Warmer temperatures, bright blue skies, and sunny days are luring us outside. And if you’re like us and planning to do any of your eating, entertaining, or lounging out there, then it’s time to rethink how that area looks and feels.

Short on space? A few square inches can go a long way. Tight budget? Work with what you already own. No garden or greenery? No big deal. From yards and terraces to patios and porches, these easy outdoor decor ideas can work for any spot you have big plans for beautifying.

1-Add pops of colors

Want to add a touch of fun to your outdoor space? Cue the colorful accents. This patio gets a bold pick-me-up from cushions in vibrant colors (tangerine, blue) and modern prints–along with the vibrant colors from the patio plants.

2-Think about nighttime lighting

There’s more than one way to light up the night—and your best bet is to include a few different lighting options to give your backyard a beautiful glow. Add hanging paper lanterns or glowing bistro lights to cover a patio, string lights to highlight a favorite tree, candles or lanterns for up-close light for guests, and even more permanent options like chandeliers for a dedicated outdoor space.

3-Design with all your senses in mind

Sure, you want your outdoor decor to look beautiful, but don’t leave the other four senses out. Add flowers to your garden that will release their fragrance around your patio, add wind chimes or a babbling water feature to create soothing sounds, and choose soft throws, pillows, and rugs to make everything feel comfortable.

4-Make everyone more comfortable

Invest in a high-quality fire pit—or even a gorgeous outdoor fireplace—to help keep everyone cozy on cool nights (and make s’mores making even easier). If space is an issue, you can always opt for a portable tabletop wood-burning fire pit that will still give you the cozy ambiance.

5-Consider a porch swing

Longing for your own special escape? Suspend a swinging seat bench in the corner of a wooden deck or on your front porch to help you breeze through those lazy days of summer.

6-Add an intimate seating spot

Even if you don’t do much outdoor entertaining (or don’t have a lot of space for a table for 10), it’s still lovely to have a spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or afternoon lemonade. Choose a weather-resistant material and have enough seating to accommodate a few drop-in guests.

7-Don’t forget a hammock

Create an intimate nook for lounging, reading, or just zoning out. Find a spot in the trees to suspend a pretty garden hammock.

8-Repurpose indoor items outdoors

Outdoor furniture is made to survive, rain or shine. But if you’re entertaining a crowd and don’t have enough outdoor seating, there’s no reason you can’t move indoor decor outdoors temporarily. Break out your dining room chairs or benches, a lounge chair, or create a cozy lounge spot on the ground with a rug, a coffee table, and a few cushions.

9-Create an outdoor living room

Dreaming of a lounging area for reading and writing, or hanging with guests? Decorate around the key piece: the sofa. A traditional rattan couch gets an instant transformation by tossing on patterned pillows.

10-Add some privacy

Fences or walls are only one option when it comes to enclosing and creating a private space. You can opt for outdoor curtains, bamboo privacy screens, or tall plantings to create a little private piece of heaven.

11-Think vertically

If you’re short on outdoor space, just look up. Hanging flower baskets, trellised plants, plant stands, and tall outdoor shelving give you the space for gardening in tight quarters and keeping everything you need at hand.

12-Create the perfect outdoor bar

Whether you opt for a simple bar cart, or spring for a deluxe bar setup, you’ll have the perfect spot for an impromptu happy hour with friends.

13-Add a fun feature

Make your patio the place to be with an outdoor feature that brings everyone to your yard. Consider a projector and screen for outdoor movie nights, an outdoor game like bocce or volleyball (or even an outdoor grade pool table!), or a major upgrade like a hot tub or sauna.

14-Get creative with your shed

A backyard shed can be more than just storage for your garden tools. Turn it into a yoga studio, a cozy reading nook, or a place to hang out with your friends.

15-Change it out for the seasons

Your patio look doesn’t have to stay the same as you head into fall. Update with cozier, fall-hued pillows and throws, and add in pumpkins, mums, and other autumnal accessories.

16-Add the Comforts of Home

One surefire way to make life outdoors as comfortable as life indoors? Incorporate some creature comforts. Styling up your patio space with decor reminiscent of your home decor style—like Sara Toufali of Black & Blooms did in this charming and cozy space—is a great way to ensure your backyard feels layered and dynamic. There are many great places online to buy patio furniture that are both stylish and durable. Plus, with so many brands now creating gorgeous blankets, rugs, and accessories in outdoor-friendly materials, you’ll be able to find stylish decor that can stand up to the elements. For more ambiance, string up some outdoor solar lights.

17-Fake an Outdoor Kitchen

A full-blown outdoor kitchen may seem like the ultimate luxury—but the fact of the matter is, many of us don’t boast the outdoor space necessary to pull it off. Instead, why not fake the look with a strategic setup, like Jennifer O’Brien did in her backyard? The blogger behind City Farmhouse tucked sturdy shelving up close to her grill, lending the illusion of a built-in setup and offering whoever is on grill duty that evening ample room to prep, store, and serve the night’s delicacies.

18-Add a Multi-Purpose Greenhouse

Greenhouses aren’t just for growing things. These structures can also double as an extra hangout spot in your backyard, allowing you more possibilities for spending time in your yard even when the weather isn’t quite perfect. Add in a table and chairs and some mood lighting for a romantic dinner spot, or furnish the outdoor room with a cozy loveseat for the perfect reading nook. (Lean-to greenhouse styles also make for a great sunroom when you don’t have room for a full patio.) And, of course, you can throw in a few plants to spruce the place up.

19-Play Around with Lighting

Lighting can significantly transform any space—indoor and out. So, don’t skip this step when designing out your backyard. String lights are a tried-and-true option for adding charm (and, of course, light) and lanterns can up the whimsical element even more.