Now that it is finally warm again, we want to take advantage of every precious moment we can outdoors. This means preparing for long days and late nights spent outside on our long neglected patios with friends and family. We want to help you design a functional and beautiful space where you can hang out and enjoy good company, music, food and drinks.
Create a cosy space
Just because you’re decorating outdoors, doesn’t mean it has to be filled with hard and uncomfortable furniture. A great way to begin to bring your patio into the summer spirit is by adding a new mix of pillows and throws. These little touches are also an inexpensive way to add a decorative theme to your outdoor space. They will make the patio look colourful, and keep everyone nice and comfortable even on chillier evenings.
Bring some life to it
Make your patio your own personal oasis! Go to the markets and grab fresh flowers and greenery to give your city home a touch of the great outdoors. Patios are also a great place to start growing your own herbs which you can use to add home-grown flavour to your favourite recipes. Create a vertical ‘living wall’ to make the most of smaller spaces and give the whole area more of that great nature feel. You can even do this on your balcony, if you’re not lucky enough to have a patio.
Create a colour scheme
Consider your environment to decide what colours to bring out or compliment. If you have an abundance of greenery, consider adding more vibrant colours with a statement piece or rug. If you have neutral coloured throws and pillows, bright potted flowers or garden vegetables might be your answer. A well-designed colour scheme (especially a bright one) will add a tranquil and fresh summer touch to your patio.
Add a personal touch
Your summer patio is a great way to mix and match new and old pieces. It will likely need to be revamped every summer, so it’s the perfect time to update last years look with some new tables and chairs or simply paint your current pieces with a new fresh colour. Updating doesn’t have to be expensive! Shop your local flea markets and discount stores to find some vintage pieces which can compliment your nicer furniture. Not only will your patio get a spruce up, but you’ll create more room to hang out with friends.
Light it up
Summer gives us the longest days of the year, but eventually the sun does go down. The best patios are those which are functional both during the day and at night. You can optimize your patio time this summer by having ample lighting at the ready. Accessorize your patio by adding an assortment of candles and patio lanterns. You can even re-purpose those Christmas lights which have been sitting in storage!
We hope that these tips will help you to turn any patio space, no matter how small, into your very own city getaway.So time to get started and let our ideas inspire you while you create your perfect patio!