The temperatures are starting to soar and the sun is shining late into the evening — summer is here. Which means it’s time for a refreshing glass of summer sippers and a tasty barbecue with family and friends, so start prepping your patio now for some outdoor entertaining.
Set the Tone With Lighting
when it comes to creating an outdoor patio space that is inviting. But it takes more than just some well-placed sconces or overhead string lights to create a cozy ambience. Instead, come up with a comprehensive lighting plan that includes pathway lighting around the borders of your patio, uplighting on a few trees or interesting landscaping features, in addition to a few strings of market lights strung across the patio. The key is to add plenty of low, warm light in a variety of places throughout your space in order really invoke a sense of comfort.
Have Some Climate Control
Incorporate shade into your patio to offer a little reprieve from sunny summer days. One easy way to do this is buy adding an umbrella over your outdoor dining table. After all, few people have much of an appetite when sitting right in the blazing sun. Is your patio covered? Install an outdoor ceiling fan to provide more air circulation so that your patio can be a little more comfortable, even on the hottest days.
Once the sun goes down, you’ll also want to have a way to warm up. Banish those chilly summer (and fall) nights with an outdoor heater. Propane-powered floorstanding heaters are usually on wheels so they can easily be moved to wherever you need some extra warmth. A small tabletop firepit is another great addition that offers both form and function.
Incorporate a Variety of Seating Options
A well-designed patio needs to have an . Whether you need to accommodate a crowd or just your own mood, a variety of seating helps you maximize the use of your patio. Start with a dining table that has enough seating for your household plus a few guests. Add two or three chaise lounges, with a small end table between each one, so that you have a comfy spot to curl up with a good book or just relax in the sun. Create a conversation nook in a corner with two rocking chairs or oversized chairs for lounging.
Depending on the size of your patio, an outdoor sectional or loveseat is a welcome addition to the space. Be sure to round off the seating area with a coffee table and frame it up nicely using an outdoor rug in a neutral color.
Soften It Up
Add an array of throw pillows to soften up the seating areas on your patio to help make it as comfortable as possible. Be sure to choose pillows that are made with an outdoor-friendly fabric in order to minimize UV damage and prevent fading. This is a great opportunity to introduce a few pops of color or a fun print to bring even more vibrance to your outdoor space.
Once you’ve sorted out the lighting, climate control, furnishings and added a few pillows and accessories, all that you need is your nearest and dearest to enjoy your new outdoor space with you.
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