– Create a curved pathway leading to your patio so you only get a glimpse of it from the yard. – Use bright colors, such as orange, red, and yellow, to draw attention to flowers instead of your patio. – Plant a tree near your patio so you can relax under the tree’s leafy canopy. – A mixture of paver shapes and sizes in an irregular layout adds drama. – The gateway effect created by two wide pillars makes the patio feel larger by creating distinct spaces. – Placing furniture on the lawn integrates the lawn into the patio area – creating a more spacious feel. – Stair-stepped planters hold architectural grasses. – A water feature echoes the planters’ shapes, repeating the theme. – A gravel patio helps break up the white-painted concrete blocks.
Learn about great ornamental grasses.
– A retaining wall made from old landscape timbers gives the space an intimate feel. – Hydrangeas and violas are perfect plants for partly shaded cottage gardens. – The weathered bench offers a comfortable place to sit and rest.
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– A well-designed formal garden creates a perfect backdrop. – A fountain creates pleasant background sounds. – Surround the patio with fragrant flowers, such as roses, for even more sensory appeal. – A small tree, such as the dogwood here, adds shade and extra interest.
Click here to learn more about best small trees for your landscape.
– An outdoor hot tub is a perfect way to relax after a long day. – Nothing says inviting like sitting around a fire pit with good stories and s’mores. – A soft outdoor rug allows you to kick off your shoes.
Check out this fun s’mores recipe.
– A simple pergola embraces the patio, offering privacy and protection. – Adirondack furniture goes with just about everything – and is comfortable to boot. – The latticework that wraps around the patio creates privacy but allows summer breezes, which keeps the patio from getting too hot. – Lush plantings give it a middle-of-the-garden feel. – A vine-covered pergola adds protection from the weather. – Simple flagstones add an irregular edge and blend the patio into the yard.
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– This patio is extra convenient as it’s sited just off the home’s front porch. – A mix of materials, including river rock, square pavers, and gravel, create extra interest. – A wall of ornamental grasses blocks the view of the house, making the patio feel more secluded. – A bright patio umbrella picks up the colors of the impatiens planted around it. – A golden-toned bistro set pulls out the yellow tones of the stone and planters. – Purple coleus in the background helps the colors pop out.
Click here to learn more about using color effectively.
– A simple canopy shades the patio furniture. – A virtual wall of planters at the back of the patio creates a soothing edge. – A stucco wall around the patio makes it feel even more enclosed and intimate. – A beautiful wrought-iron gate welcomes you into the patio. – Mosaic tilework on the fountain makes it a great focal point. – Evergreen hedges and stone walls surround the patio, block distractions, and create privacy. – Outdoor furniture with plush cushions provides a great place to relax. – A vine-covered pergola casts shade and provides protection from rain. – A stylish lantern suspended from the pergola adds extra light at night.
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– Bamboo panels are an inexpensive way to create privacy. – Natural materials, including gravel and stone, lend a peaceful feel. – Combining materials, from mondo grass as a groundcover to the gravel and stones, creates interest.
Click here for more on making your yard more private.
– A fountain creates pleasant background sounds. – The fountain’s bold design takes attention away from the seating area. – A low boxwood hedge encloses the patio, creating intimacy without blocking the front of the house. – Two stairs create visual relief and deal with a slight slope. – Bright colors and fun patterns are a great way to enliven a concrete patio. – Want more color? Paint your patio furniture, too.
Check out these fun garden-furniture makeover ideas.
