Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Outdoor Spaces of 2012

From large backyards to miniature balconies, outdoor spaces were a large priority for ers in 2012. While these favorite photos show a diverse range of styles and sizes, each room is outfitted to take advantage of its environment. Fire pits, luxurious lap pools and a great deal of shading gave readers everywhere extra motivation to upgrade their outdoor spaces.

Here are the outdoor images inserted to the many ideabooks in 2012.

Tim Barber Ltd Architecture

1. Beverly Hills back porch. This serene back porch looks like the ideal place for sipping lemonade on a hot day. When saving this photo, readers noted the exposed stone surrounding the space, and the numerous seating locations.

Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates

2. Shaded seating in California. Sometimes a place in the colour is all you need to enjoy the outside. This curved stone seat looks incredibly comfortable but still blends in with its surroundings.

SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

3. Outdoor living on the East Coast. This winding walkway via a lawn that is lush brings people to a backyard haven. Leafy landscaping and outdoor lighting are only a couple of the elements ers liked.

Martin Bros.. Contracting, Inc..

4. Straightforward fire pit for Michigan summers. This classic fire pit mimics the form of the octagonal screened porch connected to the home. Traditional Adirondack chairs at a glossy black suit the outside fixtures on the primary residence.

Dumican Mosey Architects

5. Ubermodern at Menlo Park. Merely a pair of sofa seats is needed to appreciate this modern backyard space in California. The contrasting colours — red-orange wood, blue water and blue seats — instantly captured ers’ eyes.

Southview Design

6. Stylish patio in Minnesota. This paver patio and small garden make a great outdoor entertaining space. readers saved this photo for the small-space inspiration and lush landscaping thoughts.

Cross River Design, Inc..

7. European-inspired New Jersey trellis. Just like a spectacle in Provence, the porch outside of this New Jersey farmhouse has a clearly European vibe. The wisteria-draped trellis lets only the right amount of sunlight filter through the plush sofa seats.

TaC studios, architects

8. Pristine lap pool at Atlanta. This lap pool imitates the kind of the adjoining deck beautifully. Its slim shape makes it a fit for many backyards.

Lankford Associates Landscape Architects

9. Secret pathway with a stunning perspective. An easy stone pathway leads to a perfect waterfront view. Fragrant thyme and lovely Siberian irises finish this bright outside space.

Abbott Moon

10. Sunny entertaining in Southern California. Outdoor entertaining is easy with a setup such as this. The simple dining set gets a boost from patterned pillows and rustic lanterns, turning the entire covered porch into an outdoor extension of the home.

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