There are few things that feel more inviting and cozy than a well–arranged patio space. When the snow melts and the first flowers are starting to bloom, it is a clear sign that it is time to move your indoor activities to the outdoors. But since you are already planning to move most of your activities outside, why not take the opportunity to freshen things up a bit? There are surely some things that need changing (there is always room for better, after all), and a change of scenery will make the patio seem even more appealing both to you and your friends.
As a homeowner, you probably know that caring for outdoor spaces can get pretty expensive, but with a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create the patio of your dreams without paying an arm and a leg. Here are a few design tips that will make your decorating efforts much easier.
Bring Out an Outdoor Propane Fire Place into Your Patio or Garden
Depending where you live, Springs and Autumns (even Summers) can get a little chilly, so instead of bringing out the blankets or heading inside, you can instead get an outdoor propane fire place for your garden or patio space. While you could just as easily opt for a wood fire pit, those tend to get messy and become too much of a hassle after repeated uses. Propane fire pits, on the other hand, are easier to use, and provide the area with a powerful glow, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To top it all, they can be fitted both on porches and patios, but before doing that, make sure you familiarize yourself with their differences.
As for what model you should choose, that depends on the area that you live in. If most nights get chilly, you would want a propane fire pit with a heating power of over 50,000 BTU’s, which is enough to heat up the area without causing discomfort. On the other hand, if you live in an area with warm Springs and Autumns and you are more interested in the device’s potential of creating atmosphere than its heating capabilities, then you could make do with a propane fire pit with less than 30,000 BTU’s.
Classic Arrangement – Covered Patio with A Sofa, Two Chairs and a Small Dining Table
Contrary to popular belief, patios are not necessarily meant for dining and breakfasting – you can do pretty much anything with that space as long as you allow yourself to go a little crazy. You can transform your patio into an outdoor living room (well, as long as it is covered by some sort of panel) by using the classic combination with a sofa, two chairs, and a small dining table with a few chairs. In this way, you can move your entire dining experience outdoors during the warm days, because why not take full advantage of the beautiful weather instead of staying inside?
Loveseats and a Few Chairs with a Table in the Center
Do you prefer something simple, with a patio designed solely for chatter and having a few drinks with your friends? Then you can ditch the sofa-dining room arrangement and opt for something a little more straightforward. First off, loveseats are great for furnishing purposes not only because they are comfy and look good, but also because they are a great use of space, which is great if you are facing restraints in this respect. Moreover, their shorter width will give you a lot of wiggle room to squeeze as many chairs as possible. You can also put a coffee table in the center (or any type of short table, for that matter), an ice bucket for cooling your drinks and there you go, you have just turned your patio into a makeshift lounge.
Patio with a Mediterranean Flavor
If you want to opt for something more unique, you can go for a Mediterranean design for your patio. Although it takes some effort and it involves more than simply moving furniture outside, the struggle is truly worth it. To achieve that Mediterranean aesthetic, you will need a few exposed beams and some climbing vines that start from the ground and circle around the beams until they reach the roof.
These two elements create an inviting and enchanting setting that will be the source of envy amongst your neighbors. As for the furniture, as long as the patio is covered with panels, you can choose all white pieces with patterned pillows to add a tinge of color to the landscape. Place one couch with two chairs flanking it, a small coffee table in the center and you have achieved that ‘’Old Country’’ look.
Adjustable Patio Chandelier
This might sound a little weird, but trust us, is not as odd once you see it in real life. This concept was invented by Tobi Tobin, a famous designer who revamped her cottage from Hollywood hills by taking a unique approach. By using brick from an old patio, she built an outdoor fireplace, as well as a terrace made out of sand mixed with granite. This resulted in an interesting design, with a downplayed look that almost borders minimalism. As for the chandelier, there is no fancy mechanism involved – it can be simply raised and lowered by using a rope pulley attached to a tree. Of course, you do not have to follow her design by the letter – except the chandelier because, you have to admit, it is kind of awesome.
Make a Clever Indoor – Outdoor Transition
With the right colors and furniture, you can mix indoor and outdoor elements to make the transition feel seamless as you are going from one place to another and backward. By doing this it will not feel like a huge atmosphere and decor shift as you are moving back and forth between the house and the patio.
In order to strike this balance accordingly, you can try a combination of wood, concrete, ceramic, glass, metal and rattan. This mix and match will provide the outdoor space with a natural look, as if the two places are not separated, but connected. Add the outdoor propane firepit that we have mentioned in the first entry to the equation and you will get the comfiest space in the neighborhood.
Repurpose Furniture
If you are not aiming to achieve anything fancy and you want to go green and save a little money, you can repurpose old indoor furniture or outdoor use. Everything that is made out of wood, from chairs, tables and benches can be easily repurposed by adding a new coat of paint or stitching some pillows. Of course, as with other patio arrangements, you will have to either treat the wood with waterproof sealant or install some covers to protect them from the elements.
Conclusion
The patio can be so much more than a place designated simply for reading or drinking your coffee. With a little creativity and some effort, you can transform the patio into a hotspot for gatherings and fun activities with friends. If you want to freshen up your patio or it is empty, and you do not know what to do with it, make sure to read through our suggestions and you will soon be able to create the patio of your dreams.