How to Create Outdoor Living Rooms

To draw guests to the outdoor living room (pictured), Tim sets up a portable bar by the garage. "A little mixology goes on while I finish grilling." Music drifts from outdoor speakers, rattan-wrapped hurricane lamps flicker, and subtle uplighting grazes trees and shrubs.

The garden's rectilinear plan befits Tim's 1880s Italianate house, but the plantings and decor suit his personality. Quirky vinyl boating cushions and industrial-chic metal chairs mix with classic teak furniture. Understated bed plantings emphasize foliage and texture, with tropical houseplants filling containers. A boxwood hedge pruned like dentil molding edges the garage. "I like using common things in uncommon ways," Tim says. "That's what makes it fun."