If your patio is your pride and joy, you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to spruce it up. The good news being that transforming an everyday patio into enticing outdoor living space for all occasions doesn’t have to be expensive.
In fact, some of the most inexpensive upgrades available are also the most effective.
Here are just a few of the many ways you can breathe life into your patio at a relatively low cost:
1. Add Color
By far, the easiest and most inexpensive way to spruce up an outdoor space is to bring a burst of color into the mix. There are various ways by which this can be accomplished - new cushions, throws, plant pots, candle holders, tablecloths, and all types of decorative features. Keep things thematic with a selection of colors that complement each other, or go bold with a bunch of contrasting colors for an even more eye-catching effect.
2. Fire Things Up
Decorative patio heaters can also add dramatic visual appeal, while at the same time enhancing comfort. An affordable patio heater could be just the thing for enjoying your patio throughout all four seasons, rather than exclusively during the warmer months of the year. Not only are today’s most advanced patio heaters surprisingly efficient and affordable, but they’re also safer and easier to use than they have ever been.
3. Add Aroma
Unless you’re already doing so, it’s worth thinking about bringing an array of aromatic plants and blooms into the mix. The key to enjoying any outdoor living space lies in creating a truly multi-sensory experience. Along with enjoying the sights and sounds of nature around you, the sweet and enticing smells of lilies, roses, lilacs or lavender really can make all the difference. As can the allure of fresh herbs, with the added bonus of keeping your kitchen stocked throughout the year.
4. Creative Lighting
A single ultra-bright floodlight might provide adequate illumination, but isn’t what you’d call particularly atmospheric. Instead, opt for creative and decorative mood-lighting - perhaps in the form of string lights and carefully positioned LEDs. You’re not looking to light the whole place up like a football stadium, but more to create an enchanting and welcoming ‘glow’ that’s perfect when the sun sets.
5. Consider a Water Feature
Again, installing a water feature is all about satisfying multiple senses at the same time. Along with making a beautiful visual addition to your patio, there’s much to be said for the soothing sounds of flowing water. As an added bonus, a strategically positioned water feature could also bring more birdlife into your garden. Which, for obvious reasons, is always welcome.
6. Soft Furnishings
There’s a time and a place for rock-hard outdoor furniture, but it’s not exactly ideal for lounging around and soaking up the evening vibes. If you’d prefer not to fork out for luxurious new furniture for your patio, consider bringing some comfortable cushions and throws into the mix. Along with making the place more comfortable for you and those you entertain, they can also be great for bringing a burst of color into the mix.
7. Lay a Weatherproof Rug
There was a time when weatherproof rugs, in general, looked tacky at best, downright unsightly at worst. These days, high-quality weatherproof rugs can be designed to immaculately recreate to look (and sometimes the feel) of almost any other type of rug. Laying a large weatherproof rug outdoors can not only transform the visual dynamic of the entire space but can also protect your patio (or decking) from the occasional bout of bad weather.
8. Embrace Accessories
Last but not least, ornamental accessories can be just as effective outdoors as they are indoors. More importantly, sprucing things up with a selection of accessories provides the opportunity to personalize your patio and make it 100% unique to you and you alone. From dramatic table centerpieces to subtle wall hangings to candle holders to artificial plants, there’s a whole world of options to explore.
Avoid the temptation to go with convention - buy anything and everything you like to create your own personal patio paradise!