Courteney Cox's patio is the perfect extension of her luxurious mid-century modern living room

The actress experiments with artful style beyond her four walls, and experts say we should all follow suit this summer

courteney cox
(Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

The ideal patio is an extension of the home. It is both a place to socialize and a space to relax; it feels furnished while also in touch with the outdoors. Courteney Cox's porch perfectly strikes these balances.

Cox's patio idea is cozy, calming, and stylish. Outside the living room, two beautiful black and light wood chairs, reminiscent of the famous Danish Clam Chair, and a round, outdoor side table create a space that echoes the mid-century modern leanings of the indoor furniture. Long, languid loungers by the pool and round planters filled with greenery ground the patio in its California surroundings.

This outdoor living room feels like both a space to unwind from the hectic pace of life, and to host friends and family in a comfortable, cozy setting. Interior designers absolutely love this hack for transforming outdoor spaces.

'Courteney has artfully brought the indoors outside by incorporating the same design principles in her outdoor living space,' says Melissa Read, interior designer and creative director at London-based Studio Burntwood.

melissa read of burntwood studio
Melissa Read

Melissa Read is a leading Interior Designer and Founder of Studio Burntwood, a London-based interior design studio, specializing in luxury residential design for clients across the UK and globally. Their focus is on crafting timeless spaces that enhance clients' lifestyles.

Using the best outdoor furniture is a staple of why Cox's look is so effective. Read continues: 'She has created an inviting atmosphere with comfortable upholstered outdoor armchairs, which adds to the overall living space aesthetic. Outdoor rugs have been cleverly used to help zone-specific areas while also adding texture and color. The armchairs and sofas have been thoughtfully placed to encourage connection and socializing, while other seats have been purposely tucked out of the way to allow for a moment of relaxation, much like a comfortable armchair in a reading nook.'

Furthermore, much of the appeal of Cox's backyard idea comes from its connection to the interior of her home. 'As we can see through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Courteney's living room, the actress's space embraces a mid-century modern design style, as is mimicked in the gentle curves of her outdoor furniture,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens

'This continuity both makes Cox's living room appear larger and helps her outdoor space feel more grounded. It makes her space feel timeless and classic the warm, cozy, and comforting twist of being partially outside. It's an ideology I'll be experimenting with this summer, and I recommend all follow suit.'

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.


Shop the Cox-inspired edit


Courteney Cox's outdoor living room is a masterclass in luxurious, flowing design. It captures the best of her living room, and transports it to her green space.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.