There's something about this time of year that makes us want to spend every possible moment outside. Our family lives in a small town, and while we love our home, we especially love our backyard. It's where we gather for outdoor dinners, watch the kids play lawn games, and unwind after busy days.

What makes our outdoor space feel so special isn't necessarily its size, it's how we've treated it as an extension of our home. Just like we decorate our living room or dining room indoors, we've created an outdoor space that feel welcoming, comfortable, and personal.

If you're looking to make your backyard feel more like an extra room this season, here are a few ideas that have worked beautifully for us.

Creating Comfortable Outdoor Living Spaces

One of the easiest ways to make a backyard feel like an outdoor living room is by creating dedicated spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Just as you would inside your home, think about seating, comfort, and how people naturally gather together.

Farmhouse Wood Bench + 6 Free Gifts

A bench is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to an outdoor space. I love that this farmhouse-style bench can pull double duty. Use it as extra seating around an outdoor dining table during summer gatherings, then bring it indoors and place it in the entryway. It's the kind of piece that works wherever you need it.

Sky Blue and White Striped Floor Cushion – 18" Tufted Cotton Seat Cushion

Comfort makes people want to linger. These floor cushions are surprisingly cozy and instantly make a space feel more relaxed and inviting. Layer them onto a bench, use them on outdoor chairs, or scatter a few around for extra seating when guests stop by.

Ornate Distressed Outdoor Rug

One of my favorite designer tricks is using an outdoor rug to define a space. Just like indoors, a rug helps anchor furniture and creates the feeling of a separate "room." Place one beneath your outdoor dining table or seating area to make the entire space feel more intentional and pulled together.

Layering Outdoor Lighting for Evening Ambiance

Lighting might be the single most important element when it comes to creating a backyard that feels magical after sunset. Right now, Decor Steals has some beautiful pieces that not only look stunning during the day but create incredible patterns and ambiance at night.

Interchange-a-Glow Series: Star Cutout Light Pillars, Set of 2

This might be my favorite outdoor lighting collection. The solar-powered pillars feature interchangeable panels that can be swapped throughout the year for different seasons and holidays. It's such a clever way to refresh your outdoor decor without buying entirely new pieces.

Solar Powered Antique Gold Iron Outdoor Lantern

These lanterns are true showstoppers. During the day, they're beautiful decorative accents on a shepherd's hook or centered on an outdoor table. At night, they illuminate with stunning hummingbird and floral patterns. I can only imagine how gorgeous a row of these would look lining a garden path or walkway.

Aged White Solar Lantern Garden Display

I love decor that offers flexibility, and these lanterns do exactly that. Hang them from a shepherd's hook, a tree branch, or an outdoor overhang to add soft lighting and character throughout your backyard.

Bringing Life to Every Corner with Planters

If you're a plant lover like I am, then you know that no outdoor room feels complete without greenery. And while the plants themselves are important, the containers you choose can have just as much impact.

Distressed Green Metal Mossy Planters, Set of 3 Cottage Garden Decor

I absolutely adore these planters because they look like they've been sitting in a charming cottage garden for years. The mossy finish adds instant character and makes newly planted flowers feel established and timeless.

Verdigris Patina Metal Planters, Set of Three

Green has always been my favorite color, and it's having a major moment in home decor right now. These verdigris planters bring beautiful color and texture while creating visual interest throughout a porch, patio, or garden. Plus, a set of three gives you endless styling options.

LARGE Garden Fairy Planter

Part sculpture, part planter, this garden fairy is one of those pieces that instantly catches your eye. Hidden behind the fairy's wings is a space for a potted plant, making it both whimsical and functional. It's the perfect accent for anyone who loves adding a little personality to their garden.

Styling Tips for an Outdoor Space That Feels Like Home

When creating an outdoor room, think about layering just as you would indoors:

• Start with seating as your foundation.

• Add cushions and textiles for comfort.

• Use rugs to define spaces and create zones.

• Layer lighting at different heights for evening ambiance.

• Incorporate planters and greenery to soften hard surfaces.

• Include decorative accents that reflect your personality.

The goal isn't to perfectly decorate every inch. It's to create a space that invites you to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the season.

Make the Most of Outdoor Living Season

Some of our family's favorite memories happen in the backyard (from casual weeknight dinners to summer celebrations with friends and neighbors). Treating our outdoor space as an extension of our home has helped us use it so much more often.

If you're looking for more styling inspiration, DIY projects, recipes, and decorating ideas, be sure to explore the Decor Steals Journal. And don't forget to check out today's Daily Deals for more affordable home decor, outdoor decor, garden accents, and unique finds that have earned our Steal Seal of Approval.