Whether you’re enjoying a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s day or staying warm by a fire in the dead of winter, there’s nothing like spending time outside. In fact, the health benefits of getting outside are many, from strengthening your bones to boosting your mental health. If you wish you spend more time in the great outdoors, why not put a little extra love into your patio design? Decorating a patio to suit your lifestyle can give you the encouragement you need to get some much-needed sunshine.
To learn a few of the top dos and don’ts when it comes to outdoor space and patio design, just keep reading!
Do Remember That You’re Outside
Outfitting your patio with furniture and decor is exciting, but it’s important to not allow yourself to get so carried away that you forget that you’re outside. Something that looks nice and works well indoors might not do so well in the elements.
So, as much as an old sofa might look aesthetic and quirky on your patio for that first Instagram picture, it will quickly begin to rot and mold when exposed to rain and other harsh weather.
If you want your outdoor furniture to have a similar vibe to your indoor decor, great! But don’t take it too far by using indoor furniture outside.
Don’t Forget Plant Life
Depending on your yard, your patio might be surrounded by plant life. Even if that’s the case, you need to bring some of it into your design. An outdoor space void of plant life tends to look out of place and sparse, even if it’s otherwise beautifully decorated.
Don’t have a green thumb? That’s not a problem. There are a variety of plants that are extremely low maintenance. Marigolds, snapdragons, and begonias, for example, are all gorgeous flowers that require little to no care.
Don’t feel pressured to make your patio a miniature jungle. A few plants on surfaces and on the ground next to your seating is all you need to give your patio the professional design touch.
Do Balance Your Furniture and Decor
Whether you’re designing an indoor or outdoor space, the key to an attractive design is balance. You don’t want too much furniture and decor, but you don’t want too little either. Too much and your patio will resemble a yard sale, too little and you lose all semblance of design and personality.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with minimalism, as long as it’s done correctly. If you prefer the less is more approach with design, keep it simple with a monotoned outdoor couch, but add a pop of intrigue with a plant, pillow, or piece of pottery.
No matter your style, it should be cohesive. That doesn’t mean that every piece of furniture should come from the same set (and actually, that’s a common design mistake). Instead, take your time to ensure that each piece looks good both alone and with the others, and will hold up against the elements.
Whether you’re designing an indoor or outdoor space, the key to an attractive design is balance. To place your indoor and outdoor balance, you need attractive and less space furniture. In this case you can buy indoor porch furniture online. As well as, you don’t want too much furniture and decor, but you don’t want too little either. Too much and your patio will resemble a yard sale, too little and you lose all semblance of design and personality.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Color
As we mentioned above, minimalism is a perfectly acceptable approach to patio design, as long as you don’t cross the line from minimal into non-existent. A great way to avoid this design mistake is to add a pop of color here and there, even to the simplest of designs.
Keep in mind that, as with any design principle, it’s possible to go too far and make your patio a bit too loud. That said, don’t be afraid to play around and get creative with your colors.
Common color palette choices for outdoor spaces are beachy and rustic but don’t feel trapped by these options if they don’t suit your style. Primary colors, for instance, are both bold and attractive in outdoor design.
Check out VisionBedding’s unique decor for pillows and rugs to give your space a pop of color – just be sure to pick fabrics that are outdoor-friendly.
Do Style Your Space for Yourself
Far too often, we look at what’s on-trend at the moment and design accordingly. And while there’s no harm in taking inspiration from any outlet you like, don’t go as far as to lose yourself in your design.
Remember, this is your patio, it should be a reflection of your personality, interests, and tastes.
If you want to hang a retractable projector screen from the side of your pergola so you can host movie nights, go for it! Don’t like neutral tones? Get adventurous with your color palette!
The more you enjoy your outdoor space, the more time you will want to spend in it. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks or what the magazines say, do what feels right for you.
Don’t Disregard Proportions and Scale
Last but not least, it’s crucial to never forget proportions and scale, even when working with an outdoor area like a patio. Even though you’re outside, it’s still possible to make the space feel overcrowded, cluttered, and messy with the wrong pieces.
Tackle your patio the same as you would a room inside your home. Measure the length and width of your patio, then each piece of furniture. On a piece of graph paper or on your computer, draw it all out and change the arrangement until you land on something that you love.
Use These Tips for Decorating a Patio to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Space
When you’re designing your home, it can be easy to overlook your outdoor space, but it’s just as important as your interior.
Designing and decorating a patio perfect for you and your wants and needs will make you want to spend more time outside and boost your enjoyment of your home that much more.
Looking for more home decor tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our blog!
