With summer coming up, we tapped designers Dexter Dolores and Reisa Pollard for all their best patio picks!

Patios often get the short end of the stick—with the real attention being paid to the year-round living quarters. But think of all that extra square footage you’d get for entertaining if you gave this space a little extra TLC? With advice from local designers Dexter Dolores and Beyond Beige’s Reisa Pollard, we’ve curated this list to help you create a comfortable, yet elegant, outdoor sanctuary (just in time for barbecue season).

Designers’ Fave Patio Accessories and Trends:

1. Smoke Shade String Lights

Find it: Potterybarn.com, $79“Lighting—it creates the ambiance you want. It could be string lights overhead or solar lights in the ground. It all adds to the effect.” —Reisa Pollard, Beyond BeigeScreen Shot 2016-05-16 at 2.12.38 PM

2. Tall Planters

Find it: KKDW.com, $225“Sleek, cool, and modern. Incorporate succulent gardens for that outdoor dining experience in backyards and city balconies. Landscaping is becoming less decorative and more functional. Home herb and vegetable gardens are being incorporated and low-maintenance, easily sustainable plants are replacing the popular perennials of outdoor trends in years past.” —Dexter Dolores, Dexter Dolores InteriorsScreen Shot 2016-05-16 at 2.20.59 PM

3. Helios Heated Lounge

Find it: The Future Perfect, $7,900Switch up your usual backyard look with some outdoor tech furniture. “Because why not.” —DoloresScreen Shot 2016-05-16 at 2.31.52 PM

4. Viktigt Collection

Find it: IKEA, from $70“Black woven furniture—versatile and sophisticated—contributes to creating a modern, elevated outdoor experience. Throw in some LED string lights above and around the garden/patio and your instantly transported to a luxe European rooftop.” —DoloresScreen Shot 2016-05-16 at 2.56.22 PM

5. Coastal 5-Piece Bar Dining Set

Find it: AllModern, $2,349“A social table—the same style you’d find in a lounge or pub—with stools is great for people to lean on and for guests to enjoy a drink or a full meal.” —PollardMORE: 7 Amazing Modern Patios We LoveMORE: How to Create a Beautiful Balcony Garden

Ames Bordeau

Ames Bordeau