Creating a Welcoming Patio Area

The weather has finally warmed up, which means spending more time outside enjoying patio season. Summer is also the time for hosting barbecues, game nights and parties with pals, but does your home have the welcoming environment you desire?

Your patio area should be an oasis during the hot, summer months for friends and family to relax and have fun, and a spot you can be proud of showing off. Here are some tips for creating an inviting outdoor space.

Think of the Climate

Before you start designing any part of your updated patio, take time to think about the weather conditions it will endure throughout the year. Case in point:

• Do you live in a rainy or dry area of the country?
• Will this updated space see a lot of direct sunlight or more shade?
• Does it get chilly at night? Do you experience strong winds?

Consider all the elements before you make any decisions about your design. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of wind or rain, you may need to think about where to store your furniture during those times.

Consider Times of Day

Before making any purchases for your space, consider the times of day you’ll be utilizing your new patio. If you like to read outside in the mornings, you may want to determine where the sun shines at that time.

Thus, if the sun is directly overhead during that ideal summer reading time, you may want to add a shade feature. Conversely, if this space will mostly be used at night for parties, you may need to add some additional lighting. Go through all the use cases of your patio to start planning the optimal design.

Pick a Focal Point

Once you’ve considered the main uses of the patio and thought about the weather, you can get into the fun stuff: actually designing! In order to avoid your space looking mismatched, start the design process by choosing a point of focus. This can be something like a large shared table, fire pit, or even a water feature. Choosing what this piece will be and the general style you like is important before purchasing furniture.

Choose Your Furniture

Going along with the theme of the centerpiece and considering your needs, it’s time to make some purchases. Patio furniture is not just folding chairs and plastic tables anymore — there are plenty of stylish options to explore. Take your time to pick pieces that are reliable, modern and that serve the purposes you need. Include plenty of comfortable seating and areas to eat.

Accessorize and Personalize

After selecting your main furniture, it’s time to add some unique touches that will make the patio seem like yours and truly part of your home. This is easily done with different styles of plants. From flowers to exotic trees, you can completely change the vibe of your space with a few plants. This is also the time to look at the lighting you need. Interesting lamps, fire features, candles or string lights can all add a special feel.

Let the Entertaining Begin!

Once your patio is assembled and ready to go, it’s time to enjoy this new area of your home. It’s the season for getting outdoors, so make sure you take the time to appreciate all your hard work. Invite some friends over, turn on some lights, and celebrate!