Outdoor living is no longer an afterthought — it’s an extension of the home. Yet many outdoor spaces still cling to design crutches that feel temporary, rather than timeless. If your patio is feeling a little lackluster, it's time to make a few changes. The good news is: it doesn't have to be big (or expensive); sometimes a decor switch is all you need.
When it comes to decorating our outdoor areas, we often focus purely on practicality. But just like inside, making your outdoor living room ideas feel design-forward is all in the little details. Maybe the string lights have been up for seasons, or that statue is dating your garden, rather than decorating it...
So, what do designers recommend when it comes to decor for your patio and garden? I asked them which elements it's time to retire, and what refined alternatives better reflect today's elevated outdoor lifestyle. Here's what they said.
1. Replace Cheap, Plastic Outdoor Rugs
It's easy to think that because an outdoor rug lives outside, it's not worth investing in the same high-quality materials as you would for an interior one, but that mindset won't do the look of your garden any good.
It's time to get rid of any plastic, artificial-looking styles. "These rugs flatten the design and rarely blend with natural elements," explains St. Louis-based interior designer Rachel Blindauer. Instead, she recommends going for a flat-woven design, featuring earthy colors, patterns, and textures.
"Indoor-outdoor textiles in muted tones or tribal motifs ground the space with softness and visual interest," she adds. Texture underfoot should always feel like an invitation, not an afterthought.
And if you don't already have a rug for your outdoor area, it's an easy decor swap to add that can completely transform and help tie together the space.
This reversible rug from La Redoute is the perfect way to bring a bit of subtle color to your outdoor space.
Nature-inspired patterns are perfect for the spring and summer seasons. Pair this rug with neutral furniture to let it shine as an accent piece, or go for a maximalist space and play into the bright color scheme.
The design on this indoor/outdoor rug from OKA mimics the soft waves of the ocean or a calm breeze, and the sage green shade makes for a tranquil addition to your space.
2. Replace Cafe String Lights
String lights are fun, sure — but when it comes to your garden lighting ideas, they can feel temporary and tacky (especially when half of the globes have blown, or they're covered in cobwebs).
"Originally charming, they’ve become the outdoor equivalent of a default setting," says Rachel. Instead, "Trade the tangled cords for portable lighting with presence. A ceramic rechargeable lamp or bronze base lamp adds both ambiance and architectural shape to an outdoor vignette."
As for other more stylish ways to light your outdoor space, interior designer Siobhan Casey, co-founder of Casey & Fox Interiors, says, "Instead of draping strings of sagging bulbs around the garden, why not switch to solar-powered fairy lights woven through trees, or discreet bollard lights to softly illuminate a garden path? Both options feel considered rather than chaotic, and they're kinder on your energy bills too."
And my favorite recent discovery? Outdoor pendant lights. Proof that your lighting can be just as sculptural, stylish, and sleek as what you'd have indoors.
It's hard to believe that this floor lamp from Kave Home is meant for the outdoors. It's solar powered so you can style this light anywhere without having to worry about a cord. Plus, it comes in a few different colors.
Pendant lights have become my favorite way to do outdoor lighting. This style from Cox & Cox has a unique rattan material that is perfect for creating an outdoor living space that feels serene yet chic.
No garden setup is complete without a chic table lamp, and bonus points when it is rechargeable like this one from Laura James. For only £30, you can get rid of your cafe lights without the guilty conscience.
3. Replace Tacky Lawn Ornaments and Statues
The fun part of having an outdoor space is that you get to make it a little oasis in the comfort of your home. If you have a larger area to work with, it can be fun to experiment with stone sculptures and fountains, for example.
But, "Whimsical garden decor can quickly turn kitschy and distract from the serenity of the space," says Rachel. To keep your outdoor area from veering into that territory, she recommends opting for subtle sculptural elements or investing in water features that feel luxe.
So, swap figurines for an abstract stone sculpture, a minimalist fountain, or even a handmade ceramic birdbath. "Even outdoors, restraint makes the boldest statement," says Rachel.
This vase from Completed Works builds art and function in the most beautiful way. It is a sculpture, but you can also easily store a bouquet of your favorite blooms from the garden.
This fountain from Moda Furnishings is absolutely stunning. It has a modern and minimalist form that catches your attention but doesn't distract.
When it comes to decorative ornaments, something contemporary and subtle like this large fluted sphere from Cox & Cox is the perfect way to go.
4. Replace Buttoned Upholstery
According to designer Raili Clasen, there is one small upholstery detail that can instantly make your patio look dated. That detail? Buttons. "Cushions with buttons are a dead giveaway that it's time to update," she says.
Since the not-so-subtle indentation of buttons on outdoor upholstery tends to diminish the overall look of your patio decor, opt for styles that don't try too hard. Choose upholstery or cushions in effortlessly sleek finishes, and if you want a slight detail, opt for styles with a contrast trim or go for striped outdoor furniture.
Look for sleek, quality styles that can transform your patio into an extension of your interior spaces.
Replace any dated outdoor furniture with sleek and modern styles — like this elegant accent chair. Its upholstery doesn't feature any unnecessary buttons, making it perfect for your modern patio.
Need new cushions for your outdoor lounge chair? Upgrade with these elegant striped seat pads from The White Company. They are thick, plush, and durable, and the neutral-colored wide stripes are simple but striking.
When the weather gets warm, the patio becomes another room to your house, so you should decorate it as such. Enhance your outdoor seating with a stylish throw pillow — like this striped option.
5. Replace Random Oversized Pots and Planters
When it comes to decor that makes our outdoor spaces feel tacky, "Oversized plastic pots are the classic offender," says Siobhan. They fade, crack, and scream 'budget garden centre.'
"Big-box store planters often dominate the space with scale but contribute nothing to the design language," adds Rachel, who warns that "Oversized pots often look better suited to mall entrances than private retreats."
As for what style of planter you should replace them with, look for textured, natural materials. "Stoneware, aged terracotta, or woven planters nod to the surrounding environment," says Rachel. "Go for character over circumference. A planter should frame the plant, not upstage it."
And always replace plastic with stone, Corten steel, or ceramic planters in clean shapes. "Better yet, try thrifting an antique urn or basin, and give something a new life," adds Rachel. At the end of the day, materiality matters, even outside.
This pot from Ferm Living is both sculptural and stylish. Every cool home is sporting some shade of yellow this season, and this feels like the perfect blend between butter yellow and the classic primary hue.
Terracotta pots are a classic, but this one from Rowen and Wren feels that much more fun. The scalloped edge gives it a more modern edge while the material is an instant classic.
As for planters, you can still go oversized, but the key is to opt for something more contemporary and luxurious. This style from West Elm comes in a few different sizes as well.
Bringing your luxe outdoor ideas to life can all start with some small decor switches, but if you think your backyard is desperate for some bigger changes, it's worth tapping into the latest outdoor furniture trends for 2025 for inspiration.
