It took me a minute to figure out what I was so attracted to in a beautiful patio, and then I realized that it is the casual, relaxing look that appeals to me. I am super attracted to the decor and styling of a well designed outdoor space.
My hunt for ideas has led me to some incredibly charming spaces that I just had to share, from bohemian retreats to sleek, modern designs.
Patios with a Cozy Fire Feature
There’s something about a fire feature that will absolutely draw you and your guests to the patio. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small pit or a huge fireplace! That bright and inviting fire is an element you can gaze at for hours, and it is perfect for warming up your outdoor space on cool autumn evenings.
I think fire pits are a great choice because they are pretty affordable and can look so impressive. It’s easy to build a patio centered around a statement fire pit, but if you really want to bring the drama, you can finish the look with some unusual chairs.
A fireplace, on the other hand, just begs for something with more flair. I love how Barry Block framed this stone fireplace with those simple wooden pergolas and lush blooming bushes. He also used metallic furniture with plush cushions and pillows, which really softens the whole look.
This is such a great fire pit patio concept from APLD
Beautiful Covered Patios
Let’s be honest, it can be tough to enjoy the view or even see your food with the sun right in your eyes! That’s why some sort of sun protection might be a good idea, especially if your patio gets a lot of sun and doesn’t have any trees around.
A pergola is always a popular choice, but a laser-cut arbor can provide your patio with such beautiful light patterns. I’m also seeing more and more pavilion spaces, which I love because they’re so versatile and give you that amazing indoor-outdoor atmosphere.
Just imagine all the things you could do with a concrete pavilion. A covered patio, a house by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen and living area. What could possibly be better? Okay, maybe a pavilion that has a skylight or a UV glass ceiling!
Patios in the Green
A lush, green garden is such a beautiful spot for a patio. It’s a place where you can truly get away from the world, take in the beauty of your flowers, and just forget about everyday things.
I think a patio in a garden doesn’t need to be overly designed. In fact, a lush garden really calls for more reserved and sophisticated furniture.
If you’re looking to add more decor, I think water features are a great choice. They not only spruce up the area but also add a wonderful sense of freshness.
Chic Modern Patios
Creating a modern patio can be as simple as setting up a seating area. It doesn’t need a lot of greenery or special paving; sometimes just a set of furniture is all you need. But when it comes to modern architecture, the design possibilities are truly endless.
Modern homes often have outdoor spaces designed for all kinds of uses, and you can always add an extension to cover your patio, like Charles Debbas did for his Euclid Garden patio.
A modern patio can even be minimal. I think a fire pit and a few chairs are enough to make it an inviting spot for an evening of leisure.
Modern furniture is also incredibly diverse and versatile. There’s a huge variety of tables with built-in fire features, creative chair designs, and attractive sofas available right now that you can use to give your outdoor space some real character.
Timeless Classic Patios
That kind of commitment calls for a truly special patio design. But first, let’s talk about some classic patio features, like pavement. A patio is typically paved with concrete or stone, which gives it a clean but cold aesthetic.
This is where concrete alternatives can make your patio look warm and inviting. Brick is one of the cozier options, and it also lets you create different floor patterns. Cobblestone can give you an old-fashioned, even historic, vibe.
And stone tiles offer a ton of variety in patterns and colors.
Another key element is the furniture. While wrought iron is very sturdy, it isn’t always the most comfortable for sitting. Metal furniture, in general, is long-lasting, but it can have drawbacks like rusting.
So, when you’re choosing patio furniture, I think it’s best to prioritize comfort. Otherwise, your patio might just end up being a feature instead of a functional space.
If you have your heart set on a classic look, you can always use wooden elements and lush greenery to soften the stone and metal finishes. When you pair that with bright flowers and accents, it can look so inviting.
Picture-Perfect Patios
Speaking of water features, what could possibly be better than a patio that overlooks the sea? The views alone are enough to make the space special, but if you add a bit of design and order to the natural chaos, it will truly shine.
Before you invest in it, make sure to put your patio idea into a floor plan. It’s always a good idea to visualize a design before you bring it to life.
Warm Mediterranean Patios
A Mediterranean-style patio is the ultimate outdoor area with its warm accents and statement furniture. Every single decor element adds character to the space and just makes you want to hang around and spend more time outside.
To get a similar look, try incorporating big statement planter pots, sturdy wooden furniture, and statement accessories like a tray coffee table into your patio decor.
Simple Minimalist Patios
The beauty of a patio is that it can be as minimal as you want, and I’m not just talking about style. As I mentioned before, a couple of chairs in the perfect spot can be all you need to make you want to come back to it over and over.
It’s really about creating a serene spot in your backyard or garden, or just taking advantage of the views you have.
Southview Design created a patio in front of a lake that’s surrounded by lush trees and lawns. Just a few wrought iron pieces with bright cushions complete the area where you could spend hours just contemplating nature or talking with a friend about philosophy and life.
Exterior Worlds Landscaping decided on a secluded patio idea, surrounded by bamboo and a decorative fence.
