Sure, at its most basic, a patio is a concrete slab or paved area adjoining your house, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ugly or Plain Jane. In fact, the days of having a plain concrete patio with some outdoor furniture are firmly in the rearview window.
The best patios are an extension of the home, turning the outdoors into a comfortable living space. With a little planning, it’s easy to take your patio from drab to a fun gathering space. Here are a few tips:
Good interior design says that every room should have a focal point, and your patio is no different. Luckily, there are a ton of options. While firepits are a perennial favorite, outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are a popular, and impressive choice. Even a beautiful table can give your space a strong focal point and draw everyone together. Just make sure that the piece you choose doesn't overwhelm the space.
Your patio is outside, so make sure to incorporate some nature! Planters are an easy choice, and they come in many varieties. You can even design your very own with built in benches if you'd like. Planters also serve as a natural boundary between the rest of your yard and the private, cozy space on your patio. Even simple plants can help clearly define your patio space and give it a more homey feel.
If you truly want to enjoy your outdoor patio, you simply can't settle for cheap patio furniture. Budget now to buy comfortable chairs, benches or even a hammock. Investing in a few good pieces of outdoor furniture is the best way to make sure you actually want to spend time hanging out on the patio. Too often we see people buy uncomfortable chairs and then realize that they don't even like their own patio space.
If you love the idea of bold design choices, but you've been too scared to test them out inside your house, incorporating them into your patio is a great choice! Paint your patio furniture to bring a bright pop of color or install pavers in a complex pattern to give your patio a unique, but elegant look. The sky is literally the limit here, so your creative juices flowing and have some fun with it.
Most of the time, people think of art as paintings that they hang on their walls. But there’s plenty of art that you can incorporate into your outdoor space. Look for things like statues, fountain, or even wind chimes to bring a little whimsy or elegance to your patio.
Just like living room can be brought together with the perfect area rug, so can your patio. A great outdoor rug can turn a shapeless space into a more structured seating area. It can also add a little texture and interest if you just have a flat concrete pad to work with. Remember to go bold!
Taking your patio from blah to amazing is as simple as choosing a few key pieces to help define and add interest to your space. With our easy tips above, you're well on your way to creating an outdoor space everyone in the family is sure to love.
