Patio Makeover

With the holidays still visible in our rearview, budgeting for a patio update can feel a bit daunting. Here are some tips on bringing your indoors – outdoors, without breaking the bank.

Let’s start with rugs – if your patio flooring is a simple cement slab, an area rug can drastically enhance the look and feel. If you have tile needing a little TLC, your local hardware store will have a cleaner specific to your patio stone. If your goal is to make the tile pop, try a solid colored rug. The key here is to match your home’s decorative integrity so you’ll want to stick with a similar color palette for a more cohesive look. You can even pull some small pieces from indoors for continuity, just make sure they are all-weather items that can withstand the elements. The rug itself should be a polypropylene material which can be designed in many different textures and colors/ patterns and works well in the sunlight. Polypropylene is also budget friendly and easy to maintain.

Next, let’s talk seating – depending on the size and shape of your patio, a fire pit is always a nice centerpiece. Natural or gas powered fire pits can add a romantic ambience while also keeping your guests comfortable well into the evening. Be sure to place your furniture around the fire pit strategically, with the shape of your entire space in mind. Adding some updated cushions is another way to spruce up the space without inflating your budget. Top it off with some accent pillows alongside freshly potted flowers and your guests will feel right at home.

If you still have some room in the budget, switching out your dated hardware can completely transform a space. Modernize your lighting or update the handles on your outdoor kitchen cabinets. Its simple touches like solid black sconces or marble cabinet knobs that can really unite a vibe. One way to “update” the lighting is to use the natural light to your advantage. If your patio is uncovered, add some shrubbery overhead to control the amount of direct sunlight, this will also help minimize the chaos caused by dust storms and rain. If your patio is fully covered, perhaps adding some hanging lights will give that finishing touch? Consider the lighting inside your home and let that spill out onto your patio. Without having to dig into savings, these small changes will have you entertaining on your patio all year long, with the look and feel of a new addition!