Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: patio design

  • Creating Patios that Serve as Gathering Spaces

    Spring is well underway, and summer is just around the corner: How does your patio shape up? If it looks a bit rough around the edges, sparse or outdated, you may want to make it more welcoming. It does not have to cost you a small fortune, as there are many exciting, inexpensive backyard patio ideas that will refresh your outdoor patio and turn it into a fabulous gathering space.

    How Can I Perk Up a Small Patio?

    If you have a smaller space, you can start by adding a trellis around it for an attractive border. Choose some well-made, well-priced patio furniture that will fit in the area. A charming bistro table set and a matching umbrella could create a romantic little nook for you and your loved ones. Just make sure you leave enough room to move about comfortably.

    If you want to be even more creative, you can paint the patio floor, if it is made out of concrete. Older patio furniture can be given new life with a can of spray paint as long as you buy the right kind. You may also need primer and paint brushes for a project like this. Also remember to put some thought into the outdoor lighting and sound setup on your patio. Candle lanterns and string lights will make things look more inviting, and Wi-Fi speakers can add background music.

    Small patios can also be given new life by adding water features. Small patio fountains can go a long way toward creating ambiance. Buy a fountain pump from a garden center and place it in an urn. Surround it with some pretty flowering plants, and voila! –you have created a miniature, relaxing oasis.

    More Backyard Patio Ideas

    Midwest Living also suggests adding flowering plants to outdoor patios. You can shop for standing planters and colorful outdoor vases to place them in. Midwest Living also recommends UV-protected outdoor rugs. These can make patios feel homey and comfortable, as long as you remember to keep them clean and maintained according to the manufacturer’s directions. For an extra dose of coziness, you can also tuck a chiminea into one corner; these take up little space and provide warmth.

    If you have an unattractive wall or fence bordering the patio, you can purchase some screening that will look much more appealing. This is also referred to as “outdoor wallpaper,” and it is often sold at home and garden centers. Should that idea not be suitable, try camouflaging the wall or fence with tall potted plants.

    The ground can also be revamped with some pea gravel. Before laying it down, you will have to install landscaping fabric (also inexpensive) – this prevents mud and weeds from coming through. You can use this gravel for the whole patio, or to accent focal points like planter arrangements.

    An Outdoor Mini-Bar and Seating

    Your guests will love an outdoor patio bar. You can actually make this yourself, out of cement blocks, cedar boards, screws and concrete glue. The base is made from the cement blocks and cement glue, and the top is made from the boards. This easy DIY project from Better Homes and Gardens takes about three hours and only requires about five different tools.

    You may want to add a few outdoor bar stools to use as seating here. Also take a good look at any chairs and couches you may already have. Patio cushions do not last forever, as they are outside in the sun and rain (if you forget to bring them inside). Replacing the cushions is much more affordable than buying new furniture.

    Look for patio cushions that are designed to withstand the elements, and feel free to mix solid colors with patterns. You can also invest in a waterproof outdoor storage box. Take off the cushions before it rains and store them inside, then simply pull them back out when ready to use again. Your cushions (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

    A Few Final Touches

    Many homeowners understand that the best way to encourage outdoor gathering is to bring some of the inside out. As mentioned, rugs can add decorative interest and comfort. You can also get some cozy blankets and drape them over your seating. Mix-and-match outdoor pillows are another decorative touch that will make your guests feel right at home.

    To make guests want to linger longer, treat them to real tablecloths and dishware. Cloth napkins and light stoneware dishes are not expensive, and they can be tossed in the laundry or dishwasher afterwards. When all is said and done, you, your friends and family will want to spend more time outside on the patio than in your house.

  • What Type of Patio Furniture is Best for You?

    A carefully planned outdoor patio will get used more, and it can turn into a lovely gathering space when the weather cooperates. In order to create this kind of sanctuary, you need a welcoming, sunny space with enough room, good food, libations and the best patio furniture for your needs and budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve this, but you should not skimp on quality, durability or comfort, either.

    Choosing the Best Patio Furniture

    Before shopping for patio furniture, know first that form needs to follow function. In other words, how do you plan to use the patio? Some homeowners will want a top-of-the line barbecue and a table for eight as the focal points for entertaining. Others will lean more towards soft chairs they can sink into, and a more romantic ambience.

    Couches, side tables and fire pits are perfect for outdoor dining and cocktail parties. If there is enough room, you can set up a conversation area plus a separate reading nook that can serve as a small, private refuge. Can’t decide? There is no reason why you can’t create a versatile outdoor patio that does it all (or almost all), even with limited space.

    Patio Furniture Priorities

    Continuing along the function theme, outdoor living is all about relaxation, so your patio furniture should be easy to care for. Heavy and bulky pieces are hard to move, frustrating to clean and they can rust. Opt for all-weather wicker, cedar, teak or metal instead. To make your patio seating more comfortable, choose some cozy outdoor cushions or pillows with removable covers.

    You can even add a rustic outdoor blanket when the temperatures dip down; just remember to take everything in before it rains. Speaking of which, you can pick up an inexpensive outdoor storage bin to toss the cushions in when you need to. Keep them inside during the cold winter months if that applies to your region, however.

    Once you have moved on to the shopping phase, it is wise to try out the seating before buying. Remember, it all has to look and feel appealing. Some patio sets have plush cushions included, so make sure that the fabrics are weather- and fade-resistant. Of course, they won’t last forever, but higher quality means longer-lasting comfort and durability.

    Best Patio Furniture Materials

    Many people prefer wood patio furniture for its rustic, homey look. Choose durable, water-resistant grains like eucalyptus or teak, otherwise you may have to seal the furniture every year. Wood furniture may also be prone to cracking, splitting and rotting over time.

    Some of the best patio furniture is made from aluminum, which is lightweight, easy to clean and does not rust. Look for pieces with UV-resistant finishes, powder coating, seamless welds and rust-proof hardware.

    Wrought-iron patio furniture is definitely heavier, but it is lighter and more modern than old-fashioned versions. Still, it is harder to move because of its weight.

    Best Patio Furniture for Small Spaces

    Is your patio on the small side? Worry not; Southern Living emphasizes that size is not an indicator of greatness. Do not put large or bulky patio furniture on smaller patios and balconies, as this will overcrowd them. Find furniture that suits your space. No matter how much room you’re working with, start by picking a statement piece to serve as a focal point, and accessorize from there.

    A wicker lounge chair can be a lovely way to start, and you can add a side table, potted plants and a footrest. This can be just enough in tiny spaces, offering a nice little escape when you need it. Small loveseats also look nice, as does seating with built-in storage on the bottom, like a bench. A bar-height dining set with two or four chairs is a great way to open up the space. You can also try folding chairs, which do not take up a lot of room.

    Working within Your Budget

    Patio furniture can be expensive, so you may want to set a budget before making purchases. While it is fine to purchase a few inexpensive resin tables or chairs for when you need extra seating, these should not be your main pieces. Buying cheap pieces can be wallet-friendly at first, but before you know it, you will have to buy things all over again.

    Bargain-priced wood, metal and wicker can also be ready for the trash after just a few years. Do your research before buying, and look for patio furniture that is well-reviewed and affordable. You can spend less on accessories, like lighting, outdoor rugs, plants, cushions and blankets. Also seek out furniture that can serve multiple purposes. This is another good way to save money on outdoor patio furniture.

  • Best Outdoor Patio ideas

    Whether you plan to spend the rest of the summer working from your outdoor home office or just want to have a few moments of peace with your morning coffee before beginning your commute, here are some of the best outdoor patio ideas.

    Outdoor living space on a brick patio overlooking a tranquil lake

    Summer Kitchen

    You may want to use your deck or patio as an outdoor summer kitchen. If so, think about things like being set back from the house when planning where to put the grill and how much space to assign to your patio’s food prep area. Don’t forget, everyone wants to hang out in the kitchen at parties. Being able to observe and talk to the chef is a bonus.

    If you don’t barbeque much and prefer drinks and nibbles or potlucks for your outdoor entertaining, think about building a small bar with its back against the exterior wall, facing out. This works well on a small patio or deck where you don’t want your guests milling about.

    If you’d rather focus on eating outdoors while continuing to do your meal prep in your indoor kitchen, create a casual dining area where people feel comfortable lounging both before and after meals. You can serve them more formally after doing all the food prep indoors. Think bench seating and well-cushioned rattan or metal outdoor chairs, rather than traditional wrought iron, which can be very unforgiving. Those wrought iron sets are best saved for tiny bistro tables where you have a quick coffee but don’t plan to linger.

    water coming out from a vase in a garden

    Add a Calming Element

    When you retreat to your patio, you’re looking for a change of scenery and perhaps even a new perspective. Creating an outdoor patio that nourishes you is just as important as using your outdoor space as an entertainment extension to your home. If you want your patio or deck to be a retreat, consider adding a calming element like a Zen or herb garden or a simple but elegant waterfall.

    Zen gardens come in all sizes and shapes, from smaller than a placemat to large outdoor constructions. All you need is a rectangular wooden box or tray, a small wooden rake, some sand, some shells, rocks, or twigs, and, if you want to get fancy, a succulent or two. Bonus points if you can use some of that sand you brought home from your last Caribbean vacation. As you trace patterns in the sand you can pretend that you’re back there, even though you haven’t left the patio.

    Waterfalls can be as simple as two bowls cunningly arranged so one overflows into the other. The sound of trickling water is one of the most soothing there is, right up there with a soothing breeze that rustles the tree leaves. Don’t invest in anything too complicated or anything that’s likely to require a lot of maintenance. Keep it simple and clean, and make sure your water feature has an off switch for guests who may not appreciate it.

    Fragrant lavender, rosemary, and mint are three of the best herbs to grow on a patio or deck in containers. Lavender and rosemary provide a tall, spikey visual element, while mint just cascades lushly as it spreads. Make sure you’ve got the right exposure for the herbs you choose—not all, like mint, want full sun.

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