Spruce up Your Summer Patio

Have you been eyeing your backyard lately thinking that it could use a little love after the long winter? Patios and outdoor spaces can become neglected during the cooler months, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to plan some DIY patio projects and put in some elbow-grease so you can enjoy your outdoor space for all of the upcoming summer holidays. Pull out your gardening tools from the garage and spruce up your backyard landscaping, then head over to Pinterest or your local hardware store for some décor inspiration and plan on creating the updated backyard space you’ve been dreaming of.
Not sure where to start or what type of space you want to create? Check out some of the looks we love below.

Indoor-Outdoor Lounge

With many new home floorplans featuring more open spaces, a more seamless indoor-outdoor experience is attainable. Large patio coverings or covered verandas allow for comfortable seating areas that are shielded from the sun during the day and allow for contemporary light fixtures that create an intimate setting.

Creating an outdoor lounge-feel centers on creating the right combination of modern and sleek. Think minimal foliage, structured patio furniture and interesting focal features. A gas fire pit with glass or lava rock creates immediate interest and warmth while maintaining a lounge-like vibe.

A large window that opens to an outdoor bar is the perfect area to create a DIY self-serve drink area with pre-made beverages or consider making up a signature cocktail for your party!

Comfy-Casual

If you use your backyard more for a casual family gathering place, this style may be right for you. Along with a snug setup of comfy outdoor furniture where mom and dad can gather, focus on creating a few areas throughout your yard that appeal to the different interests in your household. Consider adding a barbeque for the griller in the family, an interesting trellis or landscaping layout for the gardener (check out this blog to see how you can DIY one) and something fun the whole family can enjoy together. Whether it’s a fire pit (s’mores, anyone?) soccer goal for the kids, horseshoe pit, or even some DIY oversized backyard games, your family and friends will love to have something to congregate around and enjoy together.

Entertainment Hub

Is your house the go-to for game day parties, holidays and other get-togethers? Do you find yourself hustling to pull together a deliciously awesome menu when friends drop by unexpectedly? If so, you’re probably the quintessential “Entertainer” of your group and your backyard should reflect it.

To allow you to enjoy a group’s company, even when you’re prepping a summer BBQ, place your grill and prep station as the focal piece of your backyard. Create sitting areas and points to congregate that center around the grill so that you’re still in the mix of conversation when everyone gets to mingling. Plus – since you’re stationed next to the central locale for drinks and snacks, you’ll always be in the middle of the party!

Not a griller? Take a look at the pin below for some additional ideas on how to arrange your space to make it easy to entertain a group.

Purely Peaceful If you’d prefer to create a tranquil retreat to enjoy yourself or with a loved one after a long day, create smaller seating areas and adorn them with cushy pillows and other outdoor decorations that you enjoy. If you like curling up with a book and looking at a garden gnome – it’s your sanctuary – add the little guy!

Candles and plants can create a sense of calm as well. Place outdoor candles around areas you may frequent, and if you’re not looking to spend too much time tending to a garden, place potted succulents or orchids around your yard. Plants like desert roses, primrose and peonies produce beautiful flowers with little maintenance while decorative grasses and shrubs provide a lush backdrop that require little attendance.

How would you describe your ideal backyard? Tell us below and find more inspiration on our Outdoor Décor Pinterest board.