Here’s 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Patio Look Fantastic

In the summertime your patio extends your living space outdoors. So you want it to be every bit as functional, comfortable, and attractive as your home. Even the best laid out patios can look a little tired after a few years. Updating the look can be both creative and cost-effective. Follow Virginia Fyne’s five easy steps to make your patio look fantastic again.

Here’s How to Do It:

As the days get longer and the sun gets warmer, it’s finally time to get outside and enjoy the weather. This year a major patio refresh was in order. The deck needed to be stained and the old patio furniture was beyond repair. I decided to create a true outdoor oasis so my family can get the most out of our outdoor living space. My local Home Hardware provided all the furnishings, along with some helpful tips to make everything come together.

1: Getting My Outdoor Space in Order

The first thing I did was assess my space and identify any necessary repairs. This meant scraping and staining the deck. The deck boards themselves were in good shape and just needed a fresh coat of stain to bring them back to life. I used BeautiTone Wood-Shield Best Acrylic Solid Hide Stain in the colour Blackboard. This provided a neutral base and crisp contrast to the white siding on the house. I prepped the deck by scraping off loose debris with a wire brush then swept it away with a straw broom.

2: Picking the Perfect Patio Look

I wanted to make sure I coordinated the new look of our patio with the vibe and style of our home. So I took note of the colours surrounding our home and yard and considered how different pieces and colours would work in the various shaded, covered, and open areas. This also helped me decide whether to go with a look that was casual, more modern, or a mix of both styles.

3: Choosing the Right Patio Furniture

A good patio set can set the stage for the function and tone of an outdoor space. I took into account the different potential zones of the space. This included areas for dining, relaxing, cooking, and entertaining. I also considered various furniture material options with respect to cold-weather durability vs. winter storage. I ultimately chose grey furniture to offset the white colour of our home. It also provided a neutral base that allowed me to introduce brighter colours with accessories and flowers.

4. Adding Throw Pillows and Accessories

An outdoor rug cozied up the outdoor space, and throw pillows added welcome pops of colour and texture. I also draped a few throw blankets around the patio and placed some extras in a basket to keep people warm if evenings turn chilly. By far the best new accessory I added was a rechargeable mosquito repeller. This sleek machine fits inside my hands and covers a 20-foot radius to keep mosquitos at bay while dining and relaxing.

5. Adding Ambience

The right lighting can transform a patio from bland to beautiful. I added a beautiful lantern but the real showstopper was the propane-powered fire table. It brings such a fun element to our patio and it immediately became the focal point of the space. I was hesitant at first to forgo a coffee table, but this is the best of both worlds!

Bonus Tip: Decorating with Flowers

Plants, flowers, and shrubbery add beautiful colours and can really infuse your space with life. A few pots and planters were all I needed. The Boston ferns provide a strong green base, and the begonias I added make a wonderful accent to the pink front door. As the season extends, I'll include a few more hints of pink and white to tie everything together.

We’re all so happy with our new patio. The changes and upgrades have completely re-imagined the space. The fire pit table is a new luxury for us. The cover allows it to function as a regular table when not in use, and the height is perfect for casual dining! Thanks again to our local Home Hardware. The staff were super friendly and always helpful.