Spring is the best time of year to get your patio in shape for the warmer months ahead. Sometimes, just pulling out the furniture from the garage and brushing it off isn’t causing you to jump for joy. Maybe this season you want to spruce up your patio with some additions to make it more enjoyable. Here are six ideas that can improve your patio and add value to your home.
1. Add a Fire Pit
Fire pits are all the rage these days. Imagine a cool summer evening with everyone sitting around a warm fire with their feet up and nice beverages or all the makings for s’mores. Fire pits have evolved from holes in the ground to unique designs in stone, concrete, or metal. If you aren’t fond of the smoke and ash associated with a wood-burning pit, consider a clean gas-fired pit or fireplace.
2. Reimagine Outdoor Lighting
Flood lights are great for security but not so much for ambiance. You can give a festive vibe to your patio with string lights overhead. If there are steps, consider adding LED strips or inset lights to the stair risers to highlight a safe path of travel at night. Ground-level landscape lighting at the patio perimeter sets a tranquil mood.
3. Install a Retractable Awning
If your patio is in direct sunlight, you may want to add an awning to make the area usable in the heat of the day. A colorful retractable awning makes your outdoor space like another room where you can chill rain or shine. An added advantage is that it protects your furnishings from fading and helps to keep the interior of your home cooler so you can reduce the need for air-conditioning.
4. Create Unique Seating Areas
Creating separate areas allows for different levels of comfort for specific uses. For instance, you might want a table with benches or sturdy chairs for dining al fresco. In another area, create a conversation space with outdoor sofas, an area rug, and a coffee table. If solitude and contemplation are important to you, find a small corner of the patio for quiet meditation surrounded by soft, potted plants.
5. Incorporate a Water Feature
The sound of trickling water is very soothing and also serves as background noise to mask things like traffic and neighbors. You can go for a cascading waterfall or a simple fountain that will relax you after a long day of work. Water features can also cool the air on a warm afternoon.
6. Build an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is not only a convenience, but it also keeps your guests out of the house when entertaining. You only need a countertop with a grill, a small fridge stocked with beverages, and a sink that you can fill with ice. Why dirty your kitchen when you can cook and serve outside? Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids so they aren’t opening and closing the door to your air-conditioned home every few minutes.
With summer on the horizon, consider giving your patio a makeover or upgrade with some creative accessories to create a unique and welcoming environment.