Nowadays, having a lawn or a backyard is the most important feature that a property can have. According to a new survey by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, having a spacious lawn is the number one priority of Millennials, with 82% saying that it is an essential factor when choosing a home. As Americans are heading to their backyards to entertain, relax, and spend time with their family and friends, it’s no surprise why more and more people are opting to have a dedicated area, such as a patio, where they can do all these activities. While having a big patio can be an advantage, those who have limited space can make the most of it by carefully planning the design and integrating only the necessary elements to turn even the smallest patio into a haven. Here’s how you can maximize a small patio and create a beautiful outdoor space.
Get rid of all the clutter
The first thing that you have to do is to take a good look at your space and see what you can remove or replace. That rusting hulk of a barbeque grill? Those plastic chairs for extra seating? That extra-large planter-type pot that’s taking up most of the space? You can probably do without all of these things. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate these items to a community garden, so find out where’s the nearest place that you can drop them off.
Afterwards, do a thorough cleanup to get rid of dirt and debris. If you see signs of mildew, oil build-up, or grime, a deep clean through pressure washing may be just what your patio needs to get it sparkling clean. While you can certainly do this yourself, having a professional do it may be better as they can eliminate all the unseen dirt and extend the cleaning service to the rest of your exterior.
Choose items that have a dual purpose
After you’ve eliminated all the clutter from your patio, the next thing to do is to select furniture and decor that have a dual purpose. For instance, if you absolutely have to have a fire pit, select one that converts into a patio table. A bench with a built-in storage can also be helpful as you won’t need any extra outdoor furniture to store items such as pillows and throws. Meanwhile, wooden stools can double as side tables, so you’ll have a place for your drinks while you’re lounging in your patio.
Go for a minimalist design
Choosing a minimalist design for your patio is key to make a small space appear larger. Go for clean lines, a black and white or grey and white color scheme, and some pops of color here and there to add visual interest. For example, you can have white lounge chairs with pale grey cushions, sunshine-yellow throw pillows, and a grey and white chevron outdoor rug. Keep the theme in mind when choosing flowering plants and select ones that produce white flowers to give some life to your patio, or have a couple of leafy plants in small white planters.
Having a small patio isn’t a problem if you know how to make the most of it. Try these tips to maximize your outdoor space and create a special haven that you and your family will enjoy.