​5 Key Elements of a Beautiful Patio

No matter where in the world you are, a functional and stylish patio is essential for those warm summer days and cooler nights. Your patio is one of the most important elements of your home. Is your patio outdated and in need of a fresh new look? Check out these 5 essential elements to create a  beautiful patio.

Shade

With summer host to soaring heat and the scorching sun, one of the few downsides of bright sunshine is protection from harsh UV rays. A simple, stylish patio umbrella can provide ample shade. The whole family can relax in its cool shadow while eating outdoors. You can also relax knowing your kids are free from a raised risk of melanoma. It is very important to cater the umbrella to your environment, as you may need to take very special considerations should you live in a windy area!

For something different, consider a shade sail. Shade sails are great, hassle-free ways of dealing with the sun. Once they are set up, they need very little in the way of maintenance. Often you can forget about them completely!

Outdoor Flooring

Sometimes your patio floor may need a spruce up. A touch-up can be as simple as some staining or weatherproofing on old timber patios. A touch of paint here and there can also be a great idea. To stick to budgets, the kids can even get involved in this for a bit of pocket money! Outdoor tiling on patios is definitely an underutilised styling method. So, for something innovative, keep tiling in mind for your patio too.

Pieces of Furniture

No patio is complete without the perfect outdoor furniture. Outdoor chairs and tables are necessities, as are outdoor sofas and barbecues. Barbecues with the family are that much better when they're hosted on comfortable, stylish patio furniture. For a casual design, opt for an outdoor picnic bench – this is great if you have kids! If you decide on soft upholstered outdoor furniture, ensure that the fabric is comfortable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. For optimal use, ensure that your outdoor furniture is under the shade to keep out of the harsh sun and maybe even rain!

Lighting and Heat

Proper lightingand heat are essential regardless of the time of year. Enjoy a relaxing late night in with friends, or make use of mood lighting and have a romantic night at home with your partner.

Consider homemade fairy lighting to sparkle on your patio walls or roof. Fairy lights are especially beautiful in areas where light pollution dampens the night sky as is. Lighting can attract bugs though, so make sure you have your repellent handy!

Warm fire pits and bonfires enable you to host into the early hours without feeling the chill that can creep up on you. Fire pits are great because they look the part while also providing light and warmth.

Patio Accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to personalize your deck. Accessorising provides an opportunity to add a unique aspect that speaks about you or your family. Choosing accessories from what you believe will suit your patio is a pure reflection of your taste and personality.

For something creative, grab the kids and make a day out of decorating your patio – you get to spend quality time with the kids while beautifying your outdoor area! This is a great option if you want budget-friendly decorations.

On the natural side, you could add some planters. If you’re short of floor space, vertical planters are a great option, allowing you to make use of bare walls. Consider which plants you may want to add. Creepers and grapevines create a romantic, secluded feel to your space. Or, if you’re into cooking, you could plant some herbs.

Cushions are great simple design tools, allowing for more comfort, flexibility, and style to old, hard patio chairs. Cushions mean you don't need to replace any old chairs or  pillows that may be too uncomfortable. You can alter them with a splash of color in the cushions and save on new chairs!

No matter your budget or the size of your patio, these simple elements will help you stylize your patio in no time! Whether you choose the budget-friendly option or something more luxurious, get started on creating your dream patio today!

Author’s bio:

Maia Fletcher hails from the sunny city of Gisborne, New Zealand. When she isn't immersing herself in a good book, she's most likely producing articles for sites she has collaborated with, including Trustpower. Check out Maia’s personal blog with home improvement tips to learn more about her.