Do you spend enough time outside? A recent study found that children today only spend half as much time outside as their parents did. Are you in the same boat?
If you had a relaxing and inviting patio, would you spend more time outside? Being outside is good for your health, and you can still enjoy the comforts of home.
Patio landscaping can make your outdoor space feel more homely and welcoming. Here are 9 ways you can improve your outdoor space to make your neighbors jealous.
1. Add Privacy
Do you not want to be outside because you feel like your neighbors are watching? If so, it’s a simple fix–add some privacy. Fencing is a popular way to get the privacy you crave, but there are other options as well.
You can try adding some natural privacy with taller trees like Arborvitae. They grow quickly and are extremely low maintenance. Tall trees are much cheaper than fences.
You can also add a curtain around your pergola or patio area. You can pull your curtain forward when you want privacy and also add a little decor and color.
Don’t worry — there are options if you live in the city. You can add urban fencing to your property to help enhance your privacy.
2. Create a Color Scheme
You can make your outdoor space feel more comfortable with the right color palette. Patios don’t have to be boring! Try combining neutral colors with a nice pop of color like coral or blue.
You can even take the color scheme further by choosing pots and flowers that match your pillows and rugs. Bright colors make your patio bright and inviting. You can also change your color scheme easily with new pillows or a touch of paint on your patio furniture.
3. Install a Fire Pit
Fires are relaxing, and you can relive your childhood with friends and family. Imagine sitting around the fire on a nice evening relaxing with your neighbors.
Fire pits are a great way to enjoy the outdoors longer as it starts to get cooler. If you want to spend more money, you can build a fireplace outdoors. Fire pits cost a lot less if you are on a budget.
4. Light it Up
Outdoor lighting can add a lot to your home’s ambiance and curb appeal. Lights make you feel safer because you can see, and they make the outdoors look inviting.
Choose some focal points to light up like a tree or around your walkway. Place lights strategically around your patio, so you don’t need to turn on bright patio lights. You can string lights around your outdoor space or add pendant lights where you eat or grill for entertaining.
You can take it once step further by adding lighting to your fencing or on top of your deck rails. Use lanterns on your dining table for another source of light.
5. Sitting Area
Try creating an area to sit. It can be an entertainment area with a settee and chairs or a dining room table. Don’t worry about spending too much money because people sell used patio furniture regularly or you can purchase these sets on sale when summer is getting ready to end.
Add a rug to make the area even more inviting. You can gather around to eat outside as well as inside.
Want a real lounge area? Try hanging so hammocks in your yard or on your patio. It’s hard to resist a hammock on a nice day for a quick nap!
6. Use Plants
Just like inside, plants can help decorate your patio with the look of nature. You can get various pots and add some color as well.
You can hide any bad areas on your patio with a nice planter and plant. Be careful of plants that attract bees, such as those with flowers. You want to be able to relax outside.
Try some simple small trees or even grasses in your pots for a soft look. If you want, you can move them indoors at any time.
You can also add flower beds around your patio for a more creative look. Landscaping is a good investment and adds a lot to your home’s curb appeal, so think if you are using all your space wisely.
7. Add a Covered Area
You don’t have to let the weather decide when you want to go outside. Add a covered area such as a canopy, awning, or pergola. You can put your dining table or sitting area underneath, so if it starts sprinkling, you stay dry.
You can also get out of the hot sun with some nice shade. You can add lighting to your covered area to give it an even more distinctive look. You can also add screens or walls to protect from bugs.
8. Relaxing Water Features
Moving water can be a really relaxing sound. You can add a water feature as a center focal point to your patio. It will also make your patio more serene and calm with the constant water trickling noise.
You have several options to choose from and sizes, so you can find one that goes with your decor. If you don’t have a big budget, there are plenty of smaller fountains that add the same ambiance without the big price tag.
9. Bring the Chef Outside
Why just cook inside when you can be outside? Add a grilling station or take it up a notch with an outdoor kitchen. You can add anything from grills to cooktops to refrigerators.
Outdoor kitchens can be pricey but they are a long-term investment. They will add value to your home. Because you plan to have them for a long time, be sure you use rot-resistant material.
Looking to Kick Up Your Patio Landscaping?
These ideas above will help you up your patio landscaping, but if you are looking to go further, you can get help from the experts to add some additional creative landscaping around your backyard.