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.

Patio Design And Patio Furniture - The Use Of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is a place where the eye naturally comes to rest. In a well-designed patio there is always a planned focal point, such as a large dining set, perhaps with a well-selected umbrella. But a patio’s focal point could also be another interesting object or landscape feature.

Examples of landscape features that can be a patio’s focal point are an interesting pathway leading from the patio to an area beyond, a flower garden, a mature tree, or a dramatic view of the back lawn.

However, an outdoor dining table with chairs is often a natural focal point because of its size. If you intend to have a large outdoor dining set, there are several things to keep in mind.

Be conscious of the style of the table and chairs and try to keep styles the same. If you have a very rustic patio, then a contemporary table and chairs may not go well together. It is usually a good idea to maintain the same decor style.

Select the colors of the furniture and cushions with care. Visualize the furniture in the location where they will be used. The colors should be similar or complimentary to the surrounding area.

An umbrella is a good addition if it is appropriate. An umbrella in an area already covered may look odd. However, umbrellas usually work well in screened-in areas that are still exposed to direct sunlight. If you buy an umbrella separately from the table and chairs, make very sure the colors and patterns go well with each other as well as the surroundings.

A pair of chaise lounges with an umbrella could also be an interesting focal point. The umbrella would have its own stand. Of course, the cushions on the chaise lounges and the umbrella material would have to either match or be complimentary with each other.

A statue, fountain, or other ornament can be used as a focal point. However, several things should be kept in mind. If using a statue, the statue and its size must be in keeping with its surroundings, the style of the house, and the decor of the patio. A large statue of the god Jupiter would probably not look well on a patio with, for example, western decor. But a statue of Venus in a traditional English garden setting would be a pleasing addition. A graceful statue would bring an air of serenity.

Size is important as you would not want to overpower the surrounding garden features with a statue that is too large. One of the most agreeable placements for a nicely sized statue within a garden setting is placement by a wall, such as a red brick wall, especially where there are plants, including climbing plants. Never place a statue in isolation, but in an area where it can become part of its surroundings.

These are but a few examples of possible focal points in a patio or garden setting. There are many other possibilities. The important thing is to include the focal point naturally within the patio or garden environment so that it blends in and be in harmony with its surroundings.