How We Extended Our Home With a DIY Outdoor Living Room

outdoor living room with fireplace on a back porch

I don’t know if it’s the fireflies, the twinkle lights, or the fact that we can now roast marshmallows out here, but this back porch of ours has officially turned into my favorite room. And yes, I said room—because it honestly feels like an extension of our home now. Our very own outdoor living room.

Back when we bought our house in 2013, one of the biggest selling points for us was the big back porch. I remember standing out there during our first walkthrough and dreaming about what it could be. But, like so many home projects, it took time—a lot of it. Over the past 8 years, we’ve chipped away at it one layer at a time.

And now? We’ve finally achieved the vision we had all those years ago.

This week, I hung mosquito net curtains on tension rods around the porch (to keep the bugs out and add a romantic, breezy vibe), and something about it made me stop in my tracks. It was the final touch. The cherry on top. I sat on the porch that night with a glass of iced tea and realized… this is it. This is what we pictured.

If you’re dreaming about creating your own outdoor living room, here’s how we made ours a reality—bit by bit, weekend by weekend.

Our DIY Outdoor Living Room Makeover Projects

1. Painted the Porch Ceiling – Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue

We started with the ceiling—because every good Southern porch deserves a “haint blue” sky overhead. Palladian Blue was the perfect soft, airy shade that gives the whole space a peaceful, open feel.

2. Limewashed the Brick – Romabio Bianco White

The orange brick felt a little heavy for the vibe we were going for, so we lightened it up with a coat of Romabio limewash. It instantly gave the space a timeless, cottage-y feel without completely covering up the texture we loved.

3. Painted the Doors and Windows – Behr Cracked Pepper

To add some contrast and make the windows and doors pop, we gave them a moody, dramatic refresh with Behr Cracked Pepper. It’s that perfect “not quite black” shade that still feels cozy.

4. Refinished the Deck – Behr Taupe Stain

The original deck boards were showing their age, so we sanded them down and gave them a driftwood-inspired stain that complements the soft neutrals we’ve used throughout.

5. Built a DIY Outdoor Electric Fireplace

We needed a focal point—and nothing sets the tone for an outdoor living room like a fireplace. We built one using electric logs so we can flip it on with a remote, and it adds the coziest glow on cool nights.

6. Repurposed a Daybed With a Waterproof Cover

I dreamed of having a bed swing out here, but the porch ceiling wasn’t built to support the weight of one. So we had the idea to repurpose a daybed instead and encased the mattress in a waterproof cover. Now it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book or sneak in a weekend nap.

7. Added Rattan Furniture from Walmart

Believe it or not, this conversation set has been going strong for over four years. We arranged the chairs and loveseat in a U-shape around the fireplace to make it feel like a real room, perfect for actual conversations.

8. Upgraded the Outdoor Ceiling Fans

This is probably the most practical upgrade we made. Outdoor fans keep the air moving, which keeps the heat and bugs at bay. Total game-changer.

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9. Hung String Lights for Ambience

String lights are the easiest way to create instant magic. They cast the prettiest soft glow that makes every evening feel a little more special—even if we’re just out here with grocery store pizza and juice boxes.

10. Rolled Out an Outdoor Rug

I love coming out here barefoot with a cup of coffee in the mornings, so having a soft outdoor rug underfoot is the best feeling. It helps define the “room” and makes the space feel finished.

Related: DIY Floral Block Outdoor Rug

11. Tossed in Some Outdoor Pillows

A pop of pattern and color never hurts. I grabbed a few outdoor pillows from Amazon to tie in our accent colors and make the furniture even more inviting.

Related: My Favorite Outdoor Throw Pillows from Amazon

12. Added a Fire Bowl

It gives us a little extra warmth on cool evenings, and the flame keeps mosquitos away too. Bonus: perfect for impromptu s’mores nights.

13. Brought in a Few Plants

Even just a couple of potted plants or ferns can soften hard edges and make an outdoor space feel lush and lived in.

14. Hung Mosquito Net Curtains

These outdoor curtains were the final touch (and a revival of a project I did years ago). I popped them up on tension rods around the porch so we can close them in the evening. Not only do they keep the bugs out, but they add this light, floaty elegance that reminds me of a five-star beach resort.

15. Added Solar Lamps

These floor lamps are meant for porches and patios! They’re solar and add a cozy indoorsy feeling outdoors.

Design Tips for Creating Your Own Outdoor Living Room

Think in “zones.” Treat your porch or patio like a real room. Define seating areas, add lighting, and use rugs to separate spaces visually.
Blend comfort with durability. Waterproof covers, fade-resistant fabrics, and bug-repelling touches make outdoor spaces both livable and low-maintenance.
Layer for charm. Plants, textiles, and a mix of materials (rattan, wood, metal) keep the space from feeling flat or generic.
Make it functional. Whether it’s hosting friends, enjoying your morning coffee, or reading a book during naptime, your space should serve you.

It took nearly a decade to get here, but this DIY outdoor living room feels like a dream realized. It’s where we gather, unwind, laugh, snack, plan, and just be.

And honestly? That’s the best kind of home extension there is.

If you’re thinking about creating your own outdoor oasis, I hope this gives you a little spark of inspiration. Start small. Add a piece here and there. One day, you’ll look up and realize you’ve built something beautiful.

And the best part? It didn’t come from a catalog. It came from you.

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