It is an extension of your home, a place where you can invite a slice of the outdoors in. And even if you don’t have the luxury of a patio by the sea, you can still create a patio that mimics that meditative beachside vibe. A few decor upgrades and a bit of imagination will go a long way towards giving your patio a fresh face for the new year and putting together a space where you’ll want to spend all your leisure time.
Here’s a few ideas to breathe new life into your patio and make it a sanctuary to swoon over:
Dial up the comfort
Few things say relaxation better than a hammock on your patio. Water-repellent canvas material is great for coastal patios because it is mold- and mildew resistant. Striped and combination of blue patterns make for an extra nautical accent. Another quick and comfy patio fix is new scatter cushions for your couches that echo the colour and design theme of your hammock.
Dream-like lights
Something as simple as abundant soft lighting can make a big difference to the ambience of your outdoor living space. Fill empty glass jars with beach sand or stones and votive candles for a romantic touch. Or drape fairy lights or small paper lanterns around your patio for a truly festive feel. You can also opt for solar lights to save energy and the environment.
Colour it pretty
Nothing gives instant vitality to a tired-looking living area quite like a fresh coat of paint or splash of colourful decor. A big colour trend for 2017 is navy blue, which ties in perfectly with a coastal theme and a patio with natural decor finishes.
Add some interest
A focal point adds interesting detail to your patio, and yours should suit your lifestyle and needs. Think outdoor fireplace or fire pit for dramatic flair, a water feature for tranquillity, or a kitchen/bar nook if you like to entertain outside.
Don’t lose sight of the big picture
If your patio has a view, it’s important to make the most of it. Keep your furniture minimalistic and in keeping with your home’s natural surroundings, and add some greenery and natural fibres where possible. If you don’t have a roofed patio, consider a beautiful pergola that will offer shelter and frame your scenery nicely. You can also add drapery around it to give your outdoor living space that authentic island feel.