Your patio is a great place to sit back and enjoy a good book or relax with friends. You can hang out there to watch your kids play in the yard or invite friends over for a party.
Image credit: Simon Howden | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
If you are looking for ways to make your patio even more beautiful and relaxing, try these six ideas.
Add a waterfall or fountain
The sound of water can be soothing and relaxing. Consider adding a small waterfall or fountain to your patio for a pretty centerpiece that provides soothing background noise while you read, watch your kids play in the backyard, or drink with friends.
Let nature encroach
Let nature into your patio to add to its beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Hang some bird feeders for your local hummingbirds or plant vines that crawl up nearby walls. You could also add some hanging planters or planters on the ground.
Fill them with wildflowers and other plants that spread for a slightly overgrown look. You can also plant flowers and shrubs around the edge of your patio to soften the edges and add a natural look to the area.
Install a fire pit or outdoor fireplace
Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your patio will be perfect for chilly summer evenings. You can roast marshmallows and hot dogs, or talk by the fire on late summer nights.
To save money, consider using asphalt instead of stone or concrete in the area around your fire pit. According to experts, asphalt is about half the cost of concrete per square foot.
Create some shade
Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying your patio. You can start by planting nearby trees, but you might have to wait a few years before they provide the shade you want.
For a quicker solution, install a trellis, arbor, or pergola, and plant climbing vines to add some shade to your patio. If you don’t have time to wait for the vines to grow, a simple canopy or umbrella will provide quick and easy shade.
Find comfy seating
To truly enjoy your patio, you will need somewhere comfy to sit. Look for stand-alone porch swings or rocking chairs for a classic look. If you want something a little more casual and less conventional, hang up a hammock for those lazy summer days.
For bigger get-togethers, consider investing in some patio furniture with comfy cushions.
Invite ambiance with lighting
Adding the right lighting to your patio is one of the easiest ways to set the mood. Lighting your patio will also keep everyone safe when the sun goes down. Try path lights that point down to keep your stairs well lit or use lanterns for general lighting.
If you are looking to set a festive or romantic mood, try hanging twinkly rope lights. You can add them to your pergola or hang them in nearby trees.
Try these six ideas to make your patio the perfect place to spend your free time whether you are alone or with family and friends.
Contact Superior Asphalt Paving Ltd. for your next patio project.
Karleia Steiner
Latest posts by Karleia Steiner (see all)
- 5 Ways to Ensure Your Child’s First Dental Visit Is a Success - February 18, 2015
- 4 Clever Tricks to Removing Dog Odors from Your Carpet - January 12, 2015
- 5 Shocking Things That Make You Look Older - November 5, 2014