Patio decorating ideas

Even the smallest patio can become a secluded oasis if properly decorated. In this article, we have prepared some patio design ideas that will help you transform a dull deck into either a beloved private escape or a place for gatherings and family reunions.

One of the most important things to do before planning your patio’s layout is dividing it into zones depending on what activities you will perform in this or that part of the deck. We have thought of five ways not only to give a new lease of life to your yard but also to enliven your pastime.

Eating and Sitting Area

Your patio can become both a shady spot for dining and a place where you can sip coffee, chat with your friends, flip through magazines and read books, or even take a nap. When constructing an eating and sitting outdoor area, it’s essential to take into account not only accessories and dining sets but also to think about the sun protection, lighting, and flooring. Patios usually require paving. A floor can be wooden as well, even a rug can be laid as an unusual decor solution.

We would also recommend choosing the best place in your yard for a dining area. For example, you can set it under some tree that will protect you from the sun. If you don’t have high trees yet, put on a parasol. Some other patio decor elements can be added: outdoor lighting (that uses solar energy), ornate patio furniture that matches the style of your house, natural fabric tablecloth. Also, keep in mind that you have to protect all the things in your patio from dust and rain ーprepare some storage boxes.

Fire Pit

Imagine: it’s the end of a hard day, you go to your patio and enjoy crackling fires that make the atmosphere around you special and cozy. Isn’t it a cherry on the top of a good day? The first thing you should think of when planning to set a fire pit is where it will be placed. Flammable surfaces are not preferable, it is better to set your choice on concrete or pavers. But if you have a wooden patio, there is a solution: just buy a heat liner.

Then consider a heat source for your future fire pit: wood, gas, charcoal, or propane. Make all the necessary measurements if you have a small deck or some outdoor furniture. Decide what shape of a fire pit would match your garden. A bowl-like fire pit looks quite rustic and loft at the same time. You can add some interesting chairs and call it a day. Or you can opt for an elongated fire pit that has a modern look.

A fire pit area can be decorated with sheepskin throws, string lights, pillows. The borders of the zone can be marked by some stones. Pay attention to the colors as well: dark looks contemporary and extravagant whereas light is more minimalist and Scandinavian-style.

BBQ Zone

BBQ is a great idea for an enjoyable pastime with your loved ones on a hot summer day. But what’s the difference between a BBQ zone and an eating area? - you might ask. The thing is that a BBQ zone includes a small outdoor kitchen with a grill, a sink, countertops, sometimes a pizza oven, some drawers. However, if you have a small townhouse patio, you can buy an electric tabletop grill or other patio dining sets and enjoy some barbecue as well. Again, it is not recommended to place a non-electric grill on a flammable surface ー pavers and concrete are preferred. Take care of lighting. If you fancy unusual solutions, you can put some highlight lights under a bar counter. You will probably want to sip some refreshing beverages while barbecuing, so consider buying a small fridge. Also, you can opt out of using traditional patio dining sets and tables and choose a more relaxed style designing a kind of lounge.

Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar can either be a part of a dining area or be an independent zone. A bar doesn’t have to look like photos you normally see on websites ー if your patio design isn’t very spacious, you can buy a bar cart for your eating zone and call it a day. If your deck is big enough, laying out a more traditional bar counter with tiles is an option. Sun protection can be quite a serious problem when it comes to outdoor bars. Luckily, there are special Pergola or Lattice style covered roof systems that can be bought & constructed over your open patio.

Also, check out some patio awning ideas. The flooring for the beverage zone can be completely different: wooden, paved, flagstone. This choice depends on the overall style of your house. Actually, while designing an outdoor bar you can turn your creativity to the maximum and choose any theme: tropical, sport, modern, vintage, farmhouse, and many more. The material you select for decoration will mostly define the style of the bar.

Flowers

The main advantage of flowers is that they are easy to install. However, if the plants are natural, they require a lot of care and attention to detail. Of course, you can always buy fake flowers, but they look deprived of life compared to real blossoming odorous plants. Consider the amount of light on your patio and the weather conditions you live in. For example, if you have plenty of light in your region, you can plant chrysanthemums, fan flowers, or cuphea. Read about the characteristics and care requirements of this or that plant before purchasing it. Supplement it with a stylish pot as well as other patio accessories and enjoy the scenic look of your deck

Conclusion

In this article, we looked at some inspiring patio decor and furniture ideas but remember that any decoration must be smart. It should match your deck’s size, the material it is constructed of, the features of the terrain and the region you live in. If you don’t miss anything, a patio will certainly become a place to retreat to for the whole family.