Simple Ways To Take Your Patio To the Next Level

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(NATIONAL) This time of year, patios become an extension of our homes that offer a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and a refreshing place to soak up some sun. Enjoying a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the patio is one of life’s small pleasures, and a beautiful, well-designed patio space makes that experience even more enjoyable.

Patios were an afterthought for a long time, but they’ve had a renaissance in recent years, being seen as an outdoor room rather than just a slab of concrete or wood with some plastic chairs and maybe a grill. 

Thankfully, you can do some basic things to make your patio feel like an extra room in your house!

Purchase Furniture That Fits Your Needs

Choose your furniture wisely. The patio is supposed to be a place for lounging, so you want to be comfortable. Pick chairs that don’t dig into your legs or pinch your back, and choose a table that is the right size for your needs, whether that’s hosting groups of people or keeping it small and cozy on an apartment balcony. There may be a temptation to treat outdoor furniture as an afterthought, but remember, this is supposed to be a place where you can relax. 

In addition to keeping everyone comfortable, cushions for your patio chairs are a great way to add style to your outdoor area. Choose a bright color or a pattern that sets off the color of the stain or metal of your furniture and works well with your foliage. Just remember to either get waterproof cushions or bring them in when it rains to avoid the smell of musty cotton.

Install Sun and Weather Protection

If you have space, consider getting an umbrella for your patio. This will protect you from harmful rays from the sun and a sudden light rain shower. Some umbrellas even have built-in, solar-powered lights that will shine down on you and your guests after the sun goes down. You’ll need to get an umbrella stand to keep it upright, which can be filled with water or sand to weigh them down.

Raise the roof with a pergola. If umbrellas aren’t your thing, think about adding a wooden pergola or trellis overhead to protect from the sun. These lovely structures can also host vining plants or string lights, adding an element of whimsy to an outdoor area and really enhancing the feeling of an added room by essentially putting a roof over your head while still enjoying the benefits of sitting outdoors.

Use Plants to Create a Pretty Space

One obvious choice for decorating a patio is plants. Hanging baskets, container gardens, and over-the-rail planters are all great options for adding color and beauty to a patio. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can choose hardy flowers that can survive excessive sunshine and the occasional dry day if you forget to water. Marigolds, pansies, snapdragons, and zinnias are all sturdy flowers that come in a variety of colors. If you’re more botanically inclined, try fuschia or gardenias to really wow your visitors.

Get a Sound System

Installing an outdoor speaker that allows you to play music on your patio will make a tremendous difference in the area’s ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, chill vibe or an upbeat, exciting evening, piping the right music sets the scene and establishes the atmosphere.

Put Out a Rug for Added Color and Safety

It may sound a little odd for outside, but consider adding a rug to your patio. Rugs explicitly made for the outdoors are ready for all kinds of weather and add beautiful color and texture to an outdoor seating area. Additionally, they protect against slipping on certain types of deck materials, which can become slick when wet. 

Even just a couple of these patio upgrades are an excellent way to take that outdoor space to the next level for you, your family, and your guests!

The Entertainer is presented by Carabelle’s Eats and Treats, food service dedicated to encouraging, inspiring, and strengthening women who have experienced loss to pursue holistic health through the culinary arts, while providing premier quality baked goods and catering services to the community.