This outdoor living room on a budget is a romantic spot for drinks by the fire. Cozy patio furniture and curtains complete the outdoor living space.
I finally got around to taking photos of my all-time favorite space: my outdoor living room, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
A few years ago we stayed at a resort in Mexico, and they had these gorgeous beach beds, complete with curtains. I was in love. And that’s what inspired my outdoor living room.
I realized how wonderful it would be to sit and read a book on a comfy cushioned something with a cold drink, the birds chirping, a slight breeze rumpling the curtains, and not a care in the world… except maybe the kids fighting in the sandbox.
So I went to work planning out my outdoor living space. Really the hard part was convincing Peter that I needed a gazebo. But as you can see, he eventually came around to the idea.
The Gazebo
We chose the Yardistry Gazebo kit from Costco (it’s the one they have set up in-store). You can read my review of the gazebo here.
Curtains
We tend to have rain/mud & mildew problems here in Seattle, so I was a little concerned about keeping white curtains white. I found these awesome extra-long shower curtains on Amazon. Who knew you could get 96″ long shower curtains? I honestly thought I would have to replace these all the time, but we’re on year three and they’re looking white and crisp as ever! No signs of shredding either. Highly recommend. I bought two more (the normal length) for the kids’ playhouse too!
Outdoor Fireplace
Last summer we added the fireplace. It isn’t perfect, and I did follow the advice of some reviewers and spray paint it with black high-heat paint before we used it to prevent rust. But after seeing the price point on stone outdoor fireplace kits, this was looking pretty good at around $160!
We love spending time out here on summer nights after the kids are in bed! Still working on finding a good natural mosquito repellent though! If you have one, please tell me about it in the comments!
What’s Next?
Do you have plans for an outdoor living space? I would love to hear about them! Tell me about them in the comments below.
Kay says
July 14, 2018 at 1:12 pmThis is so beautiful!! I would love a place like this not only to sit but to exercise and do yoga.
Janine Ella says
August 9, 2018 at 5:06 pmI wanna have an outdoor living room like this too! The design is so nice! I can definitely stay there for hours! I just wish we had a huge space to have this setup haha
Jess says
August 9, 2018 at 10:34 pmThank you Janine!
Maria Magdalena says
August 9, 2018 at 7:01 pmBeautiful! If I have this outdoor living room, I will decorate with flowers, flowers everywhere 🙂
Monidipa says
August 9, 2018 at 9:43 pmLooks like outdoor living space are the new luxury. Even reading about it is so satisfying. Can’t wait for the day when I can afford one.
Catherine Santiago Jose says
August 10, 2018 at 12:37 amThis place is so beautiful. I would love to be there with my family. It is such a nice place for relaxation and for a night date with my husband.
Jess says
August 10, 2018 at 7:55 amThanks Catherine!
Nandita says
August 10, 2018 at 11:24 pmYour outdoor living space looks very beautiful and inviting…like the blue and neutral colour scheme…perfect for summer evenings
– Nandita
Jess says
August 11, 2018 at 9:54 pmThank you!
Preet says
August 11, 2018 at 2:04 amOMG! your living room is a winner. This is something that I really want. Perfect since I am planning to a quick living room upgrade.
Gracie says
August 11, 2018 at 3:32 amThis space is just beautiful, I love that you share your inspiration and show how you styled it.
Gracie x
Jess says
August 11, 2018 at 9:53 pmThanks Gracie!
Elizabeth O says
August 11, 2018 at 11:48 amI love the idea of an outdoor living room! You did an outstanding job and it looks really gorgeous. Well done you!
Jess says
August 11, 2018 at 9:52 pmThank you Elizabeth! It was so fun and I’m really enjoying it now that it’s finished!
Janice says
February 21, 2019 at 3:28 pmSweet!
Shirley says
March 18, 2019 at 11:01 amYour backyard space is amazing! I really like the color scheme and everything looks so inviting and cozy. Love it!
Jess says
March 18, 2019 at 9:54 pmThanks Shirley!
JOHN MULINDI says
March 19, 2019 at 5:39 amI’d like to have something like this in my house outdoor area! Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
Jess says
March 19, 2019 at 7:09 amThanks John!
Jackie says
May 12, 2019 at 10:04 pmBeautiful! How did you attach the curtains to the gazebo?
Jess says
May 13, 2019 at 9:48 amThank you! I just nailed them up. I think I used push pins and a rubber mallet the first year, but I had to keep reattaching them.