Patio Ideas

Whether you are building a new patio or just refurbishing an old one, finding patio ideas is the first step. Spending time on a beautiful patio is a wonderful part of the slower pace of summer.

There are some things that you need to consider before settling on a particular patio idea or theme:

• Weather: The weather patterns in your area can make a difference in how much time you spend on your patio. Think ahead and plan for various types of weather. Depending on the angle of the sun you may want to consider a sunscreen in addition to a roof.
• Lighting: Will you use it mostly at night or in the day? Use solar lighting to make your patio more versatile. Plan the amount of light to coincide with what you will be doing. If you will be playing card games, for example, you will need more light than if you will be chatting under the stars.
• View: Is there a place in your yard that has a spectacular view? This might be the best place for your patio. If you have an existing patio make sure that there is nothing that blocks the view you do have.
• Focal point: Everything from rooms to paintings needs a focal point. Your patio does, too. A pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, or even a set of chairs can work as a focal point for your patio. Ideas can be sketched out or written down as they occur to you and sifted through at a later date.
• Cost: How much money do you have to spend on this project? If finances are limited you will need to keep a careful eye on your patio design. n some states you may be able to get grants and special loans to defray some of the costs.
• Design: Your patio should compliment the style of your house. If you have a Queen Anne Victorian then a Mediterranean patio is going to look a little odd. When you are planning features like furniture and accessories, keep the overall style in mind.
• Kits: Sunroom Kits are one way to have a four-season patio.

There are three main materials that are used in making patios. Each has positive qualities and negative qualities. Your choice must be determined by what will work best for you.

• Concrete is the most affordable patio material. While it is strong, it can crack over time.
• Natural stone is low-maintenance and it works well with most home styles. It can be the most expensive option for a patio.
• Wood tends to be high-maintenance. It must be sealed, re-stained, or repainted several times over the life of the patio.

How you use plants in your patio design will have an impact on the total look of the patio. Use plants of different sizes, and use different heights in the planters and pots. Vary the colors and shape of the foliage for interest. Plan carefully for shade trees, but also be aware that falling leaves can make design elements like a pool hard to keep clean.

The landscaping should complement the entire look of patio and house. Very casual gardens are at their best in a cottage style setting, whereas tropical plants may look wonderful in a Mediterranean style home. Spending the afternoon at the library looking through gardening and home improvement magazines may give you some valuable insights and patio ideas.

Furniture

Wicker furniture is a beautiful addition to a cottage-type patio, but looks silly on a sleek, tropically styled one. Plan your furniture purchases carefully for the overall look. Some furniture styles to think about are:

• Wicker
• Wrought-iron
• Wood
• Adirondack

Accessories for Visual Interest

Having accessories on your patio can take it from average to amazing. Things like fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and bars make your patio work for you. Plan these accessories early in your design process so that you can make sure that there is sufficient space for seating, walkways, and statuary.

Add visual interest with interesting items and colors. Bring different colors in to set the mood as well as add continuity from house to patio. You can use the construction materials, as well as the landscaping and accessories to add color.

• Adding a bird bath near the patio will also add visual interest as the birds come and go. *Statues can add different levels to keep the eye moving through the landscape.
• Fountains add not only visual interest but they provide soothing background noise.

Of course, one of the best ways to get patio ideas is to look at images of other people’s patios. Here are some galleries of different patio images:

• Concrete Network
• Landscaping Ideas
• Patio and Deck Ideas from HGTV
• Patio Furniture
• Browns Concrete

Your patio is an extension of your home. It should be easy to use and appealing to all of the senses. A great patio design should also reflect something of you, your personality, and your interests.

The best patio ideas are those that work for you to create a functional and appealing outdoor room.

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