Spring will officially be here next week, and summer isn’t far off either! Is your patio ready for entertaining, or simply your own enjoyment? When I think of accessorizing a home, it doesn’t stop at the front and back doors. I like to continue it right on to the outside, and this is what makes a seamless transition from your home’s interior to exterior. If you’re looking for some quick and affordable ways to jazz up your patio, here are a few ideas to make it feel more inviting.
- Pop Some Color ~ Nothing freshens up a space like adding color! The obvious choice for outdoor patios is with flowers, but another way to bring color to your space is with your patio furniture. I always suggest a neutral palette on the furniture, but add a punch of color with pillows. You can change them out for different seasons too, so by keeping the cushions neutral, they’ll go with your brightly colored summer pillows, or the richer tones of fall.
- Lighten Things Up ~ With outdoor lights! Strings of clear lights aren’t just for the holidays. They add a warmth and glow that’s very conducive to summer evenings. String them on a topiary, table umbrella, pergola, or around the ceiling perimeter of an enclosed patio, like I’ve done here. I also added a floor lamp from Lamps Plus, and it’s an unexpected accent that makes this patio feel like another room.
- Drape It ~ Fabric isn’t just for cushions and pillows! If you have a covered or enclosed patio, adding draperies to the corners will add softness to the space, as well as bring more color and style. They don’t have to be large enough to completely close, unless you want them to. This patio has 3 sides (because it’s attached to the house),
so we only needed 6 panels to achieve this look. This extra accessory really makes this patio feel like an extension of the interior, and because it’s directly off the family room, it draws people right on out!
- Accessorize ~ Don’t think of accessories as strictly interior elements. Decorate your patio with candles, wall sconces, vases, whatever! This candle arrangement was easily created with materials from Michaels, and for about $20.
I hope you found these patio decorating tips helpful! If you find yourself needing further ideas or inspiration, just let me know! My Designer Download session is a great way to get your projects started.
Design should be fun, not stressful!
~ Kathy
Great ideas Kathy. I especially like the patio curtains to soften the space.
LOVE – the pictures from the French Country Home project. BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN!
Thanks so much, Lindsay!
Great tips! What do you suggest when you don’t have a small, enclosed space to decorate? How can you make one big space feel cozy and tied together? Any tips would be great!
Vicki, depending on how large of an area you have, breaking up the space into smaller vignettes works well (this is assuming you’re talking about a large expense without division of grass or planting beds). You can achieve the feeling of it being tied together by using matching furniture (i.e. a patio table in one area, and a seating arrangement in another, like the one in my blog photo). Even if you have mis-matched furniture, scattering other elements in between, such as groupings of potted plants or a simple bench, will keep it from feeling like you’ve just plopped down furniture here and there. : ) I also like to work with furniture on angles, and that always makes things feel a bit more cozy and tied together. I hope this helps, and thanks for the great question!
Oooh, I love all those ideas. I want to do them all! I think I’ll start with color, lighting & accessories. Can’t wait to entertain out there!
And you have such a beautiful space to entertain in, Shawn! Have fun! : )
City living with outdoor patios is difficult due to amount of dust kicked up from streets, various construction zones nearby, etc. What company makes gorgeous looking outdoor cushions, that are “wipe clean” versus cushions that have to be brought in every evening?
Hi Martin, and my apologies for missing your question! I too fight the dust on my patio furniture, and I live in a suburban area. I think the weave of the fabric has much to do with the way it traps dust. I’d focus on fabrics that have a smooth, tight weave, vs. any that are textured. This will eliminate crevices for the dust to get trapped. Perhaps shop locally so you can see and touch the fabrics first. If you want to venture on-line, then sources like Restoration Hardware would have higher quality fabrics that I would expect to be a tighter weave. I also like the product line of Ebel, and you can search the Locations link to see if it’s carried at a retailer near you. http://www.ebelinc.com/Collections.html I hope this helps! ~ Kathy
Looks Great! I like the idea of neutral cushions and extra pillows. Thanks for sharing ideas!
Perfect timing! My sunroom (quasi-patio) is in desperate need of a refresh and these tips are exaclty what I need to get me going. Plus, since the sunroom is attached to the house with full French doors, these ideas are perfect because it really is like another room – just with tons of windows!
Thanks for the great ideas – I can always use good idea!
Love your ideas and use of pictures. Very inspiring!
Karen Sebastian
(I found you The SNCC Way)