10 Ideas That Will Transform Your Patio

With spring in the air, you're probably thinking about spending more time out on your porch, patio, or terrace in the months ahead.

When you close your eyes and visualize you and your guests enjoying the nice weather and maybe a drink or three, you're probably envisioning a patio that takes advantage of everything your backyard has to offer. 

Start with Patio Covers 

Did you know that patio covers can substantially increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell?

Patio covers also have the advantage of being an inexpensive way to, in effect, extend your home into your backyard while blocking the sun's rays from entering through your home's windows and heating up the place during the sweltering summer months.

Spare Room for a Grill 

There's a lot of talk these days about outdoor kitchens, but if you're time-strapped, you might just want to build your patio around a grilling station that you probably already have. That gives you most of the benefits without the hassle! 

Add a Few Adirondack chairs 

Adirondack chairs are highly functional and can withstand the rigors of mother nature should it downpour. There are a few rules that homeowners should really be following even when it comes to plopping down a few chairs. 

The first thing that you'll want to do is decide on a focal point or grand central station in terms of how your outdoor space will be anchored.

Another good tip to follow is to always place long furniture (e.g., a cushy couch) along the longest wall, which is usually the one adjacent to your backdoor. 

Table as a Centerpiece 

Instead of wracking your brain trying to find a way to tie everything together, why not add a glass table in the center of your furniture arrangement so your guests can lay down their drinks and really relax?  

Install a Couch or Two 

Whether because of lack of time or the fact that the possibility simply never crossed your mind, you might be underutilizing all of the options at your disposal. Adding a few Adirondack chairs or putting some cushier couches under a patio cover is a quick way to transform a humdrum outdoor space into a relaxing getaway for your family and your guests. 

Remember to Add Green 

You don't want your patio to seem too dry. Try adding a few potted plants on the border of your patio and yard or a nice flower arrangement on your patio's table centerpiece. 

Break Up Space   

An inviting, relaxing outdoor space is one that fully utilizes all of the space available in your backyard without appearing cluttered.

The idea is to have a functional space that's also versatile, and that might mean dynamically breaking up your patio space into different areas - e.g., a grilling area, a bar area, and a lounge area. 

Consider Ambient Outdoor Lighting 

You want your outdoor space to work well rain or shine and be well-lit too. Set the mood with outdoor lighting and install a few battery-powered pendant shades or sprinkle a few sconces along your backyard's walkway.

String lighting along your patio cover is also a modern way to make your outdoor space really pop. 

Include Some Throw Pillows 

Patio cushions are another way that you can make a serious statement without breaking the piggy bank. You can think of patio cushions as an extra accessory for you to mix and match and a way to bring the indoor comfort of a La-Z-Boy to an outdoor space.

As a basic rule of thumb, make sure that the more "out there" your pillow's colors and designs the more muted your color background (e.g., a black, gray, or beige couch). 

Remember to Accessorize! 

You might be surprised at how strategically placing a few small pieces of artwork under your patio cover can make everything come together.

A simple poster along your home's outdoor wall would also be a great addition since it's super quick and inexpensive to install and it can be seen and admired by all of your guests while adding a splash of color. Floral sconces or mirrors can also work well if you're looking to jazz it up a bit.