Great ideas for outdoor spaces this fall

Candlelit courtyard

This cozy outdoor space features salvaged iron chandeliers and sconces. Antique candlelight fixtures are the easiest of all salvage to use because no adjustments are necessary.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

Slide show:  Small yards think big

Tranquil porch escape

This stucco wall contains a fireplace, cabinets and a wood-storage cubby for firewood. It gives the porch a main focal point and a screen from neighbors and the harsh western sun.

• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen
  
  
• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

Cozy party courtyard

Besides several seating areas, this courtyard offers a fully functional outdoor kitchen with a gas grill, mini fridge and ice-maker. On axis with the pool and stone wall is a fireplace. Tucked beneath a second-floor balcony that overlooks the courtyard, chairs snuggle near the fire with a bit of overhead protection to increase seasonal versatility.

• Video: How to lay backyard pavers
  
  
• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style
  
  
• Bing Cube: Check out photos of spectacular outdoor rooms

Autumnal fireplace

An outdoor fireplace makes it comfortable to sit outside on cool fall evenings. Touches of the season around the mantel and the hearth feature arrangements of pumpkins, gourds and fall leaves.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture
  
  
• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Small-space outdoor room

Short on space doesn't mean short on use. This area is barely 25 feet deep and 50 feet wide, but it includes a place to have a drink and watch the game, a location to dine and a spot to relax by the fire.

• Bing Cube: Check out photos of spectacular outdoor rooms

Slide show:  Small yards think big

• Video: How to lay backyard pavers

Vintage brick patio

The brick in this courtyard came from old buildings that were torn down. The biggest issue with antique brick is there are several different sizes and it tends to get mixed up. So these homeowners set the bricks in sand, rather than concrete, to give a relaxed and aged look. Plus, the sand helped level odd-size bricks.

• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style
  
  
• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

Comfortable porch

Composed of a brick chimney, mantel and firebox, this exterior fireplace is covered with stucco. This touch not only distinguishes it from the surrounding brick walls, but it also provides a focal point. The hearth is raised for additional seating. Centering the fireplace between a brick opening and the exterior living-room wall provided a nook for firewood.

• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen
  
  
• Bing: More outdoor-room advice

Slide show:  Small yards think big

Poolside pavilion

Measuring 20 feet square, this pavilion provides shade during the summer and a warming fireplace when the air turns cool. Kitchen conveniences run along a side wall. Set back beneath a lean-to roof are a bath and areas for prep and storage.

• Video: How to lay backyard pavers
  
  
• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

Outdoor dining and fireplace

This outdoor room is near the grill so the delicious smells of both table and grill can be enjoyed at the same time.

• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style
  
  
• Bing Cube: Check out photos of spectacular outdoor rooms

Slide show:  Small yards think big

Cozy outdoor pavilion

Building a freestanding outdoor fireplace creates an instant cozy gathering place for fall. Decorate the mantel with a row of tea lights for extra sparkle when the sun goes down.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture
  
  
• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Garage addition

This seating area and fireplace blend seamlessly with the garage behind them. The vaulted pitch of the arbor mimics the lines of the garage roof and makes the garage more background than feature. The brick chimney helps to draw the eye up, creating height and keeping the attention on the fireplace, which features a mix of fieldstone and brick for added interest. The entire seating area is elevated, improving views of the pool and surrounding property.

• Video: How to lay backyard pavers
  
  
• Bing: More outdoor-room advice

Slide show:  Small yards think big

Nature-focused porch

Screened windows and doors are essential. This comfortable screened porch is sparsely decorated except for the surrounding woods, perfect for enjoying the weather and nature. Stylish white chairs are a great alternative to outdoor furniture.

• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style
  
  
• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

Romantic outdoor fireplace

For year-round lounging, this enclosed sitting area boasts candle chandeliers and a fireplace. Filling the fireplace with candles instead of firewood gives the small seating area a romantic feel.

• Bing: More outdoor room advice

Slide show:  Small yards think big

• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Backyard living room

The large fireplace and hearth in this retreat can serve as an outdoor oven.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture
  
  
• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Ultimate outdoor kitchen

This open-air kitchen creates the perfect space for family to get together to cook, mingle and catch fabulous water views — and breezes.

• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style
  
  
• Bing Cube: Check out photos of spectacular outdoor rooms

Slide show:  Small yards think big

Chic outdoor dining room

Stylish, weather-resistant pieces make this dining porch an easy way to take the party outside. The white finish of the long trestle table maintains a minimalist look. The hanging lantern adds a touch of elegance.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture
  
  
• Video: How to lay backyard pavers

Old World dining courtyard

This dining courtyard is adjacent to the interior dining room and features a wood-burning fireplace to warm up outside dinner parties, especially in cool fall months.

• Bing Cube: Check out photos of spectacular outdoor rooms

Slide show:  Small yards think big

• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Autumn's outdoor room

A stone fireplace creates the perfect area for fall gatherings in this backyard. A cluster of pumpkins and mums warms up the sitting wall.

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture

• Become a fan of MSN Real Estate on Facebook

Steppingstone entry

Randomly placed steppingstones crafted from local granite lead to the front porch's wide steps. Hand-hewn posts and railings, along with graceful brackets, are crafted from regionally harvested locust wood to further enhance the cottage's connection to the land. Local fieldstone lines the porch walls.

• Bing: More outdoor-room advice

Slide show:  Small yards think big

• Video: How to build an outdoor kitchen

Church-inspired pool house

An entry arbor at Christ Church on St. Simons Island, Ga., inspired the design of this pool house.

• Southern Living: Dine outdoors in style

• 'Listed': If you can't sell, maybe you can remodel
  
  
• Lifestyle: The best outdoor furniture