Summer is all about getting outside, soaking up the sun, and making new memories that can be cherished forever. As soon as the colder months subside, we’re all anxious to finally get outdoors and experience everything the warm weather has to offer. While many head to the closest beach or park to hang with loved ones, this is the best time of year to take advantage of your patio space. It’s your chance to host parties, barbeques, and family get-togethers from the comfort of your own home, while still enjoying fun summer activities.
Decorating your outdoor space is an opportunity to get creative and express your style. Here are some of our most inspiring tips for creating a summer that no one will ever forget.
Tip #1: Promise Comfort with a Sitting Area
Building a warm and welcoming patio starts with seating. Allow your family and friends to make themselves at home in the backyard with pool-side lounge chairs, outdoor couches, and even coffee tables. The number of seats will depend on how many people you have in your household, but having at least four or five is best. You can always collect and store additional chairs to guarantee that visitors have a place to kick back and relax.
An outdoor table and a few footrests are also a great way to play games, provide a place for drinks, and create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing area to sit back and hang out for a while. Want to make your seating area extra special? Add a few complimentary throw pillows within the sitting area to keep everyone cozy and add some fun colors to the patio space.
Tip #2: Dedicate Space for Activities
Nothing brings people together better than a little friendly competition! Get the family active and entertain guests for special events when you set aside a dedicated area for games and activities. Ping pong, horseshoes, or even cornhole are all fun and easy games that can be played comfortably in a patio area.
If you’re looking to truly elevate your patio area, investing in an outdoor pool table or table tennis table is an effective way to upgrade any space. As you shop for your game table, look for one that features high-quality materials that can withstand the sun and rain. Think billiard tables made of aluminum and treated wood or pieces crafted from teak.
Tip #3: Provide Shade
Creating shade over your outdoor space protects your loved ones from the blazing summer heat and UV rays. It’s also a great opportunity to add some personality to your patio. Incorporate one or two standing umbrellas into your decor, and bring a pop of color to the space.
Choose umbrellas, an awning, or a canopy that matches your current decor, or use them as accent pieces that stand out. Favor stripes or solid colors for a classic aesthetic that’s easy to pair with other decor. As long as they’re made of treated canvas or olefin (both of which are weather-resistant), they will last for seasons to come.
Tip #4: Liven Things Up with Plants and Floral Accents
Define your outdoor space with inviting landscaping, and maintain your yard to keep the pests at a minimum and the grass soft. Take a look at your current landscaping to figure out what’s missing. It could be a lack of plants or color within an already sprawling garden. Or, it could be a row of bushes that will offer some privacy.
Luckily, landscaping doesn’t always have to break the bank. There are so many ways to introduce some simple foliage and accents to a patio space on a budget. For example, position decorative pots along your patio. Fill them with annual flowers that you can switch out year after year, and keep your space fresh. Just make sure that the flowers are watered and maintained during those hot summer months!
Tip #5: Don’t Forget Lighting
Even more than summer-time adventures and beach days, we love fun warm and breezy nights. Make sure your patio space can easily accommodate visitors after the sun goes down by lighting up the area. Opt for lanterns, solar-powered torches, or string lights to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Especially for those lucky enough to have a wood or chain-link fence, it’s simple and affordable to attach some eclectic string lighting to the fence. This will create a warm ambiance and make the patio space truly radiant. With some simple lighting, your summer parties can last well into the night.
Elevate Your Patio This Summer!
The summer months are all about soaking up the sun, making memories with loved ones, and taking advantage of the great outdoors. What better way to get the absolute most out of the season than by upgrading your patio area to provide a venue for these cherished memories.
From choosing new patio chairs and umbrellas to hanging up some string lights, adding accents to your patio is a great way to express your style and entertain loved ones at the same time. Decorating a patio area may seem overwhelming at first, but with these simple and affordable tips, you’ll be on your way to having one of the best summers of your life.
