It’s finally cool enough to enjoy the outdoors. The transition to fall and winter is a perfect opportunity to upgrade your patio and outdoor features. Outdoor spaces like patios allow you to host gatherings while taking advantage of the many health benefits of the great outdoors. Sadly, many homeowners don’t give their patios the care and attention it deserves.
If you’re ready to turn your outdoor area into a tranquil and entertaining space, read on for some serious backyard makeover ideas.
Make the most of limited square footage
Your patio doesn’t have to be massive to be beautiful. Even a small yard can feel like an oasis with some forethought and the correct furniture. Pick a spot that’s tucked up against your home or a hedge first to ensure complete privacy. Then, set up some outdoor furniture with seats, a table, and an umbrella.
A bistro table set can be a good option if you’re trying to make do with a small dining area. Finally, complete the warm ambiance by adding an outdoor rug, hanging lights, and lots of plants.
Lighting is everything
While landscape lighting is an integral aspect of patio design, homeowners sometimes overlook it when they are brainstorming patio designs. If you want to use your backyard for evening parties, this is very important to consider.
Patios and their surrounding landscapes require lighting that brightens the area without causing discomfort to guests. With the help of landscape lighting, you can draw attention to the most attractive parts of your yard while also illuminating less traveled paths and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Raised pathways made of concrete steps, brick, tile, or concrete pavers, and patio stones all call for extra lighting to provide safety and comfort in the evenings. Stone garden designs, backyard designs that feature uncommon aspects, and retaining walls also need special lighting to stand out.
Set up a fire pit
Firepits are a great way to spruce up outside areas while providing a practical purpose, whether you want to host summertime barbecues or wintertime bonfires.
Make some s’mores, tell some jokes, and share some laughs with your loved ones while basking in the beauty of nature. Cooking over an open fire is another great way to show off your culinary talents. Your guests will never forget the fresh, hot pizza you can serve them from your brick oven over a fire pit.
Shaded areas are a must-have
Spending time outside in direct sunlight is hardly ideal during the sweltering summer months. However, if the midday sun makes you feel like you’re about to melt, no amount of expensive patio furniture or gourmet cooking equipment will get you to spend time outside.
This is why outdoor sun protection, using features like awnings and canopies, is so important. A covered patio is necessary in places where direct sunlight is extremely harsh. While trees can help, a covered patio will keep you cool and shaded no matter how high the sun gets.
An outdoor kitchen, gazebo, or seating area that you use often could benefit from some shade. Whether you’re working with limited space or an expansive backyard, it’s always a good idea to have a shaded location to go to when you and your guests need a break from the sun.
Integrate the patio with your home’s interior design
Create a unique patio garden that stands out from the crowd but still has your personal stamp on it. Simply throwing open your kitchen doors, you can make your indoor-outdoor living area feel much more spacious. Ensure the tiles you choose for the outdoor area coordinate well with the tiles inside to create a seamless flow. It’s great to have a patio that extends to your home when you want to host a larger group of people or have a weekend lunch.
Consider a cozy gazebo or cabana
The rustic allure of gazebos and cabanas makes them ideal for use in backyard designs that will be used for socializing and hosting. Cabanas are a great way to create a shaded area on a patio, especially if the space is expansive, and they may also serve as focal points. Cabanas have the advantage of portability, letting you alter your garden to suit your needs.
Most gazebos are built to last and remain a permanent fixture in your yard. Many people use gazebos as a shaded spot to relax and admire the dangling flowers and plants. Gazebos aren’t just for placing at the highest point of your backyard – they can also be an enchanting place to rest and recline with a company near your fireplace or pool.
Use plants as decorative elements
Incorporating greenery into a space helps create a calm, pleasant atmosphere that is appreciated by all and can help you feel more relaxed. Including plant walls and flower beds in your exterior space could be the ideal way to greatly enhance your outdoor aesthetic. Pick plants that will thrive in your patio’s conditions and complement your patio’s aesthetic.
Having the ability to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of your own home sounds like a dream come true. You can use colorful stones to create various looks around flower beds, plants, trees, and more.
Include an outdoor bar
If you plan on hosting parties, an outdoor bar is a must-have. Typical bar equipment includes a fridge for storing cold drinks, an ice machine, a wine cooler, a sink, and a cupboard for storing glasses, towels, and cutlery. Whether you install a dry or wet bar, this element of your backyard design is essential if you plan to entertain guests or hold gatherings frequently.
Invest in new patio furniture
Your outdoor area isn’t complete without the proper patio furniture. The patio’s whole design will revolve around the furnishings you pick. Your patio should be a tranquil oasis where you can unwind after a long day. Investing in aluminum furniture is a terrific way to have the proper seating and a gorgeous patio.
There are several factors to consider while choosing the right furniture for your patio, with a lot of options available it can be tricky to make the right choice. Think about whether the furniture you pick will withstand weather changes, especially cold weather. You should also consider the size of your patio and the items you plan to place there.
Before deciding how many chairs to put on your patio, remember that guests will need space to walk about. So, getting the proper fit is crucial. When furnishing a small space, it’s best to stick to pieces that aren’t too hefty but still convey the desired look. You can find the perfect pieces for this purpose from PatioHQ’s Hanover collection. Check out their online store for stylish furniture sets featuring comfy sofas, nesting tables, and more.
The author is a design student and contributing editor who loves to write and edit content on various interior design and home decor themes. She has been writing on lifestyle and home decor since more than a decade. She has a keen interest interior design and has been working in the home renovation industry for almost five years, and her experience has been amplified by leading and prominent organizations like PatioHQ. The leading furniture retailer offers a wide variety of exquisite outdoor furniture designed with your comfort and budget in mind.
