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Posts Tagged ‘designing the patio’

Do You Know the Patio Essentials?

Friday, March 15th, 2019

Razzle dazzle them all with this Maitland-Smith Outdoor:Patio Planter.

The Merriam and Webster dictionary defines a patio as a courtyard “an inner court open to the sky; a recreation area that adjoins a dwelling, is often paved, and is adapted especially to outdoor dining.

 

The patio is often surrounded by other structures. It has plants for décor and has a pavement. The word has a Spanish origin and is believed to have come from the word patu or pati which means pasture, technically, this is that land at the back of any house.

 

The patio, initially, was used to keep the owner’s animals safe during the night. But with modern living came changes, which meant the patio has become, more than this. It is now being used as a living room of sorts that’s located outdoors. Traditional Mediterranean settings use the patio as a garden courtyard.

 

Modern American and English patios are paved areas very near the house. This is often used for dining, sitting, and socializing. These could have a building or two on each of its sides but is no longer an internal courtyard as was traditionally done in Spain.

 

Prepping for Barbecues and Frolicking

 

It’s spring. This is the perfect season to prepare for your summer fun activities. Consider adding a space where you can host your summer parties. The patio can also be added just for the simple reason of lounging outdoors.

 

There are many benefits that come with patio addition. Primarily, you can increase your home’s value just by adding this extra space. You will get more should the time come that you would sell your property. A lot of homebuyers love having entertainment areas in their homes so adding the patio will definitely boost your marketing appeal.

 

Another reason to add a patio is to extend your home’s living area. This is that extra space that’s meant for reading or simple conversations.

 

The patio can also provide a summertime spot for entertainment, parties, barbecues and a lot more. You can be the gracious host to a string of summer outdoor activities.

 

And, don’t worry, the patio is a low-maintenance space when it comes to maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. The materials that you used there should be able to withstand the harshest weathers so cleanup should be minimal.

 

Patios also offer the perfect spot to get your suntan or to keep cool when you’re done sunbathing. The patio furniture is protected from sun damage, too, so you can spend a great many hours enjoying the outdoors weather while sitting idly.


Patio Seating

 

Since the weather is warmer, it’s practically patio season. And what’s an outdoor relaxation area without the perfect seating?

 

You can choose from an outdoor sofa, an ensemble of different-styled chairs, chair swing or a fusion of these seats.

 

Patio Table

 

A lot of people do not have a space dedicated to outdoor dining so just imagine the activities that you can finally do once you have your own patio.

 

Enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning as you prop your legs up and place your morning beverage on an outdoor table. How about those evenings when you just want to unwind? Go ahead and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.

 

Patio Lighting

 

Of course, it would be impossible to enjoy any of these activities if you have not set up the correct kind of patio lighting. So go ahead and install those string lights. Lanterns are also a welcome addition to this space.

 

If you’re feeling up for it, you can also have wall sconces installed. Make sure to work the theme that you have set for your whole home.

 

Patio Rug

 

Don’t forget the area rugs to separate spaces and, of course, to beautify.

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What Are the 7 Patio Essentials?

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

The warm colors of this dining set from Fine Furniture Design Biltmore Collection are all that you need to welcome your guests in your new patio.

There are many areas in every home that can offer a good view of the outdoors. Just think of expansive glass windows, the sunroom or a bright skylight – all these offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without actually stepping out of your home. However, when you’re hoping to catch a whiff of fresh air while still maintaining your private moments, then there is no better place than the patio.

Patio: A Travel Back in Time

Many prehistoric communities already have plazas. These are gathering places where people sell their goods and where political events, as well as rituals, are held. Dances, games, and all other forms of social interaction also happen here.

There is a wide range of open spaces. These include the tiny ones up to the enormous zones that archeologists simply marvel about. Though plazas often have similar functions, the smaller types have a more intimate and a slightly different use for the community.

The patio is also known as the courtyard. This is an area that was set aside for private residences or inside family compounds. It is used mainly for domestic purposes such as family meals eaten outside or craft production.

The word patio comes from patere, a Latin word meaning to lie open, though the architecture originated in Spain or Spanish-American features. During the 15th century in Spain, the boxed central patios became more and more popular. Pretty soon, it was embellished with bluestone, bricks, gravel, and just about any material that the mind can conjure.

Unlike the porch, a patio can be detached from the structure. It can be left open or be installed with a pergola overhead. Consider how to access this place when you’re thinking of setting up a patio for dining or any social gathering.

Patio Decoration Made Simple

There are fundamentals in patio building. First, you must make a list of weather-friendly furniture. This means furniture pieces that can hold up to the harsh outdoor elements.

Outdoor entertaining requires prepping unless you want everything in plastic which is, of course, a total eyesore. So what are the pieces that you need?

  • A dining set. Do you prefer smaller sets for more intimate setups? Or would you want a long table or multiple tables at that? Don’t forget to provide ample seating.
  • A grill. Cookouts are made awesome by the best grill. Whether you prefer charcoal or gas, what this really means is that you should prepare for those BBQ chicken, burger patties, and spareribs.
  • Grilling tools. Of course, if you have a grill, then you need all these tools. A set should include tongs, fork, knife, and a spatula. A little cleaning brush that’s thrown in the package won’t hurt.
  • Beverage dispensers. Have a drink station for your guests. This can make your outdoor entertaining a lot easier. Also, your guests get to have a refill without asking for your help each time.
  • Depending on the kind of beverages that you serve, you can also set up a cooler which you’ll stuff with canned sodas or bottles of beer.
  • Outdoor dinnerware. Paper plates just don’t look nice. They’re too kiddie. Bowls and plates made of melamine are just the right dinnerware for your patio gatherings. They are not easy to damage plus they’re easy to clean.
  • Fire pit. Don’t you love cookouts during the colder months and then the group ends up gathering around the fire? This is the perfect setup for small parties. Not a lot of things can be more relaxing than lazing around with friends as the fire crackles in the background.

Lastly, as you welcome everyone to your new patio, make sure that you also prep some games. Spur laughter and fun as people play with your well-prepped party.

 

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Pretty Patios

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016

FFDM Harbor Springs offers this dining set in neutral hues.

FFDM Harbor Springs offers this dining set in neutral hues.

There are some interesting areas in your home where you can actually have a great view of the nearby surroundings. Any room with a glass window will provide you with the perfect chance to see the picturesque views without you stepping out. If you are yearning for a breath of fresh air, though, while not foregoing privacy, it would be wise to design a garden patio.

The patio is a courtyard that’s surrounded by structures. These often come with trees and shrubberies and are commonly paved. Patio is a Spanish term that means pasture or that parcel of land at the back of homes. Back in the day, patios were set up for animal safekeeping.

In modern American and English gardens, a patio is an area where family and guests could sit and enjoy some meals. This could also serve as a reading area for the perennial bookworm.

Begin your patio project by buying the right patio furniture. Find some interesting sets so that you won’t have to worry about balance, cohesion and all that these words convey. Once set up, all that’s left to do is to find additional pieces that will make these anchor pieces more interesting. Also, you just have to enjoy the outdoors with your family. You can hold gatherings here that will surely be the talk of the town for many days to come.

Pick the Best Place

You can’t just assign a part of your home to suddenly become the patio. A lot of patios are adjacent to the structure of your home especially to the kitchen when another purpose of this space is for outdoor dining.

If detached, the patio can serve as a dry area for a retreat now and then.

Consider the Size

The patio is supposed to be intimate so find an area that’s cozy. Huge gatherings could make this choice a bit more difficult, though. You should find a spot that could handle a huge crowd if this is the case. A way to figure out the size is to set up the tables and chairs on the lawn then measure the area that they cover.

Play It Safe

Playing it safe? Then you can use a neutral palette for your patio project. This usually monochromatic approach will only be effective, though, if you balance it with some interesting textures. Without these tactile experiences, the place would look dull so be sure to look for the most unique rough or smooth furniture surfaces and accent pieces.

Consider the Outdoor Elements

Another thing that you need to remember is to invest in weather-friendly furnishings. Be smart – not just with your outdoor style but also – with the materials that are used on your design elements. While you can freshen up the look of the patio with fabrics and the many colors that they come in, still, you have to consider that these can withstand the outdoor elements and would be able to dry quickly.

Make your patio more exciting with this Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Flowered Drum Table.

Make your patio more exciting with this Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Flowered Drum Table.

Accessorize

As much as you can, beautify this space in your home by adding some plants. These can either be placed on the patio’s floor or atop a drum table or a pedestal. Up the visual appeal in your patio by adding furniture complete with intricate details.

For a more minimalist approach, you can focus people’s attention on the garden. You can do this by keeping the furniture simple – preferably minimalist – and the rest of the décor should point to the interesting garden that’s just within reach.

You should also include various table sets and chairs for more flexible seating choices.

Hire a Builder

The weight of this project could be too much to bear for some people, especially the neophytes. Assign the more complex projects to professional builders and the sand-based patio as a DIY task for you and your family.

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That Lovely Patio: An Asset In Your Backyard

Saturday, August 27th, 2016

Uttermost Accessories Beaman, Planter 20114 is a necessity in patio design.

Uttermost Accessories Beaman, Planter 20114 is a staple piece in patio design.

Patios and walkways are wonderful assets that your backyard could offer. They bring wonderful benefits to you and your home. There are many ways that you could use your patio. First, it can be an entertainment area, a party zone, or simply an oasis right on your backyard.

A Relaxing Entertainment Spot

There is nothing more comfy than resting in the backyard during a warm summer night while sipping a cool drink. The kids are out playing in the lawn while you enjoy their peals of laughter.

A patio can greatly enhance this experience. Complete the scenario by adding the most comfortable patio furniture set. This should become an oasis, one that you could unwind in.

The Party Zone

You will definitely feel wonderful as you fire up the grill and have a barbecue party going. Add all the grilling essentials that you know and the fun and convenience would definitely be amped up.

Add Value

Adding value to your property is as easy as installing a walkway or a patio. You get to enjoy the benefits that patios offer for as long as you live in the property. These benefits extend all the way to that time when you are ready to give up your house and move to a different home.

Potential buyers will surely be awed as they see the beautiful aesthetics of your outdoor haven. Your home will be doubly desirable with the patio sitting where bare concrete would have been.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Flowered Drum Table 638-50011

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Flowered Drum Table 638-50011

Assuring Safety

The safety of your home also goes up if you install a walkway and a patio. Mulch and rocks are often used as a path all around houses but these can cause accidents in both adults and children. Peace of mind can be achieved once you make the conscious decision to install a walkway and a lovely patio that goes with it.

Dress Up the Patio

Sure, the patio can be a haven but it isn’t so until you find the right furniture pieces to set it up. Think of banquet seating inside a kitchen. Now imagine this set up on your patio. Invest in a bench, some chairs and a dining table. Be sure to integrate the look of these pieces with the rest of the house.

Match the shapes of the table and the patio. A round table will look great on a cute, round patio. Add a tall fence to have a more private and cozy feel.

You can also eliminate useless spaces behind furnishing or in corners. You can afford ample space on the patio for a small table and a pair of chairs. This is a great setup for those date nights.

Patio with Bright Colors

Small patios are advantageous since they are better able to show off bright colors than large patios. These playful colors don’t look as overwhelming on a cute patio which means you can go ahead and use bright blues and greens. Ottomans can also match the patio décor while providing an extra seat for a person or two.

Nature can also offer lush colors such as green potted plants and colorful flowers.

Set Up Open Sight Lines

Choose seating that comes with open back. This should keep the sight lines flowing and it should visually expand the patio.  Choose to keep the color palette basic, even unassuming. Use pastels such as green or blue on a bench and its partner, the coffee table. Distress the furniture for more laidback look.

You can also use narrower pieces such as a bench paired with a long, narrow table. Have these on the patio and you get a great choice for those dine-out nights.

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