cauldrons (on a much smaller scale) that will help you keep the flame burning all Summer long at your home.

Beautiful lighting should never be limited to the interior of your living space. Dress up your home's patios, porch areas, deck, and walkways with lovely pieces that will add shine to your outdoor areas. From modern to traditional, see our current favorites.

Baking in the sun is fun for a while, but soon enough a little respite from the rays is a necessity. To make that desire an easy reality, we've rounded up 13 tents, shade structures, sun sails, and parasols that will guarantee a shady spot even on the sunniest of afternoons.