If you’re lucky enough to have ample outdoor or backyard space, once the weather gets warm you probably want to use it as much as possible. But whether you have a backyard, a terrace, or just a patio, the space can be functional all year long if you plan ahead. The best patio decor ideas can quickly transform an overrun or neglected backyard space into a special place to unwind.

Planning an outdoor room can feel intimidating, but it becomes easier when considering it an extension of your home’s interior. For example, you can delineate hangout zones in a large backyard space with multiple seating areas just as you would in an open-concept living room or pair a dining set with an outdoor sectional for a natural transition into lounging after dinner. Choosing patio decor, furniture, and lighting in colors and styles that coordinate with what you use indoors is another subtle way to make your outdoor space look pulled together.