Patio Designs

Know What You Need

The first thing to consider in designing your patio or deck is what you actually need. If you have a sloping property, for example you may consider a multilevel patio. Other areas to consider are:

• Size: How big do you need your patio to be? How much entertaining will you be doing? Are there any special design details that will make a difference in the size you need? If you plan to have a bar then you will need room for seating and traffic flow, for example. Keep these types of details in mind.
• Will you want a fountain or a koi pond?
• Lighting can add ambiance. Solar lights make a number of looks possible.
• Lines add interest. Create a casual, romantic look with graceful, curving lines or a more formal look with straight lines and angles.
• Visual interest and view will make a difference in how you design your patio.
• Budget rules over all. You can only truly create what you can afford to create, so keep your budget in mind when planning your patio designs.

Know What You Want

Now that you know what you need, you can add the things that you want. There are many materials and design elements that can make your patio the ultimate in patio designs. Mix and match materials to create a custom look. Some materials that are being used in patios are:

• Flagstone
• Brick
• Pavers
• Concrete
• Slate
• Tile

Design elements can create whatever you can imagine. You can place garden areas within the patio itself or add statuary or a fountain. Create a peaceful Japanese garden by adding a quiet koi pool.

Plan the patio furniture to enhance the look you are trying to create. Bamboo furniture will add to the serenity of a Japanese garden, while wrought-iron will create a Mediterranean ambiance on your patio. Patio designs that have the most appeal are those that are restful and welcoming.

Elements that you might consider are:

• Outdoor cooking areas
• Fountains
• Waterfalls
• Outdoor fireplace
• Statues
• Solar lighting

Ideas for Patio Designs

Looking through decorating and gardening magazines are great ways to get inspired. The more patio designs you look at the more ideas you are likely to get. A quick trip to the local library will supply you with plenty of patio design books to look at.

Once you have your ideas you can get a computer program to create it in 3-D. Another option for creating a design on the computer is the free program at Hot Springs Spas.

Online Patio Galleries

• Pacific Paving
• Service Magic
• EnhanceScape
• Rooftop gardens
• Deck and Patio Company
• Custom Patio Design

Choose a Design You Love

Looking at hundreds of patio designs can be confusing. Take some time and think about what aspects of each patio you like the best. Create your own patio from a mixture of the things you love in each design with consideration to your own needs.

Having a beautiful patio is like adding a room to your home. Make it an area that you will love being in, your own private retreat.