Summertime is all about being outdoors. For those who’d rather stay home than head out to a crowded beach, a beautiful patio is even better. Whether you have a large deck or small seating area, there’s nothing like the privacy of your own backyard. The summer months are the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor space. The dirty work of spring cleaning is behind you, the patio furniture’s already been dragged out, and your lawn is the greenest it’s ever been.
So, transform your boring patio into an oasis that’s perfect for entertaining and relaxation. Here are 9 ways to enhance the space and really make it a summer hangout!
Add colour with flowers
Add pops of colour to your patio with lush green plants and seasonal flowers. You can arrange them however you’d like. If you enjoy the look of container shrubs, purchase a couple of big urns and place them on the patio’s entryway. Azalea, Boxwood, and Camellia grow very well in containers with minimal maintenance. Meanwhile, taller shrubs are perfect for creating privacy and division.
Consider buying a long balcony rail planter for a decorative look all season long. These planters can be filled with your favourite flowers and then clipped to your fence or deck railing. Add a couple of large hanging baskets near the patio door to tie the look together. Colourful blossoms like petunias, geraniums, and begonias are ideal.
For those who don’t have the time for maintenance, artificial flowers are also an option. Opt for products made in UV protected silk so they won’t get discoloured by the sun.
Water, water everywhere
If you love the sound of a babbling brook or the tinkling of a fountain, a water feature could be the perfect addition. Bring tranquility to your patio and unwind after a stressful day. The best thing about water features is that they can be as simple or elaborate as you like – small enough to sit on a tabletop, or large enough to be a standalone attraction.
For an Asian-inspired theme, choose a fountain with cascading rocks. For a more majestic feel, there is the decorative lion’s head with a water spout that is always a classic. Today’s water features also come with LED lights for a warm glow during the evening hours. If you’re worried about energy consumption, get a solar-powered model instead.
Install new patio doors
Sometimes the best way to instantly improve your patio is to invest in a new set of doors. When you have guests over, first impressions make all the difference. The entryway leading out to the deck will be the first thing people see, so wow them with patio doors made of high-quality materials.
With a customized solution, you can get doors that fit in nicely with the interior and exterior of your home. If your home is built with light-coloured materials, choose black patio doors for a beautiful, strong contrast. And don’t forget to ask about energy-efficient models that will help you save on heating costs. Strong lock features for added safety are important as well.
Invest in new furniture
The standard outdoor dining table with six chairs is certainly a must-have for summer BBQs. But today’s patio sets feature lots of creative configurations. If you have space, consider adding in some new pieces to spice up the area. Invest in comfy club seating with a few side tables, or a roomy L-shaped sectional with a large glass coffee table.
The best patios bring that indoor living room feel to the outside. So, think of your deck as more than just a space for BBQing. Treat it as an extension of your indoor space and you can’t go wrong. For a nice touch, throw in an outdoor rug to pull the look together.
Accessorize with accents
When it comes to the perfect patio, it’s the details that matter. Accent cushions and umbrellas in bright colours can really make space come alive. Get pieces with dark navy stripes and anchor decals for a fun nautical theme, or chair cushions in an aqua blue that feel like a vacation in Aruba. Make sure to match your patio cushions and umbrella for a uniform look. Oversized umbrellas not only offer plenty of shade but make good statement pieces too.
Light up the night
There’s nothing more romantic than enjoying your patio on a starry night. For a touch of luxury, enhance your experience with outdoor lighting. If you love to entertain, soft lanterns and creative string lights are perfect for evening gatherings. They’re not only convenient, but mood-enhancing too. Runner lights are good for illuminating walkways and accentuating your garden. If you have a covered patio, hang a large outdoor chandelier for added glam.
Make an entrance
Make your patio a destination by giving it its own entrance. Sure, this could be a plain metal gate or some picket fencing. But why not create something more charming? A pretty arbor can act as a focal point and make a real statement. The secret is to blend it into your landscape by adding climbing plants and flowers in soft colours.
Create a cheerful corner
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to sip your morning coffee in a secluded section of your patio? Create a colourful corner in a shaded area by the garden where you can contemplate and relax. To make the spot more inviting, add a table for two plus some cheerful linens.
Raise the roof
Too much sun can be a downer, so why not create a shady oasis? You could implement a covered patio by putting a canopy over it. No matter what your budget, there are many structures out there at various price points. Opt for a simple portable unit that you can fold away when not in use. Or splurge on a large pavilion that can be used as an outdoor dining area.
For more ideas on how to spruce up your patio, please call Canglow Windows and Doors at 587-409-0984 or contact us here.
