During late spring and early summer, there’s nothing better than dining al fresco in your own backyard. Not only is an outdoor dining area convenient for making and enjoying dinner on the grill, but it’s also a great time to enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers, trees and plants in your surrounding landscape.

Just like an indoor room, you need to choose a style for your outdoor dining room. Look to your existing landscaping for inspiration, or if you’re starting from scratch, consider the local area and the native plants and scenery. Also, use the architectural style of your home to fuel your thoughts.

If you’re interested in creating an outdoor oasis for enjoying the season and a great meal, consider some of the following design ideas for inspiration:

Here, a kitchen garden is the perfect setting for an outdoor dining area in Vermont, creating a romantic countryside vibe. A long farmhouse table is the centerpiece of this dining area, allowing the owners to entertain a crowd among the raised vegetable and flower beds. Stylish folding chairs offer seating and can be stored easily in the off season.

New Hampshire architects

Source: House Beautiful

A canopy of low-growing  trees is a unique idea offering coziness and shade for your garden dining room. Add uplights underneath the trees and other landscape lighting to create drama at night. This will add a whole new dimension to your landscape. Transport dinner party guests to Italy with iron armchairs, wine and candlelight at the table.

A pergola with grapevines growing on it is the perfect setting for this Sonoma winery garden dining space. If a lush landscape with a variety of closely placed plants is what you desire for your garden dining room, you’ll need to plan how the plants will grow and leave adequate space between them. Be sure you know how much maintenance will be required to keep the space in good condition as well.

Architectural elements, outdoor furniture and found objects can make a big impact on the style of your garden dining room. Here, elaborate arbors and gate posts frame a whimsical garden dining room filled with eclectic light fixtures, antiques, potted plants and vines.

A mature formal garden is the backdrop for a sophisticated garden dining room featuring an antique millstone table, a grape-covered pergola, a stone patio and iron chandelier and chairs.

What does your ideal garden dining room look like? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Are you ready to update your home indoors and out, or are you planning a new build? Contact TMS Architects in Portsmouth. We’ll help you bring the home of your dreams to life!