![\"Patio](\"https:\/\/patiopads.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/patio-design-tips.jpg\")
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There\u2019s a popular saying that \u201cthe kitchen is the heart of the home.\u201d In many homes, that is probably true. But in homes with thoughtfully designed and outfitted patios, the patio<\/i> is the heart of the home. A well-designed patio is beautiful, functional, and the perfect combination of creature comforts and<\/i> the great outdoors. If you have a patio that\u2019s little more than a bland concrete slab with a few chairs and perhaps a table, you\u2019re not making maximum use of this versatile space. With some smart design, you can transform this square footage into your ideal relaxation and entertainment space.<\/p>\n
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You\u2019ll be inspired to spend more time in your patio area if you\u2019re not worried about nosy neighbors being able to see what you and your guests are doing. You can achieve privacy subtly and without offending your neighbors. Depending on the proximity of your patio to your neighbors\u2019 yards or windows, consider decorative fencing, strategically placed tall potted plants or trees, trellises or screens adorned with climbing floral vines, tiltable outdoor umbrellas, or a gazebo outfitted with flowing outdoor curtains you can open or close.<\/p>\n
Soft, plush patio cushions and outdoor rugs will appeal to your sense of touch. Festive outdoor lights and colorful accessories will appeal to your sense of sight. Potted fragrant flowers and herbs and scented outdoor candles will appeal to your sense of smell. Water features, wind chimes, and outdoor patio speakers will appeal to your sense of hearing. Access to an outdoor patio grill and patio-friendly (ie: non-breakable) patio dining sets will appeal to your sense of taste.<\/p>\n
The key to aesthetically pleasing design is to make sure that all elements have a purpose and complement each other. If you set out without a theme and randomly decorate your patio, it will feel more like a chaotic space than the cathartic space you\u2019re trying to achieve. Depending on your unique personal taste, your theme may be shabby chic, rustic farmhouse, cheerful cottage garden, colorful Mexican fiesta, Western, modern artsy, vintage eclectic, etc.<\/p>\n
Think about how you want to use your patio. Do you want it to primarily be a calm and tranquil space where you and your spouse can spend time together reading books or catching up after a busy workday? Do you want your space to be a gathering place for your young kids, their friends, and their parents? Do you want to be able to dine on your patio several times a week? Do you want to host football watch parties on the weekends? Identify your vision for your patio, then make a list of the elements that will allow you to bring that vision to life. Every individual vision for the ideal patio will require unique \u201cprops.\u201d<\/p>\n
For example, will you need an outdoor TV, fireplace or fire pit, Kegerator, ice maker, etc.? Additionally, your intended use for your patio will dictate the type and quantity of seating you\u2019ll want. Patio seating can run the gamut from kid-sized picnic tables to hammocks, chaise lounges, loveseats, traditional table-and-chair patio furniture sets, etc. The key is to have enough patio seating without having so much that it feels crowded.<\/p>\n
Be strategic about lighting your patio so that you can use it comfortably and safely day and night. Just as you incorporate various types of lighting inside your home, you should do the same with your patio. Ideally, combine a mix of functional lighting and mood lighting.<\/p>\n
Functional lighting includes spotlights, solar lights to illuminate walkways, and deck and stairway lighting so that you and your guests will be able to see safely in the dark and avoid tripping and falling. Mood lighting is also functional because it helps you and your guests see. However, it is more about creating an ambiance. Mood lighting includes Tiki torches, candles in hurricane vases, strings of decorative lights strung around trees or posts, hanging lanterns filled with candles or solar lights, etc. Additionally, if you don\u2019t plan to incorporate an outdoor fireplace into your patio design, a chimenea or fire pit casts a warm glow and<\/i> provides warmth and marshmallow-roasting options.<\/p>\n
When you take the time to design and decorate your patio strategically, you\u2019ll be able to enjoy it year-round, day and night. Having a well-designed patio is like having a bonus room in your home. You already have the square footage \u2013 you might as well take full advantage of it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There\u2019s a popular saying that \u201cthe kitchen is the heart of the home.\u201d In many homes, that is probably true. But in homes with thoughtfully designed and outfitted patios, the patio is the heart of the home. A well-designed patio is beautiful, functional, and the perfect combination of creature comforts and the great outdoors. If […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[11],"class_list":["post-406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-patio-design-tips","tag-patio-design-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n