If you own a house, you are more than likely to have a patio. We say “have,” but do you really own that space? Many people disregard this area and even use it as an open-air larder or a provisional junkyard. However, any wise homeowner knows the true value of such a space since it can be turned into a private outdoor paradise.
Whatever activity you take up here, whether it is partying, a Sunday barbecue with friends, or simply lounging in nature, always aim for ultimate comfort. No expensive total redecoration is needed: hard work, some goodwill, and a fairly limited budget can get you far. In order to decorate the patio for the ultimate feeling of comfort, be sure to follow these 6 simple and cost-effective steps.
A private space
It is highly likely that the previous owner or the builders didn’t give much attention to the fence around the house. Most wooden fences have openings which might look neat but offer little privacy. If you are aiming for comfort in your patio, it has to be a private space, hidden away from the looks of your neighbors, or even worse, passersby.
You have to able to relax inside the patio as if you were in the comfort of your living room. To achieve this, there are several solutions, such as screens, cloth curtains, or climbers. If you opt for the herbal solution, plants will also offer a shade from the sun during the hot summer months. Furthermore, the air will be fresher and the walls of your patio will be decorated with flowers of various colors.
Hammocks and swings
If your motive for redecorating the patio area is to have a place to relax, then you definitely need a hammock. We already mentioned plants, so you could have at least one tree to which you can attach a hammock. If you have more family members or friends, there could be more than one hammock in your yard. They come in all shapes and sizes today and can be purchased at the local DIY store.
If you are crafty, you can even make one, saving money in the process. Another, more proactive, entertainment option are swings. They can be wooden or plastic and can be attached to a branch of a tree. The children are bound to love them, but adults will also race to get to them first.
Awnings
Privacy means that you need coverage from above as well. This way you will also make your patio less dependent on the elements, so you can sit outside during a shower. More importantly, if you install an awning, the patio will be comfortable enough to sit even during the hottest of days. If you opt for durable acrylic awning fabrics, then you won’t have to worry about the scorching sun that would otherwise make the patio unusable during this period. Awnings are also great for shielding the furniture and flowers from harsh weather conditions.
Lights
If you have an awning, then it is possible to install wall lamps. They will make the patio usable during the night as well. This feature will really turn this outdoor space into an area as comfortable as any room indoors. If you worry about flying pests that might be attracted to the shining light, try placing lamp post around the edges of the yard. This way you will get ambient light and have an insect-free patio during the night.
Comfy furniture
Once the decorations are done with, your patio still isn’t considered comfortable. The majority of the time you are going to spend here is going to be on chairs or sofas. That is why these pieces of furniture have to be especially comfortable to sit or lounge in for several hours. Using an old cushion you found in the basement just won’t cut it.
Always strive for maximum comfort and if necessary, buy new paddings, upholstery or cushions so that you can truly enjoy the benefits of owning a patio. The idea is that it should be so comfortable that you could easily doze off while reading a book during a lazy Sunday afternoon and wake up without any back pain.
The central point
Patios come in different shapes and sizes, but almost all can be rearranged the way you like it. There are even those who have elevation and cascades, which are ideal for planting various kinds of plants. However, all patios have in common that there has to exist a focal point inside them. If such a point is not naturally determined, for instance in a circular yard, then you should create one. This area doesn’t have to be in the geometrical center, but it has to be in the center of social life. The coffee table, the sofa, and the chairs all go here, as the rest of the activities spread away from this central area.
Finally, keep in mind that the patio area is your gateway to nature and tranquility. That is why ultimate comfort is essential in any patio. Secure privacy, get an awning overhead and fall into the soft cushions. Sounds dreamlike, but as we have seen, it is a very realistic scenario that doesn’t have to cost much.
