Home Decorating Outdoor Living Space of the Week: A Lackluster Patio Becomes an Outdoor Oasis in 5 Simple Steps Complete with an outdoor fire pit that clicks on and off with a switch. By Erica Finamore Erica Finamore Erica Finamore is Real Simple's home director, sharing her knowledge on decorating, organizing, cleaning and DIYing. She has over 10 years' experience and favors statement sofas, gallery walls and organizing books in rainbow order. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 19, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Chun A weather-worn patio and lackluster landscaping greeted Lisa Chun and her family when they moved into their home in River Vale, N.J., five years ago. When COVID hit, Lisa upgraded the outdoor space so they could spend more time there. An avid (and talented!) DIYer, she built the sectional from plans she found online and ordered cushions from World Market. Then she put the couch and an egg chair around a fire pit to create a focal point—and a place for s'mores happy hour. Choose Dual-Purpose Pieces The concrete fire pit runs off a 20-pound propane tank, and Lisa loves that she can turn it on and off with a switch. When it's not lit, she places a tray over it and uses it as a coffee table. Mix Shapes The egg chair gives the space boho character, and its oval frame nicely contrasts with the boxiness of the L-shaped sofa and rectangular rug. Cover Your Back The 11-foot cantilever umbrella offers shade throughout the day, and the offset stand doesn't hog center stage—or space. 9 Best Plants for a More Private Backyard Get the Look: 01 of 05 Step 1: Serve Some Snacks Bed Bath & Beyond $145, bedbathandbeyond.com This sturdy, weather-resistant garden stool is the ideal landing spot for drinks and snacks when family and friends gather around the patio. When setting up for a get-together, make sure each seat has easy access to a coffee table, garden stool, or another surface. 02 of 05 Step 2: Roll Out a Rug Well Woven From $39, wellwoven.com The #1 way to make your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home? Set the groundwork with a patterned rug. 03 of 05 Step 3: Lounge in Style Target Say hello to your new favorite reading nook. The curved design of this egg chair lends privacy, inviting you to curl up with your summer reading outdoors. 04 of 05 Step 4: Gather Around the Fire Home Depot $249, homedepot.com If you've ever wished you had a fire pit (but wanted to skip all the effort), this propane-fueled fire pit is the answer. It turns on and off with the flip of a switch. 05 of 05 Step 5: Throw Some Shade Home Depot $599, homedepot.com For patios that get all-day sun, this 11-foot umbrella will shield your outdoor space, making it more comfortable. The handle lets you adjust the canopy angle to follow the sun throughout the day, while solar-powered LED lights will illuminate your gatherings once the sun sets. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit