As the weather cools down here in Texas, I am reminded more and more every day how much I love my patio. There’s something uniquely special about an outdoor living space that you cannot get from an interior living space. The fresh air, the cozy and breezy seating, the hummingbirds whizzing, and the fire crackling in the fireplace make the area a little extra special.
So how do you make this outdoor oasis into an everyday reality? It’s not as hard as it looks and I’m excited to share some helpful tips and hints to help make your dream come true. Sound good to you? Let’s build your backyard paradise together!
Contents
Clear The Patio
It may seem a bit silly, but I promise to start fresh with your patio will make a huge difference. Outdoor living spaces tend to get really dirty because dust, grass, spiderwebs, and other little “greeblies” all tend to accumulate quite quickly on your patio. Stripping your patio down to its bones and giving it an excellent power wash and a fresh coat of paint will go a long way in redesigning your backyard oasis.
Now that the patio is all clear, measure the amount of space you have to work with. You can plan to extend your patio if you need to add additional space. If you would like to instead work with what you have then you can get a good idea of the space you’re working with and the size of the rug and furniture you need to buy.
Time To Shop
Next, it’s time to find the right outdoor furniture. Depending on your space, you’ll want to find a seating arrangement that provides a good flow for everyone to move about freely, but also something that provides enough seating. Think of it like you would a living room layout. A couple of chairs and a couch is always a great option.
When finding the right furniture, you’ll want to consider what material you’ll want to use. There are various materials, all with their own pros and cons that can significantly impact your decision. Consider your lifestyle and weigh how much time you want to spend cleaning, your budget, and how you plan to use it. Here are a couple of common outdoor furniture materials for consideration:
- Wicker
- Metal or wrought iron
- Concrete
- Teak or other hardwood
- Resin or plastic
- High-pressure laminate
You Need Counter Space
Once you’ve identified what furniture you’d like, consider how much counter or table space you have. Do you need something to set a nice spread out on, or somewhere to place your meats to grill? It’s imperative you incorporate additional flat surfaces into your space to give you places to set drinks, plates, and other necessities.
It’s not something you often think about, but it’s definitely something you should consider. Find a darling buffet table, sideboard, or even custom build a high-top bar to help add a few additional hard surfaces to your space.
Add A Few Greens
One of the best things about an outdoor living area is that it’s outdoors! It’s a great time to bring in beautiful greens or bright colorful flowers. Finding out what kind of plants work best on your patio is key to keeping them alive and thriving. Think about the amount of light, how frequently you want to water them, and what kind of climate you live in to make sure you select the right plants for your space.
My favorite patio plants and places to add them include:
- hanging basket with greenery and floral arrangement
- small aloe plant potted on a tabletop
- large palm plant in the corner
- Tall flower pot with a floral arrangement
- Large greenery wall
Sprinkle In Those Magic Touches
Last, it’s time for all of the fun! Find the cute decorative accents you love like your throw pillows and cushions, bug-repellant devices, vases, and other decorative accents. Keep in mind that these will be outside collecting dust and becoming home to bugs, so it’s best to find items with hard surfaces you can easily wipe or soft ones you can throw in the wash.
