If there was one reason and one reason only why we bought our lake house, it was for the backyard [aka the massive body of water that just sits there all day and all night looking so pretty with her constant waves crashing against the shore and shimmery top making sunglasses a must]. There is no denying that we are here for the water and the views. With that being said, after we bought the house, we quickly realized that we were going to need additional patio space to take in and experience the lake life the way we had envisioned. When we purchased the house, There was just one small patio area which meant minimal seating and there wasn’t a great spot to eat outdoors [which is my all-time favorite thing to do]. Over the fall and winter, we decided to expand our patio space into a much larger hosting and entertaining area and today, it’s time to share it all! Grab your must-have summer cocktail and let’s dive in!
The Original Patio
Let’s start with what was already in existence when we bought it – the covered patio area! I love this spot because a) it’s the only place that offers shade and b) it has a see-through gas fireplace on the one side of the home that provides heat for those cool mornings or nights! Insert me with my coffee and laptop most mornings that end with Y.
Outdoor Patio Wicker Rattan Sofa, Gray White
The New Patio
Now let’s take a few steps down to the new part — we worked with a local hardscape company, Superior Hardscapes, to create the outdoor oasis of our dreams. We wanted a place to lounge, a place to cook, a place to eat, and a place to tub it up [hot tub that is]. We ended up doing large paver stones as the base and then stone blocks for the kitchen area and walls. At the last minute, we decided to put gas fire bowls on the two columns which have quickly become my favorite feature of the entire space. All in all, I couldn’t be happier with this new and improved outdoor space that we are already learning we spend so much of our time hanging out on!
Kitchen / Dining Area
First stop, the place where most food and beverage is consumed – aka the most important part. On this side of the patio we added a built-in grill as 99% of our meals are prepared this way during the summer months [looking at you hot dogs] and we decided to add a bar on the backside of it so we’d have enough space for adults and kids to eat at! For the kitchen counter, we found a granite from a local store, The Granite Shop, that worked perfectly!
Indio 76.5″ FSC Eucalyptus X-Base Extending Dining Table // 10′ Rectangular Outdoor Umbrella // Similar Dining Chairs // Wood Tray with 9 Blue & Green Glass Votive Holders // Indio Eucalyptus Barstool // Margaritaville Bali Cocktail Machine
Lounge Area
Next up, our current lounge area. I still have dreams of adding an outdoor rug and maybe a chair or two but for now this is how she stands [so that you can sit]. Behind the sectional you’ll see a hot tub peeking through – she was the inspiration for this whole patio project. For years we’ve been talking about getting a hot tub but never took the plunge – now we’re plunging a little too often 😉
Indio Eucalyptus 6-Piece Sectional // Indio FSC Eucalyptus Coffee Table // Wood Tray with 9 Blue & Green Glass Votive Holders // Black Metal Solar Powered LED Fully Weatherproof Outdoor Garden & Patio Flameless Candle Lantern // Classic Striped Indoor/Outdoor Pillows // Traeger Grill
Indio Eucalyptus 6-Piece Sectional
Firepit Area
Next up, the fire pit area by the water. I’d be lying if I said we’ve used this space yet but I know someday soon we’ll fire her up and get our marshmallow sticks out. The previous owners had a fire pit already placed here so we just spruced her up with the same pavers that we used up by the house to make a complete sitting area! I love how this area turned out and I can’t wait for some lake night conversations to take place here!
Icon White 4-Piece Plastic Adirondack Patio Seating Set // Single Chair options: Icon White Plastic Folding Adirondack Chair // Beach Ball Indoor/Outdoor Pillow // Graphic Fronds Indoor/Outdoor Pillow
Beach Ball Indoor/Outdoor Pillow // Icon White Plastic Folding Adirondack Chair
The Pier
Last but certainly not least, the pier. This is probably my favorite [or at least the most relaxing] spot to hang. This year we decided to put three chaise loungers out on the end so that we can soak up some rays whenever we want and are currently waiting on this sectional to arrive that will sit out there as well!
Indio Eucalyptus Single Chaise Lounge // Sunbrella Striped Lounge Cushions // Classic Striped Indoor/Outdoor Pillows // Side Tables
Patio At Night
As much as I love sunny days on the lake, I’m growing to love after sunset even more. Between the lights, the fire, and my evening cocktail, I feel like this is the time when this space really comes alive. All in all, we couldn’t be happier with our new outdoor space and I can guarantee you I am spending an obnoxious amount of unproductive time out here. Cheers to summer and all of its glory!
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
