Delectable Dining

Take advantage of the weather and move meal time outdoors. With a stylish set up, dining alfresco has never tasted so good.

By Melissa Mauzy

By Interior Archaeology.

Located in the interior courtyard, this step down dining area functions as an inviting extension of the home. A generous cast concrete countertop bridges the outdoor sink to the grill with the fireplace as the centerpiece at eye level. Hand-painted tiles by Tabarka Studio surround the fireplace as well as the floor, the dining table and lighting fixture are both custom.

Photography by Tessa Neustadt.

By Tegethoff Homes.

This beautiful outdoor space is a seamless extension of the main house. Located directly off the home’s expansive great room and adjacent to the kitchen, the space is connected by a wall of sliding glass doors that can be fully opened to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. It offers a convenient and gorgeous spot for outdoor dining and entertaining.

By M.S. Vicas Interiors.

This outdoor dining area provides seamless indoor/outdoor living thanks to accordion doors that connect this covered porch to the main living area. Retractable screens help keep out mosquitoes so this area can be enjoyed on sultry summer nights. Photography by Stylish Productions.

By Norris Architecture and Post31 Interiors.

This rear loggia, using timbers and local stone, overlooks an expansive property with a large pond. It has proven to be a favorite space for the family and friends to gather. A recent addition has added a generous pool area and landscaping. Photography by Emily Redfield.

By Joy R. Dabill Interior Design.

The lanai was designed for entertaining. Groups can gather by the outdoor kitchen to watch sports games, sit at the dining table for meals or by the fireplace to relax. Sliders open to the house so the lanai is an extension of the interior. Roll-down screens protect from bugs, sun and bad weather to help maximize the comfort. Photography by Ron Rosenzweig.

By Kukk Architecture & Design, P.A., Gardenbleu and Easterly Building Company.

Outdoor entertaining is a big part of Southwest Florida living, so the homeowners wanted a space with beach glamour. The pergola allows for a little sun protection and was designed in an abstract way to be reminiscent of crab baskets with filtered sunlight and blue sky. The hanging light fixture adds to the long linear space. The designer chose real wood detailing with an aluminum structure. Photography by Randall Pery Photography.

By Regan

Baker Design. The designer was inspired by the towering redwood trees that surrounded this Marin County home. With the exterior of the home clad in a beautiful cedar, the goal was to bring the wood elements to the forefront of this outdoor living space. With the clients' love for surfing, photography and philanthropy the designer wanted to ensure the home felt elevated yet comfortable and kid-friendly for their busy family of four. Photography by Suzanna Scott.

By AE Design. This outdoor space project included the building of a wood deck and addition of a pergola and built-in bbq. The deck flooring was matched to the finish of the interior flooring to create a seamless indoor/outdoor feel. The pergola has a transparent cover between the joists to protect from rain and heat but also provide a great deal of light. Photography by Amy Bartlam.

By Youtopia Designs. An outdoor umbrella helps keep everyone cool and comfortable. Always opt for high quality furniture that is rust proof so it will stand the test of time. To create an eye-catching and timeless look for your outdoor dining table make sure to add items with varying heights and pops of colors to the table such as fresh flowers from your garden and classic striped chair cushions that coordinate with the surrounding furniture and outdoor area.

By Laurie LeBoeuf, Castle Design.

When renovating this historic Kirkwood home, the design was thoughtful to ensure the new addition and renovation felt original to the neighborhood while also reflecting the homeowner’s clean and coastal aesthetic. The formerly green exterior was painted white in keeping with the coastal theme; the trim went from red to black, and a custom metal railing was added to wrap around both the original and new parts of the home. To create an outdoor living space on the porch, the project designer mixed cast stone bistro and side tables with wrought iron furniture from Summer Classics, which pick up the railing’s X-shape pattern.

Photography by Alise O’Brien Photography.