Gardening and Landscaping

Gardening and Landscaping

Top Ideabooks

Landscape Design

Landscape Design

Top Ideabooks

See also

Patio of the Week Porch of the Week Urban Gardens Backyard Ideas Front Yard Ideas Side Yard Ideas Lawn Alternatives Ideas for Sloped Lots Inspiring Gardens Garden Styles Fences and Gates Outbuildings Outdoor Accessories Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Projects Decks Paths Patios Pergolas Pools Porches

Patios

Patios

Top Ideabooks

Appears in

Landscape Design

8 European-Style Patios That Invite and Charm

Settle into a Spanish courtyard or fan yourself at a French farmhouse. These worldly patios will inspire outdoor relaxing anywhere

Martine Resnick August 17, 2012

I'm a British born Interior Design devotee and marketing professional living in the USA. I moved from London to Atlanta (via New York) where I work in marketing, co-host a weekly interior design radio show, write (and obsess) about design. Follow me at www.martinelouise.com

I'm a British born Interior Design devotee and marketing professional living in the... More

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

When summer's in full swing, there is nothing Europeans like to do more than get outside, soak up some sunshine and enjoy some al fresco dining. No matter how small their home might be (and European homes often are quite small) you will always find Europeans trying to carve out a piece of outdoor space wherever they can. Whether for a croissant and coffee on a quiet morning or a summer barbecue with a glass of chilled rosé in the evening, outdoor patios are perfect places for unwinding.

You can claim any outdoor nook or corner as your patio. Pull together some outdoor seating, set out some planters with pretty flowers and find an umbrella to offer a little shade. Voilà: You have the makings of a great outdoor space.

Whether high up on a rooftop, tucked away in a courtyard or overlooking lush fields or a beautiful sea view, these European-style outdoor patios are sure to inspire your summer space.

Contemporary Patio by Sutton Suzuki Architects

Sutton Suzuki Architects

French farmhouse. This Northern California setting has a very relaxed, informal French farmhouse feel. Can't you imagine sitting down to a lunch of crusty French rolls and a fresh salad under this shady tree?

Create your own French farmhouse–style patio by adding natural wooden furniture with neutral linens and simple white plates. Add finishing touches to your table with a simple vase of wildflowers and a large bowl of oranges or deep purple figs. Grow pots of lavender for a heavenly scent, and add complementary aubergine (deep purple) throw pillows to your seating.

Mediterranean Patio by Alice Masin

Italian apartment. This stunning Italian patio feels chic and sophisticated, with a simple black and white dining set and a beautiful city view.

If you want an Italian-style patio of your own, grow tall shrubs — such as yew or privet — near a fence or a garden trellis to create some privacy from your neighbors. Use black iron furniture, and if you can, splurge on a white marble or stone top table. Accessorize with plain white seat cushions and a white umbrella to keep the look simple and classic. Add some warm terra-cotta planters with bright flowers like geraniums for color. Use a single color such as pink, red or white so they don't overwhelm the space. If you want to add table linens, use crisp whites. Bellissimo!

Mediterranean Exterior by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Spanish-style villa. This classic Spanish-style villa has lean whitewashed walls, warm terra-cotta tones and a cool, shady inner courtyard.

If you have the luxury of a wall you can paint, whitewash it to give the space a clean, cool backdrop. If you can't add warm terra-cotta tiles to the floor, try using oversize terra-cotta planters and fill them with vibrant-color flowers, like red geraniums or bright bougainvillea. Select furniture in dark brown or black and create contrast with bold red cushions. Add black iron light fixtures or accessorize with black metal candle lanterns to add to that Mediterranean feel.

Transitional Deck by Gast Architects

Gast Architects

Modern Scandinavian chic. The Scandinavians are masters of clean and simple design. The look here has been achieved by layering varying soft shades of modern gray in different textures, such as bleached wood, simple stone and clean painted lines. The designer has also added some contrasting warmer wood tones for an unexpected twist.

To achieve a modern Scandinavian look on your patio, go for uncluttered, simple furniture pieces with clean lines in black or gray wood. Choose a simple palette of one or two colors — grays or whites would work well. If this feels too sterile for you, try adding a little warm, colored wood (such as a reclining sun chair) or brightly colored (such as burnt orange or mustard yellow) seat cushions. For a touch of something natural, grow pots of simple green plants in black containers.

Shabby-chic Style Patio by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

English cottage. This garden is reminiscent of the English classic book The Secret Garden. Lush vines, rich color and quiet nooks for reading and relaxing give it a peaceful feel.

If you're inspired by the Brits' beautiful gardens, start with a table and chairs in painted white iron or go for a fun color such as sage green, dusty pink or baby blue. Use floral chintz for your table linens and crockery; mix, match and clash those patterns! You can pick up odd pieces of china tableware and old silver cutlery sets at your local antiques market.

Add lots of different herbs and colorful flowers. Even though an English garden looks all romantic and natural, there is a little planning involved. First work out what flowers and herbs will thrive in your climate (and when they bloom). Then think through different heights you will need to get those lovely layers of color. Delphiniums and lupines (blues) give some height, then add upright campanulas (white), geraniums (pinks or red), cosmos daisies (pinks and whites) or agapanthas (blues or white). On the final lower layers, consider something like bedding dahlias and begonias with some trailing plants such as cacopa or verbena. Plant in groups and pack everything in close.

You can also try climbing plants such as creeping roses to cover railings or exposed walls, and add a small water feature to create a relaxing sound of running water.

Mediterranean Patio by Don Ziebell

Spanish finca. Tucked through an archway, this rustic warm stone farmhouse feels every inch the Spanish finca. The large stone animal trough makes a great water feature.

To create your own little patch of Spain, grow pots (or a trough) of desertworthy succulents. If you don't have lovely sand-colored stone walls, paint a surrounding wall in a rich mustard yellow or a warm terra-cotta red. Use iron or wood garden furniture with olive green cushions. If you have space, add an additional comfortable chair or two with an ottoman so you can put your feet up and relax. Keep a wicker basket nearby with a handy supply of magazines to read and, of course, a side table with a nice jug of chilled sangria.

Mediterranean Patio by McDugald-Steele

McDugald-Steele

Mediterranean-style palazzo. For a Mediterranean feel, even in Texas, add fresh blue and white textiles to your outdoor furniture and a bowl of citrus fruit as a colorful table centerpiece. Potted Italian herbs — such as rosemary, oregano and thyme — will create wafts of fresh Mediterranean scents. Make sure you use an umbrella to get some shade and add glass storm lanterns for romantic evening lighting.

Mediterranean Landscape by SoCal Contractor

SoCal Contractor

Spanish revival. Vibrant Spanish tile adds quirky color to this outdoor space.

Try using Spanish tile on a wall, the floor or the kickboards of a staircase. You can even find iron tables with Spanish tile tops. You can get a similar effect using bold-patterned fabrics on seat cushions, throw pillows, tablecloths and possibly drapery. Play with differently scaled prints from the same color palette, such as this great combination of navy, light blue, orange and white.

More European-style patios

Sponsored

AAE Bathroom Remodeler

Franklin County's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living

Our team is a small group of energetic individuals and talented professionals available to guide you through the... Read More

Sponsored

Morgan Outdoor Lightweight Concrete Accent Table, Black

Morgan Outdoor Lightweight Concrete Accent Table, Black

$75

Stacking Grey Wicker and Eucalyptus Armchair

Stacking Grey Wicker and Eucalyptus Armchair

$184

Haussmann® Original Wood Twist Stool 10 X 10 X 18 In High Walnut Oil

Haussmann® Original Wood Twist Stool 10 X 10 X 18 In High Walnut Oil

$113

Maya Dining Chair, Black, Set of 2

Maya Dining Chair, Black, Set of 2

$192

Eclectic Green Metal Garden Sculpture 55233

Eclectic Green Metal Garden Sculpture 55233

$42

GDF Studio Kyle Outdoor Wicker Hanging Basket Chair, Multi-Brown/Khaki

GDF Studio Kyle Outdoor Wicker Hanging Basket Chair, Multi-Brown/Khaki

$297

Sponsored

Jc's and Sons Affordable Home Improvements

Most Skilled Home Improvement Specialists in Franklin County

We care about your home construction project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More

Sponsored

Comments (11)

See 8 more comments

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

PRO

Martine Resnick

Hey there. Glad you like the photos. I agree an open air European style patio can become a challenge in certain parts of the world. I'm currently living in Atlanta, GA and definitely have the heat / bug issue! You can always adapt some of the styles (accessories and furniture) to screened porches. I love those spray coolers they use in places like Arizona! Or if not hold out for those lovely spring and autumn months!

Like August 27, 2012 at 8:04AM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

katydidit

Eating inside is the best idea in Oklahoma. The temperature can drop or raise 40* in a half day. And the wind comes sweeping down the plains at 45-70 mph. The sunroom (with shades) is what I am craving. Portable dining tables can go anywhere.

1 Like September 9, 2012 at 8:45AM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

Eliza Glencoe

Another brilliant article! I appreciated the information about plants and herbs as well.

Like September 26, 2013 at 8:39PM

Related Stories

Most Popular What to Know About Adding a Deck

By Mitchell Parker

Want to increase your living space outside? Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck

Full Story

Landscape Design Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals

By Falon Mihalic

Keep your skin and the environment healthy with a pool that cleans itself, naturally

Full Story

Edible Gardens How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

Full Story

Most Popular How to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Late summer and late winter are good times to plan and plant cool-season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas

Full Story

Simple Pleasures Simple Pleasures: Savor a Starry Evening

By Laura Gaskill

See how magical moonlight can be by relaxing outdoors after the sun goes down

Full Story

Standard Measurements The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Randel

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

Full Story

Feel-Good Home The Contemplative Garden: A Place for Quiet Reflection

By Laura Gaskill

These 10 elements can bring a meditative quality to your garden

Full Story

Landscape Design 5 Ways to Make Your Concrete Patio More Attractive

By Falon Mihalic

These design ideas can liven up your paved outdoor space

Full Story

Porches 10 Ideas for Decorating Your Summer Porch

By Laura Gaskill

Watch the world go by from a porch decked out with comfy furniture and inspiring accessories

Full Story

Front Yard Ideas 10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love

By Laura Gaskill

Choosing attractive, well-mannered plants and sharing the bounty will go a long way toward keeping the peace

Full Story