Do you dream of having an elegant and classic outdoor area? Wishing to have a patio that is stylish and feels just as nice as your favorite designer’s living room? This article will look at a number of Ralph Lauren ideas for patios to help you decorate your outdoor area. Whether you’re aiming for coastal charm, equestrian elegance, or classic American style, this guide will help you plan a patio that reflects sophistication, comfort, and designer precision. Let’s check out how the Ralph Lauren brand can be translated into your home decor by looking at functional tips, fashionable furniture and decor pieces.
Embracing Classic American Style Outdoors
When I am designing an American-style patio, I make sure everything is symmetrical, the decor is rich with classic touches and each outline is measured. Usually, Ralph Lauren mixes classic materials with new ideas for outdoor living which leads to spaces that are both charming and lavish. I rely on warm wood, navy and cream materials, along with classic shapes to make this style.
I like to have teak furniture, mostly slatted-back chairs and benches. It stands up well over the years and has a meaningful past. Using pillows and a rug with stripes or plaid and navy blue strengthens the Ralph Lauren brand. Hanging a bronze lantern or light fixture can softly represent the space’s history.
I like this style because it shares the charm from family gathering and the sense that it’s been handed down. AD magazine once stated that Ralph Lauren’s outdoor environments are “extensions of classic American lifestyle,” and I couldn’t agree more. I have applied features of his Bedford estate’s patio to designs I have done for clients.
Final touches such as topiary planters and trellised climbing roses help unite the feel of aristocratic and homey gardens.
Nautical-Inspired Patio Retreats
Having made several coastal homes, I can notice that nautical patios show the same enthusiasm for seafaring as Ralph Lauren. The main thing to do here is to blend seafaring designs with luxury fabrics. I usually choose navy and white textiles, rope details and, for example, wood that looks like driftwood.
Director’s chairs made of canvas, a striped outdoor sofa and antique-looking brass lighting are my favorite items. Try to use teak or whitewashed wood as your table finish. Include some decorations, like nautical flags, signal lamps and sturdy rope planters which create the right feeling while staying simple.
This design always brings to mind the atmosphere of the Montauk coast or traditional sailing yachts. Ralph Lauren Home’s “Harbor Modern” was the main inspiration for us. On a project for a client, I constructed a wall hanging ship’s wheel over the fireplace outdoors and it really stood out in the finished space.
Having a flagstone or pale wood deck here would strongly remind us of the ocean. You could put a bar cart with stainless-steel accents in the room for enjoying cocktails at night.
Sophisticated Equestrian Touches for Alfresco Spaces
The equestrian style from Ralph Lauren always stands out to me. Challenging yet polished, tough yet put together, it is a great reflection of many people. I use brown leathers, faded wood and tan textiles to bring this style to outdoor areas such as those near stables or fields.
I include equestrian lanterns, cushions decorated with leather and décor inspired by horse saddles. Iron furniture finished in black or antique bronze goes well with the style. Horseshoe wall art and vintage bridles set in shadowboxes make any spot stand out and catch the eye.
My outdoor patio has some of these elements. In order to feel like the old tack room, I built a dark wood pergola and placed a leather-trimmed bench underneath it, both with plaid outdoor cushions. Elle Decor once explained that Ralph Lauren’s equestrian looks reflect the best version of masculine style while outdoors.
Outdoor-friendly artwork and weatherproof boxes to keep your items in would make everything nice and complete.
Hampton-Inspired Lounge Areas
Casual elegance is the main feature of Hampton-style patios and Ralph Lauren does it best. For me, this style looks best when nearby vegetation provides breezy walls, slats of white wood, lovely light linens and striking blue-and-white prints are used throughout.
A white sectional that’s blue-trimmed and accompanied by blue-and-white striped loungers defines the space. Putting a driftwood coffee table with coastal books and shells in glass cases is my usual addition. When a pergola has soft white curtains, it gives the whole area a resortlike feeling.
I modeled one client’s patio last summer on Ralph Lauren’s East Hampton retreat. Seagrass was used for our floor mats and for lighting we went with candle lanterns inspired by the sea. According to House Beautiful, “this fashion truly shows the great light, open spaces and calmness that is New England style.”
I could add a tall planter or garden trellises (in white metal) to give the area more character and height.
Coastal Living With a Ralph Lauren Palette
The signature navy blue, white, sandy and red color combination from Ralph Lauren is a major part of coastal decor. I think it’s better to start with stripes and outdoor materials that show motion and natural elements.
I love putting up low-slung chairs made of white rattan, a rug in sand color and a navy-and-white cabana pattern umbrella. Things like rope-framed mirrors and glass hurricane candle holders suggest the seaside without making the space look like a theme.
Using Ralph Lauren Home textiles, I once decorated a patio at a beach house. The client expressed they felt like they were on a Nantucket veranda at that moment. According to Coastal Living, a more subtle approach with blues adds to a room’s coastal feel than explicit beach accessories.
I’d still put some interesting marine charts or books about the sea on the side tables to improve the whole effect.
Elevated Rustic Luxury on the Patio
In the eyes of Ralph Lauren, rustic can feel very refined and elegant. Adding reclaimed wood, pavers made from stone and leather details helps transform a regular country patio into a more upscale one. Think of a working ranch combined with a design-led chalet.
The seating walls are made of natural stone, the coffee tables are solid planks and the armchairs are teak with earth-colored cushions. Overhead string lights or a wrought iron chandelier give your pergola a traditional and romantic look.
Ralph Lauren lighting appears in several of my Colorado projects and I have even made use of their Pendleton-inspired throws outside. AD pointed out that Lauren’s rustic designs mix tradition with couture fashion elegance which is exactly right.
What would make this look even better? In my opinion, either leather poufs made for the outdoors will add to the rustic feel or a display of mounted antlers above your fireplace will help in stressing the local influence.
Polo Club-Inspired Outdoor Decor
Clients who are fans of sports often want patios modeled after Ralph Lauren polo clubs and I have often designed them this way. The look has intense color changes, fitted outlines and uses imagery from horse racing. It seems special, but is easy to enjoy.
I prefer to have boxy seating outside in navy canvas with a white piping detail. A dark wood dining table and canvas sling chairs are nice and finishing the look with striped banners or pictures in UV-safe frames is ideal. The outfit is completed with a navy and red umbrella.
At one point, I constructed a whole outdoor bar using this theme, including brass-rimmed coasters and bar stools made out of saddle leather. Early Ralph Lauren ads, usually in the environment of polo fields, were very influential. GQ calls the look “aspirational sport mixed with American prep,” meaning it’s designed to look stylish and confident.
More heraldic accents such as using RL crest pillows or putting a rug with crossed mallets outside, would make the space stand out.
Mixing Natural Textures for Warmth and Comfort
I usually include natural elements in my outdoor areas to add both interest and shape to the patio. Because Ralph Lauren uses soft, woven materials, rustic woods and tactile fabrics, his methods are both classy and very comfortable. They link you to nature as they also add beauty and luxury.
In this case, I choose to put together jute rugs, teak lounge chairs, wicker side tables and woven lanterns. Put down linen or cotton cushions in soft neutrals as a finishing touch. An oak dining table that is slightly worn and rattan chairs keep the overall setup tactile. All the different kinds of materials bring a cozy and nicely crafted atmosphere.
I’ve redesigned patios for clients and they all say the result feels relaxing and welcoming, but it’s not too laid-back. Veranda points out that Ralph Lauren uses contrast and layering to build character which is why this ensemble works so smoothly.
Being sure to cover the space between the roof and the floor, I’d put in a woven art piece or a set of hanging baskets.
Timeless Stripes and Patterned Linens
Ralph Lauren stands out in outdoor fashion because of his use of classic stripes and various printed linens. Bringing movement, form and style into the outfit, the way designers use patterns is practical. if I’m looking for classic style on my patio, these are the fabrics I turn to first.
I tend to choose striped cushions, floral or paisley table runners and bright outdoor curtains. Ralph Lauren’s trademark navy, cream or hunter green colors might be part of the palette. Printed linens on furniture pieces like sofas, chairs and throws give a sense of consistency to the whole room.
These patterns make even very simple backdrops seem more beautiful to me. One time I put navy-and-white striped pillows out by the pool alongside a ticking stripe umbrella. Architectural Digest points out that Ralph Lauren likes to use patterns that stand for tradition and enduring reminders.
The collection would be perfected by including an outdoor ottoman upholstered with the same pattern as the chairs.
Monochromatic Looks for Refined Patios
Popup AI White, navy and taupe colors used by Ralph Lauren in his designs create a stylish and expensive feeling in the outdoors. I often recommend this style to people who have modern or minimal style homes.
I tend to go for white or stone-colored furniture that matches with lighter colored cushions and rugs. Using a sofa and coffee table both in warm gray tones creates a peaceful and roomy setting. Pick planters in the same hue to highlight the relaxing nature of the area.
A recent project I completed in Malibu had a patio done completely in off-white and soft gray tones. The artwork was beautiful and very soothing. As per Elle Decor, designing with a greige monochrome color palette makes a room look refined which agrees with me.
I would add something like a big, simple sculpture or garden detail in the same material to prevent the space from feeling flat.
Ralph Lauren Blue and White Alfresco Settings
Outdoors, Ralph Lauren’s blue and white color palette stands out as being really iconic. Its sound is fresh, clear and stands firmly on both nautical and Americana styles. If someone wants a classic outdoor design, I usually start by setting up this combination.
Navy and white striped or floral materials are used to cover benches, throw pillows and umbrellas in the garden. A natural combination is using whitewashed wood or navy wicker furniture in this approach. Ceramic planters and vintage lanterns in cobalt blue will make your space consistent and will draw attention.
By putting chinoiserie blue outdoor pillows from Ralph Lauren and a white sectional at the poolside patio, I made it my favorite project. It wasn’t too formal or delicate, it kept things simple. House Beautiful points out that this choice of colors is loved because it recalls the feel of a breeze, the sky and the sea.
I think a navy outdoor mirror and white screens would help unite all the different parts of the space.
Setting a Regal Outdoor Dining Experience
Ralph Lauren always emphasizes the importance of outdoor dining and I try to design spaces that show that. If I want to have a grand meal with guests, I go for decor that is repeated and finished on all sides, together with elegant table settings.
I like to put up large, rectangular dining tables made of weathered wood or dark teak with comfortable, high-back upholstered chairs. Formal dinnerware, cloth napkins, attractive crystal glasses and candelabras or lamps add a special atmosphere. I always put seasonal florals and monogrammed plates at the end to finish the table setting.
Some of my clients have hosted garden gala-style dinner parties in their yards. The special feeling at any meal increased when we added Ralph Lauren Home tableware and silver trays on the veranda. Martha Stewart Living advises setting tables for dinnertime outdoors just as you would at home and this works well with this philosophy too.
There is often nothing to create an overhead sense of atmosphere. Installing a hanging lantern or pergola with soft curtains hung from the ceiling, together with string lights, is an excellent idea.
Fire Pit Gatherings With a Luxe Twist
A fire pit is traditionally made for gathering, but with Ralph Lauren’s design, it becomes a place of simple comfort. I pick materials and shapes that show refined elegance instead of how you would decorate for an outdoor day.
A stone or cast iron fire pit paired with cushioned lounge chairs brings people together. I choose club-style chairs covered in leather-look or light linen and I place big plaid blankets where they can easily be found. Using vintage trays, candles and whiskey glasses on low tables builds the mood.
I had a design that worked very well by surrounding an eight-chair circle with linen-wrapped chairs and using antique copper pieces. Veranda says that Ralph Lauren gives a sophisticated finish to any fireplace with layering ideas taken from the past.
You might add a storage area for firewood in the seating wall or choose charming wood cube storage boxes for extra practicality and style.
Outdoor Bars With Classic Americana Vibes
Ralph Lauren’s Americana can be best shown in an outdoor bar area. Using reclaimed wood for the counters, adding iron or brass touches and using navy or hunter-green accents is my favorite way to style them. The colors lead us to imagine a delightful time at a Canadian country club or polo club.
Most of the time, I use dark-stained wood for the bar, linking it with seating that has leather or canvas cushions. Put up a classic drinks cart, signage and rimmed beverage glasses. Things like pillows with American flags and embroidered RL badges add plenty of character.
A few years ago, I made a Ralph Lauren-style bar nook complete with a mahogany wine rack, tartan curtains and an interesting cocktail menu. According to GQ, Ralph Lauren’s home decorations give a nostalgic but high-class feeling.
One idea would be to frame vintage cocktail prints or some old sports keepsakes to give the place a personal feel.
Poolside Patios With Designer Flair
In my opinion, it’s best to start a luxury patio project with the space and for that reason I always favor poolside patios. A patio inspired by Ralph Lauren on the water should look calm, elegant and comfortable for everyone. Look for big sun loungers, place over-sized side tables and use neutral colors with touches of navy or hunter green throughout. Make sure the layout combines entertaining and relaxation, without interrupting the design of your building.
Some of the featured furniture are teak-framed loungers with blue and white cushions, woven leather side chairs and a big, striped outdoor umbrella. These aren’t just functional—they express Ralph Lauren’s love for Americana with a coastal twist. Brass-trimmed lanterns and marine-inspired wall sconces add sophistication while staying true to the designer’s roots.
To me, making a successful poolside patio means using restraint so that there is a nice sense of balance. According to Architectural Digest, Ralph Lauren gives his patios order, polish and a definite focal point by choosing appropriate styles and patterns. I use this method mostly when dealing with premium homes.
To complete this space, I’d include a weatherproof bar cart with glassware and decanters, and perhaps a few nautical accessories like coiled rope décor or a boat cleat-inspired hook. They help establish RL inside the space without creating a cluttered look.
Statement Furniture With Leather and Wood Accents
The first thing I think of for outdoor statement furniture is aged leather and raw wood, just like what Ralph Lauren often uses. These materials don’t just look good—they age beautifully over time. Under a shaded pergola or veranda, these features suit a patio well and are still out in the open air.
A big leather sling chair or a bench made of wood and leather with interesting rivet work would look best here. In addition, plush linen cushions and bronze topped tables add warmth to the house. The rugged glamour of Ralph Lauren Home is usually paired with strong architectural lines and that style fits patios that want a standout look.
Based on what I have seen such pieces can leave a strong first impact on people. As Elle Decor once highlighted, Ralph Lauren interiors (and exteriors) celebrate equestrian and explorer aesthetics—elements you can absolutely bring outside with care. Consider the space to be like a study area outside your home.
To enhance this idea, I’d suggest adding saddle-stitched leather throws or vintage-styled maps framed for the outdoors. Lanterns or hurricane lamps are simple to use and help the space stay in the event’s theme at night.
Vintage Lanterns and Brass Details
Light can completely change a space and for a Ralph Lauren patio, it relies on classic lanterns and brass decorations. These pieces are inspired by early American and naval fashion, main parts of Ralph Lauren’s collection. Just placing a couple of lanterns can transform a space and its atmosphere.
What I often choose is to hang brass lanterns and put hurricane lamps with leather handles on the tables. They go well on dark wooden tables or metal consoles. Small brass trays or singular brass planters keep the room’s sense of continuity.
In my experience, this style suits patios I design for using in the evening. Outdoor brass is becoming popular again, especially when it is patinaed to look a bit aged, reports House Beautiful. It goes perfectly with the manly but candid elegance seen in Ralph Lauren spaces.
Usually, the reflective element is what’s usually absent. A way to repeat that light is by selecting mirrored trays or hurricanes that have brass accents and cut-glass designs. Monogrammed napkin rings in brass are a good choice for outdoor events to create a true Ralph Lauren look.
Iconic Ralph Lauren Pillows and Throws
Though textiles are often not given enough credit outside, they play a key role in defining the style of a Ralph Lauren patio. I usually start with pillows and throws that have patterns in red, navy, cream or forest green plaid, houndstooth and striped fabrics. These aren’t just for comfort—they define the visual language of the space.
Putting tartan pillows on a wood or wicker seat instantly helps create an elegant equestrian mood. I like to use supersize wool or cashmere for throws which I swaddle in leather-bound baskets. They’re practical for chilly evenings but also serve as display pieces during the day.
I’ve found that mixing pillow sizes (square, lumbar, bolsters) creates the most inviting look. It is common for Ralph Lauren to mix tweed, canvas and velvet to keep the look from being dull. It affects darker wood or leather furniture the most.
To finish the space, I’d suggest adding matching seat pads and even table runners in the same textile families. It allows the setting to change from lounge to dining very smoothly.
Wicker and Rattan With a Preppy Edge
Wicker and rattan are generally classic, outdoor items, but Ralph Lauren always makes them smart and organized, with a preppy feel. Looking for this style, I like fabrics with clean edges, skinny weaves and deep stains. It’s both comfortable and upscale.
I tend to use a large rattan sofa with thick and colorful cushions and double it with two club chairs of the same style. A big round rattan coffee table or a woven bar cabinet gives the space a personal touch with a tropical feel. You will see this palette chosen by designers when they’re designing near a garden or greenhouse.
In my own projects, I’ve found that the key is restraint. Veranda states that RL Furniture prefers a more upscale approach to rattan and wicker than the typical beachy one. Picking plain shades and making sure things are symmetrical will keep the style the same.
A final touch in this section might be a rattan trunk or a vintage-style storage chest. It gives you storage space, but still makes sure your patio looks well-planned and connected to the rest of the yard.
Emphasizing Layered Textiles and Materials
One of the hallmarks of Ralph Lauren’s style—indoors and out—is his love for layered textiles and diverse materials. For patios, a combination of linen with wool, teak with metal and jute rugs with canvas-covered furniture is a good idea. I usually put warm and tactile materials first in my interior design projects.
My usual method is first to lay down a basic rug in a solid color, then add linen slipcovers, some wool throws and even faux animal skins. A variety in furniture can help; a chair upholstered in leather and a couple of metal bistro chairs bring a gathered look.
I believe this way captures the most interesting and engaging outcomes. The richness of Ralph Lauren Home is what supports it and according to AD Pro designers, this means mixing knowledge, tradition and practical details.
To make this space better, I would put in curtains with windowpane plaid borders or seat cushions with leather edges. They help to integrate the design and also give a sense of comfort.
Classic Cabana-Striped Umbrellas
The look of summer can’t be beat by a Ralph Lauren-decorated cabana-striped umbrella. These pieces are usually the center of attention for the patio. Just adding stripes in navy and cream or hunter green and white can make any outdoor setting look more refined.
I prefer to buy umbrellas that have wood poles, brass fittings and heavy canvas material. They tend to look best set over a dining table or used with seating by a swimming pool. The main reason they’re valuable is that they look upward and add rhythm to the space.
From what I have seen, umbrellas do more than just look nice; they give real coverage and divide areas in a decorative way. Such umbrellas, in Ralph Lauren’s Montauk featured by Southern Living, gave me the inspiration to design a space just like that.
A strong link between textiles and fashion is usually not present here. I would also add napkins, chair cushions or a tablecloth that fits the color scheme of the umbrella. Such small changes make the space appear well thought out.
Incorporating Western Heritage Elements
Ralph Lauren’s homage to Western clothing is among the things that makes his design so fascinating. In a patio space, try using earthy colors, real leather and simple rustic materials so the area avoids being themed. I often try to design a modern space using the raw appeal of the American West with careful editing.
I usually add leather-upholstered chairs, cowhide throw pillows over iron benches and earth-toned ceramic plant containers. Saddle-style stitching and conchos give the bag some special touches. Adding a low metal-accented fire pit with natural stone walls can really finish the environment if there’s enough room. Choose oak, aged metal and rawhide for your furniture to recreate a real western theme elegantly.
I have had good results with this style in desert-climate patios, by matching the colors of the furniture to the environment. Combining the heritage approach with simple designs, Ralph Lauren avoids making the products look like costumes. According to House & Garden, mixing traditional western materials with modern design keeps the home looking fresh.
To focus the Western theme more, I have in mind woven pillows, a Navajo patterned rug and a piece of leather art or decorative iron sculpture. With these finishes, the patios have more depth and stay in line with Ralph Lauren’s ideas.
Stylish Outdoor Rugs to Define Space
Outdoor rugs are very important to every outdoor space I design. in a Ralph Lauren patio, rugs are more important than just floor cloths—they tie the whole set of patio furniture together. An ideal area rug puts its mark on a gathering spot, dining spot or place to kick back and adds both texture and comfort.
I am drawn to performance rugs with a jute-like design, border patterns, herringbone or an easy equestrian motif. Sand, charcoal or khaki colors can make the background of the film look aristocratic. For people wanting a bold look in color, Ralph Lauren’s plaid or regimental stripe styles in navy or forest green may be a good choice.
I’ve seen that having rugs warms up even a very large outdoor space. Various designers mentioned in Veranda see the advantage of using outdoor rugs inside: it combines convenience and attractiveness which Ralph Lauren achieved. I often follow this method when creating close to home spaces next to large garden doors or verandas.
A way to finish this area is to have a rug or rug weights that feature colorful ends. Caring about the small things ties different areas of a room together, specifically if you choose restrained furniture.
Creating Romantic Evenings With Candlelight
Lighting the table and patio areas with candles is very important for me when designing for evening. A Ralph Lauren-inspired patio should be lighted by several levels of light which will produce soft shadows and highlight certain parts. Burning candles next to heritage finishes like brass and leather makes things more elegant and cozy.
I often put pillar candles in glass hurricanes, set tea lights in cut-crystal holders and hang lanterns from wall brackets or trellises. Details like iron on candelabras or sconces on wooden walls give the space more style. The glowing lights and shiny surfaces make the setting more luxurious.
I frequently try this method which matches the advice from Traditional Home magazine that the way we light our outdoor spaces can change our mood. Bringing in some candles can easily turn a space into an expensive and romantic atmosphere.
In this setting, adding some LED flameless candles would make everything last longer and still be interesting. Adding a citronella or herbal candle can help create a useful aroma and support the style of the space.
Garden Walls and Trellises With Ivy or Rose Accents
Garden walls or trellises are great additions to a Ralph Lauren patio when they are covered with ivy or roses. They aren’t only used for appearance—they also provide height and privacy which is necessary in outdoor rooms. You can’t get their classic beauty just by using man-made decor.
Often, I advise people to pick black or deep green-painted wooden trellises and arrange the plants in a symmetrical way. Climbing roses that come in blush-pink or deep-red hues remind us of a refined estate and ivy provides a textured cover. Walls can be put up around a place to eat, outside walkways or behind seats.
This seems to look its best when lanterns or string lights are added. Often, Ralph Lauren enhances important areas in the space using organized gardens and vines that climb nearby. Garden & Gun says this allows nature and design to merge effortlessly—which is a notable feature of his style.
Adding lighting at the trellis foundations and hanging a few weatherproof curtains or tapestries will increase the pleasure and privacy you get from the area. The trellis becomes an important part of the room, instead of just an added piece to the wall.
Brass and Iron Fixtures With Historical Charm
Brass and iron fixtures are an easy way to make a Ralph Lauren patio more special. Many times, I urge designers to use historical hardware such as faucets, sconces, drawer pulls and firepit rims that bring out the ancient craftsmanship.
I usually choose forged iron benches, wrought iron candle holders and outdoor faucets with cross handles and weathered finishes. They give the room more personality and help it feel special. Often, the cool design has wooden iron side tables and bronze-framed mirror trays on them for choosing cocktails.
In Ralph Lauren’s houses, the mix of rough metal with elegant finishes was carefully planned and looks great. Combining age-old metals with gentler details such as wood or fabric is suggested by Elle Decor which is a technique I often use here.
If you prepare for your party outdoors as well, hang some old-style garden tools and use a faucet made from recycled brass as a showpiece or stream feature. Such small moments in design give the film a true story feeling while linking it all with the theme.
Lounge Chairs That Mirror Yacht Club Luxury
Few things say “Ralph Lauren” more than yacht club luxury, and I love recreating that feeling with tailored lounge chairs. Choose furniture that is inspired by the sea such as navy canvas, teak, steel and structures with clean lines.
The combination I most like includes navy blue cushioned teak loungers with brass parts, plus grouping director’s chairs and towels with stripes. Having a rolling drink cart and some glass tumblers helps maintain the luxury and avoids the nautical theme.
This structure is always impressive when used practically. The club-style design is often featured in Coastal Living for high-end homes, as the mix of strong structure and light elements makes the areas very inviting. It does seem that way—there’s a nice balance between having a schedule and having fun.
To finish the space, I’d add a framed nautical flag or a ship’s bell-style door chime. Such touches ensure the place has a perfect setting, but they don’t make things feel like a copycat.
Combining Modern Comfort With Vintage Americana
I really enjoy Ralph Lauren’s strategy of mixing comfort from today with traditional Americana. If the patio is your spot, you might have mid-century furniture with old-fashioned textiles or place modern planters with American style decor. The outcome looks trendy and makes everyone feel comfortable.
I usually put neutral-colored plush sectionals with throw pillows in printed patterns like denim, plaid or ticking stripe. Pick iron or steel coffee tables and let them work well with ceramic or copper accents. The classic “star,” racing stripes and Navajo designs are just a few ways blankets pay tribute to the USA.
According to designers, the ability of Ralph Lauren to last comes from mixing together different elements. I follow this philosophy especially when I design for areas with a lot of different elements.
A vintage-style sign would upgrade the space such as a repurposed barnwood sign that includes a handmade “Welcome” message. They give the room character that stays genuine to the RL brand.
Creating a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition
A main idea at Ralph Lauren is to blend indoor and outdoor spaces for easier connection between the indoors and outdoors. I always recommend treating the patio as a true extension of the home’s interior. It begins with using the same types of floor materials such as bluestone or wide teak boards, that suit the colors inside. French or sliding doors will offer natural lighting into the house as well as make it simple to go from the house to the patio, joining the spaces.
In many of my projects, I include classic outdoor furniture like club chairs with rolls on the arms, cushions that are tucked and stitched (tufting) and frames made of teak which are elegant and similar to indoor furnishings. Having outdoor rugs in navy and ivory and using hurricane lanterns and vintage-style throws helps keep the Ralph Lauren look. They join comfort and sophistication, so the patio becomes a tastefully designed living room under the sky.
Using multiple textures is very important in such cases. Architectural Digest explains that the design in Ralph Lauren’s Colorado ranch greatly impacts his outdoor goods, bringing together buffalo plaid, leather and neutral fabrics. In patios such textures create an atmosphere of laid-back elegance that is still inviting.
I’d make this section even better by putting in retractable awnings that are made of canvas or natural linen. By doing this addition, profiles stay the same and shade protection is given to make luxury living possible in hot climates and during the day.
Framed Art and Mirrors for Outdoor Walls
People typically pay much attention to the horizontal space in outdoor design, but tend to overlook the vertical space on patio walls. I always work to add life to an outdoor surface when I create Ralph Lauren patio designs and often, installed art or wall mirrors can be the most helpful. My choice is usually antique-looking frames, often with drawings of horses or nautical scenes in them.
Using big outdoor mirrors with dark iron frames gives a vintage Ralph Lauren look to my interiors. When installed facing outside views or lush greens, they reflect both the natural light and the greenery and make the area look twice as large. Adding a canvas print that shows wildlife or a sailing scene to outdoor furniture provides a story that draws the outdoors into your house in a stylish manner.
In my view, hanging wall art is one of the quickest ways to dress up your patio. Ralph Lauren is quoted as saying that, in his eyes, the finer points of an outfit are what makes it feel luxurious which is true in the outdoors. A statement mirror, some sconces and a bench set below it transform a regular wall into a stylish focal point.
The section might be improved if wrought iron shelves holding vases and vintage lanterns were added. This would complete the Ralph Lauren theme and would also be practical by adding a useful work area—great for an area that wants to be both practical and attractive.
Curating Designer Tabletops for Open-Air Dining
Enjoying a meal outside under a starry sky is such a joy and Ralph Lauren really understands this best. If I’m preparing outdoor table decor, the first thing is a clean tablecloth in classic fashion—my favorites are navy, white or muted khaki. I add flatware, fine china plates with a small crest or trim and glasses with etched sides to give a traditional look. Using these Ralph Lauren-inspired items adds formality without feeling too formal.
I usually display hurricane lanterns, silver tall candleholders and a centerpiece of hydrangeas during summer or pine branches when it’s fall time. Mid-century or rattan chairs with navy-striped pillows suit the traditional setting and are easy for the patio. To make things look nicer, add cloth napkins with Monograms from Ralph Lauren or leather napkin rings that reference his legacy.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a well-curated table tells your guests that they’re part of something special. Veranda Magazine claims that storytelling is at the heart of Ralph Lauren entertaining and often includes old family pieces or special plates. Having a meal outside turns it into an event, no matter how casual.
What’s missing from the equation is music. Placing some outdoor speakers in a planter or near a bench helps to highlight the atmosphere with jazz or American tunes that are classic for Ralph Lauren. The details are what make a game feel more engrossing and stay with you.
Seasonal Styling for Ralph Lauren-Inspired Patios
An effective Ralph Lauren patio will change in line with each new season. This, for me, is where design really goes beyond ideas and concepts. Spring and summer are good times for lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton, usually in pastels and stripes. Instead of the usual throw pillows, I use chambray or seersucker ones and I set out woven baskets holding rolled blankets and magazines. One should design the patio to be attractive and unique yet still appealing over time.
Furniture is always the same, but the choice of accessories has the biggest effect. When the fall season comes, I like decorating with plaid wool throws, oil-rubbed bronze lanterns and saddle leather cushions. Two easy ways to look like an alpine lodge are to hang a canvas pergola and use tartan curtains on a smaller patio.
This kind of arrangement gives a patio its own character. A client of mine used to switch up their accessories four times per year and their home went suddenly from plain to full of character. Even small changes—like changing the table runner or switching out planters—can reinvigorate a patio’s personality. According to Southern Living, using seasonal outdoor decorations makes our outdoor spaces feel special and interesting through the different times of year.
A further advantage could be added by including storage in this design. A teak storage bench or cabinet placed in a corner of the patio would make it simple to change between seasons and still organize and style the spot all year long.
Using Ralph Lauren’s timeless ideas in your outdoor setting calls for bits of fancy detail, lots of cozy touches and looks that suggest both style and warmth. Whether you’re refreshing your patio for the season or planning a complete transformation, I hope these ideas have inspired you to create a space that feels luxurious yet personal. Do you have a great idea or your personal take on a Ralph Lauren patio? I’d love to hear about it—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
