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How to Create a Warm & Cozy Backyard

by Yardzen

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Yardzen backyard patio with brick pavers, fire pit, and patio furniture via @kismet_house

Large and small backyards alike can be cozy—and there’s more to it than just blankets (but we’ve got those, too). Wherever you live, there is a good chance that you’ll be spending a lot more time in outdoor areas this fall and winter. So, we tapped our resident stylist to recommend a couple of key items and outdoor decor to spur cozy backyard ideas!

Looking for an entire makeover for your outdoor living space with more permanent solutions like wind-blocking pergolas and fire pits? Check out our Outdoor Fire Pits & Fireplaces story and our most recent article with Hunker, 6 Ways To Extend the Lease on Outdoor Living Into the Fall and Beyond.

Wool robe with Leather Carrier — 01 Motor Robe with Leather Carrier
With its timeless color combinations and convenient leather carrier, this Pendleton 100% wool throw is a perennial outdoor companion that makes any seating area or hammock instantly more inviting.
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Open jare of mulling spices — 02 Mulling Spices
Nothing compliments the crisp autumn air like the aroma of a warm, bubbling pot of mulling spices. Hand-blended in Oakland, Oaktown Spice Shop’s rich mix of allspice, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves will keep you warm inside and out.
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Orange smooth heated outdoor seat — 03 Helios Metreo
Galanter and Jones’ smooth heated outdoor seat pretty much eschews the necessity for any other warming accoutrements. Smooth, modern and radiantly heated, the company’s founders compare taking it to stepping into a warm hot tub, sans the water, of course.
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Green Polywood rocking chair — 04 Polywood x West Elm Rocking Chair
There are more than a few reasons to indulge in this sweet little modern rocker. The low-profile and clean lines help eschew the rocker’s granny image plus it’s made in the U.S. of Polywood, a recycled outdoor furniture material made from the likes of plastic milk jugs and detergent bottles that won’t splinter, crack or peel.
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A Solo Stove fire pit sits on a brick patio — 05 Yukon Fire Pit
More flame, less smoke. Featuring Solo Stove’s Signature 360° Airflow Design™, this sleek stainless steel wood burning fire pit will give you a smoke free, roaring fire in minutes. Its 27” size is perfect for creating a warm and cozy outdoor lounging space.
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Brown-leather handles Canvas Log Carrier with chopped logs — 06 Canvas Log Carrier
Manufactured in Massachusetts since 1921, Steele’s durable combination of tough cotton canvas and reinforced leather handles are appreciated for both its form and function.
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Jar-cased LED string lights — 07 Mini LED String Lights
Add a festive ambiance to your outdoor gathering spaces by wrapping tree trunks and branches in Pottery Barn’s flexible mini LED string lights. Battery powered; these sparkly lights make it easy to add outdoor lighting and brighten up every corner of your yard. They’re also eco-friendly, and last up to 80 hours on a single AAA battery charge.
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Green olive wreath — 08 Olive Wreath
No need to diy a natural wreath—add a touch of texture to your door or exterior walls with a wreath handcrafted of fresh California-grown olive branches from Williams Sonoma. The wreath will arrive fresh and fragrant, dry beautifully, and last for months.
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Twin glass and metal lanterns with solar-powered flameless candles — 09 Quincy Solar Lanterns
You won’t regret adding these no-fuss black hurricanes to your list of must-haves this fall. Crafted of glass and metal, these sleek handled lanterns come with solar-powered flameless candles which, on a full charge, keep lit for up to eight hours.
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Brown suede Shearling-Lined Moc Clogs — 10 Shearling-Lined Moc Clogs
Jenni Kayne’s go-anywhere slippers are made from suede and a warm shearling lining. So, whether you’re sipping morning coffee on the porch or enjoying a casual alfresco meal, we’re betting you’ll live in these soft mocs all season.
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Our favorite cozy backyard designs

Water features like heated swimming pools and hot tubs are a client favorite.

Cozy backyard design with wooden hot tub and string lights in elk grove, ca. — Yardzen design for client in Elk Grove, CA

Dining table under shaded pergola and heated swimming pool in Walden, NY landscape design. — Dining table under shaded pergola and heated swimming pool in Walden, NY landscape design

Thoughtful design can create cozy rooms in a large outdoor area.

Outdoor kitchen and dining area with fireplace in San Diego, CA landscape design

Outdoor living room with natural stump coffee tables in Austin, TX landscape design

Creating a cozy backyard design tailored to your needs

Yardzen’s award-winning online exterior and landscape design service is tailored to homeowners with both large and small yards in all fifty states in the U.S. Our design process begins with understanding your outdoor space, style, landscaping ideas, and a discussion of your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build.

Our top-notch designers then develop a personalized vision for your yard, shared through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and plant and material lists. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, all while keeping costs within range.

Once your design is complete, we’ll help you connect with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional contractors to install your new design.

Ready to bring your design ideas to life? Create your design profile or explore our professional backyard landscaping and exterior design packages today!