Relax on a backyard patio.
Begin decorating your backyard patio like you would the interior of your home, by choosing a style. Next choose the flooring and furniture. Add color with paint, fabrics, accessories, plants and flowers. Decorating a patio offers opportunities to liven up the space with unusual color, new trends and seasonal accessories. Live plants and flowers transform it into a place that beckons people to gather. Does this Spark an idea?
Patio Style
Many homeowners extend the design of their home's interior to the patio.
Considerations for decorating a patio include the size of the outdoor space, how it will be used, and how many people will use it. Privacy comes into play if neighbors are close by.
Floor Material
Pea gravel adds a colorful touch to a patio.
Patio flooring can reflect the style of the home. For Southwest style, consider a patio of colorful gravel and flagstone. For a contemporary home, stained cement makes a statement. If the exterior is brick, consider adding a brick patio. Numerous stone and wood options work for patio flooring. All-weather, fade-resistant outdoor rugs can add softness and texture.
Furniture
Chaise lounges and unbrellas promote relaxation.
When used as an outdoor dining room, patio table and chair choices range from a picnic table, to wicker, teak, wrought iron or synthetic materials. Factor in durability and all-weather material with the choice. Umbrellas, pergolas or shade cloth can provide respite from the sun. If relaxation is key on the patio, choose lounge furniture in comfortable, all-weather fabric. Entire outdoor rooms can be designed with chaises, chairs and ottomans, coffee tables and console tables. Arrange furniture to accommodate traffic flow, and items such as a stand-alone or built-in barbecue and refrigerator.
Fabric and Paint Colors
Choose red or orange for outdoor rooms where guests will play, or if a lively party will take place. If the outdoor room's main purpose is for relaxation, decorate with blues, greens, whites and creams. Introduce spot color with inexpensive pillows, tablecloths or place mats in hot hues. For dinners outside, use paper plates, napkins and cups in bold colors.
Plants
Live plants add color to the patio.
Plants can add beauty, fragrance and texture to an outdoor room. Use a mix of flower pot designs and colors. Coordinate flower colors with fabric on a sofa, chair or pillow. Red geraniums contrast nicely with yellow and white canvas seating. Purple blooms such as sage and sea lavender make a room look regal when set-off against a classic cream-colored palette. Use flowers in pots on the ground, in vases on tables and hanging from beams. If privacy is a factor, use a climbing vine to block the view.
Ambiance
Lights add ambiance to a backyard patio. Use candles, lanterns, table lamps and outdoor lights in trees or woven through plants to set the mood. For a big impact, add a fire pit or fireplace to the patio.
Tags: backyard patio, color with, Live plants, outdoor room, outdoor rooms