If there’s one thing we could all use a little more of, it’s time outside. Spending time outdoors is an easy but effective way to give both your mental and physical health a boost while enjoying alone time or quality time with those you love.
And what better place to enjoy the great outdoors than your own backyard? Designing a patio that you and your loved ones look forward to spending time in is easier than you might think.
To learn how to design a patio that’s both functional and beautiful, just keep reading!
Put Your Wants and Needs First
Gaining patio ideas from magazines and images online is great. However, the key to creating a patio design perfect for you and your family is to put your wants and needs first.
Following trends might result in an attractive outdoor space, but if it isn’t tailored to your family, it won’t be as useful. So, before you go any further, be sure to consider the purpose of the space. What will you use it for?
Are you a big fan of entertaining or would you prefer a simple, solitary space? Will you be cooking outdoors? Are you interested in gardening? Do you need a space for outdoor children’s toys?
Write down what your ideal outdoor space would include and go from there.
Choose Your Location
If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to choose a location. Now, most patios are accessible to the kitchen, allowing for easy indoor/outdoor cooking and entertaining. Should you choose this location, a set of gorgeous patio doors to welcome you into the space is a great place to start.
Those who would prefer a different location, or want a getaway patio in addition to their entertaining patio, should survey their property. Take a walk around your yard and make note of areas that provide the views or level of seclusion that you’re looking for.
When you’re designing a home patio away from the house, it’s important to consider the rest of your landscaping before choosing a spot. You want your patio to feel as natural as possible in the space.
Think about Size and Shape
Refer back to your list of wants and needs and think about the size your patio would need to be to accommodate these items. If you’re working with limited space, you might have to pare down the number of things you include.
There’s no right or wrong answer with size, but it’s a good idea to make it proportionate to the house. This could mean that the patio is the same width as the house or the same size as the sunroom on the other side of the patio doors.
In terms of shape, there are three common types of patios. These are symmetrical to the house, asymmetrical to the house, and curved to follow the natural flow of the landscape.
Again, this is entirely up to you! A good way to choose is to stand inside your house and look out toward your future patio space – what sort of shape would you like to see?
Choose Building Materials
As any home designer will tell you, it’s always best to ensure that your home’s outdoor features complement the exterior of the home itself. For example, if your home is covered in dark red brick, your patio should either be made of the same brick or another material that goes well with it.
Natural materials are an attractive option but are more costly than pavers. On the other hand, concrete pavers are less expensive but can be less aesthetically pleasing.
If you go with concrete pavers, add plenty of furniture and other design elements to prevent an unwanted industrial appearance.
Plan the Surrounding Landscape
How much time and effort are you willing to put into maintenance? Be honest with yourself. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to easily-maintained hardscaping!
If you’re not sure, add your hardscaping elements first. Over time, you can add more greenery if you feel up to the challenge.
Those interested in patio plants who don’t have a lot of time to devote to maintenance should consider succulents. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and require virtually no effort to keep healthy.
Purchase and Arrange Design Elements
The most exciting part comes last – choosing your design elements! Again, the list you made earlier will be helpful here. The two most important things to remember here are to have fun and take your time.
It’s much better to have a half-empty patio as you search or save up for the perfect pieces than to furnish your outdoor space with items you have lukewarm feelings toward.
No matter your patio design style, lighting should be a priority. Whether it be a floodlight mounted to the side of your home or strings of fairy lights hung from a pergola, lights allow you to enjoy your outdoor space any time of day.
Designing a Patio You Love is Easy with This Guide
Whether you’re planning to create a new outdoor space or update an existing one, designing a patio can be an overwhelming prospect. That’s why it’s essential to have a detailed plan beforehand.
By following this guide, you’ll find patio design an easy, enjoyable process. Yes, it will still take time and effort, but you’ll be able to remove all the stress from the project.
Looking for more tips and tricks for creating the home of your dreams? Be sure to check out our blog!
