Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Create An Ideal Outdoor Space With These Patio Design Trends

Trends often come and go, but when a trend is a particularly good idea sometimes it catches on and changes the way we live. This may be the case with the new emphasis on patio designs and the interest in outdoor living space.

These days a small concrete slab or a patch of bricks for a patio doesn't seem to cut it anymore. People are focusing on creating a nice environment outside where they can relax or entertain family and friends. There are a few specific patios design trends that seem prevalent.

Size & Shape Are Important

The words sensible proportion may not just apply to eating habits these days but also to the right size of patio for a yard. To create a nice patio design you want to avoid a patio that takes up the whole yard, but you also don't want a small concrete slab buried in a large lawn. People understand that planning the right size and shape of patio is the first step of creating an outdoor living area that will fulfill their needs while providing an attractive space to both relax and to entertain.

Cost Effective Environmental Friendly Design

Creating a space that is environmentally friendly and cost effective has become important as well. Many people have learned these things don't have to be sacrificed when creating a comfortable outdoor living space.

Using materials like stamped concrete instead of natural stone can create an authentic look all while costing less and without the environmental impact of quarrying. Using solar lighting or low voltage lighting also helps the homeowner save money with this ambient lighting that uses little or no electricity. In dry climates many people use xeriscape landscaping, to help conserve water.

A Nice Seating Area

You don't often see plastic patio furniture in the new style patio. It is more common to see something that more resembles living room furniture these days. The patio furniture of late is more comfortable and durable with colorful outdoor cushions and sometimes hidden storage areas. Many people even incorporate an outdoor fireplace into the design to make it feel like an outdoor living room.

Creating Your Own Getaway

Instead of expensive vacations more people are spending money on creating a comfortable get away in their own yard making use of water features, landscaping, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor lighting. Unlike a vacation this living space is available anytime, even if you only have an hour to spend there.

Creating an inviting patio design not only provides a great outdoor environment for you to enjoy, it also helps improve the value of your home.

1 comments:

natdalton said...

Thanks for the tips! My husband and I are in the middle of a patio design project. We are definitely going to take your advice and making our patio our own getaway!