Patio Decor Ideas You’ll Love This Summer
With the summer just around the corner, outdoor entertainment is about to be in full swing. We spend a lot of time on our decks and patios, but rarely give them the love they deserve when it comes to décor and overall comfort. When you think of it as another room of your home, it seems silly to not make it cozy, cool and perfect for entertaining.
Here’s our tips for creating the perfect space to entertain guests, grill or relax and read in peace (without getting a sunburn).
Be Creative with Outdoor Seating:
Long gone are the days of a simple wooden bench or uncomfortable patio chairs. Porch swings can be as comfortable as your indoor couches, but made to withstand the weather. Even wicker furniture has had a modern upgrade, with smooth coatings that make the old pokey and sharp ends a thing of the past. Sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans and even hanging chairs make your space feel welcoming.
Add Interchangeable Pops of Color:
Spice things up with bright outdoor pillows, outdoor rugs, and even swap them out as seasons change for a quick seasonal update to the look. Make sure you choose outdoor, waterproof materials. Fortunately, these are abundant and they feel like natural, soft fabric instead of laying on plastic these days.
Unique Outdoor Wall Decorations:
Don’t forget that wall space exists outside too! Hang artwork (brushed chrome hangings are an outdoor fav), or even use the vertical space to create a simple patio garden. Spices and herbs at your fingertips! Got a big space available? Consider a projector screen for outdoor movie nights (or watch the game while grilling!).
Keep It Cool and Safe:
Patios and decks can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, not to mention the sun can warp, fade or even ruin outdoor furniture and artwork. Awnings can lower the temperature on your deck or patio by up to 20 degrees, not to mention the UV protection means you’re safer from the sun, and your outdoor décor will last much longer. (If you don’t want an awning installed directly onto the side of your home, freestanding awnings are a perfect solution.) The feel of an impromptu ceiling really makes your outdoor space feel like an addition room in your home!
Light It Up:
One of my favorite things about the outdoors is how lighting can make all the difference, but think beyond tiki torches and citronella candles. Hang outdoor lights along the edge of your home (or take advantage of free remote-controlled LED strings that can come with your awning). Edison bulbs are totally in and bring a beautiful vintage vibe.
Add Plants to Your Porch (Yes, Even More!)
You may be outside already, but that doesn’t mean the plants stop there. In addition to the herb garden, add some perennial pots for a wonderful fragrance and view while you chill in luxury. You can even use certain plants to repel insects (including mosquitoes and spiders) like lavender, marigolds, peppermint, rosemary, basil and catnip. Added bonuses of course is half of those can go in your food as well!
When you think of your outdoor space as another room instead of disconnected from the inside of your house, it becomes so much easier to make it beautiful and relaxing! If you have themes indoors that flow from room to room, extend that same feel outdoors for continuity. As long as the items are waterproof and easy to clean, they can easily be incorporated in your patio, deck or porch’s design.
