Summer-Ready Outdoor Dining Areas
Article by architecturaldigest.com
One of the joys of summer is having meals in the great outdoors, whether it’s a cup of coffee in the morning sun or an elaborate dinner under the stars. Now that the days are growing warmer, it’s the perfect time to prep your patio for the summer entertaining that lies ahead. Whether you have a petite terrace or an expansive outdoor dining area, these stylish spaces from the archives of Architectural Digest are sure to provide inspiration and ideas for your own summer soirées. Click through 25 beautiful outdoor dining areas from around the world to see how top designers and tastemakers, including Ralph Lauren, Carlos Souza, and Frédéric Fekkai, make the most of their open-air spaces.
Photo by Condé Nast
While renovating a home on New York’s Shelter Island, architectural designer and interior decorator Russell Piccione added several spaces for outdoor dining, including this redbrick terrace with painterly views.
Photo by Condé Nast
For the sprawling rooftop terrace of a Manhattan penthouse, Greg Dufner and Daniel Heighes Wismer of design firm Dufner Heighes devised a cantilevered mahogany awning and coordinating planters; the sconces are from YLighting, the tables and chairs are by Richard Schultz for Knoll, and the poufs are by CB2. The plantings were designed by the Brooklyn-based landscape firm Future Green Studio.
Photo by Condé Nast
At the Bedford, New York, home of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, a terrace is shaded by a linden tree and vintage wrought-iron chairs encircle a table set for an alfresco dinner. The striped cushions, tableware, and chandelier are by Ralph Lauren Home.
Photo by Condé Nast
On the terrace of a Los Angeles home conceived by designer Dan Fink and architect Tim Murphy, Summit Furniture armchairs surround the fire pit, while the firm’s chaise longues are positioned near the pool, shaded by a Janus et Cie umbrella; the dining table and chairs are by Dedon, and in the background is a totemic John McCracken sculpture.