“Designing a patio is not just about arranging furniture; it’s about choreographing an experience. It’s about infusing life into an outdoor space, turning it into a sanctuary where moments are savored and memories are made.”
-Nate Berkus
The sun gently sets, casting a warm glow over your patio. The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze sets the perfect ambiance. Your patio isn’t just a space; it’s an oasis, a tranquil extension of your home where relaxation and connection flourish.
A patio is a simple outdoor area but when transformed can turn into an enchanting oasis—a seamless extension of your home where relaxation, connection, and tranquillity flourish.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can transform your outdoor space into a haven of peace and beauty.
Embrace Natural Elements
Nature’s best designer, and the inclusion of natural elements on a patio can create an atmosphere that allows for both enjoyment and relaxation. Your patio furniture and furnishings shall be made of natural materials. For patio furniture, it’s really nice to choose wood, stone or bamboo and they can be combined with other materials such as metal etc. in order to give you a very unique and attractive look.
Consider placing a potted plant, flowers or another natural element like driftwood and stones in the living area for decoration purposes. Make a live wall or turn it into a horizontal garden. Adding a living wall and vertical garden on your patio is an excellent way to add some fresh vegetation without taking too much space. There are a variety of plants, such as flowers, herbs and succulents that you can create them from.
Make a water feature. The sound of running water is a natural stress reliever, and a water feature can add a touch of elegance to your patio. Add a birdbath or fountain to the little patio if you have it.
The lighting of the patio should include natural elements. There are a number of ways that you can illuminate your patio, from sun lanterns to string lights, while adding an element of natural beauty. Candles or torches can also be used, but you should make sure they are positioned in such a way as to prevent accidents. Create an inviting seating area with wooden Adirondack chairs and stone fire pits. Build a pathway from your home to the patio, where you plant flowers and shrubs on either side.
Comfortable Seating
Comfort is key when designing an outdoor oasis. Invest in high quality, comfortable seats that invite you to relax and rest. You want your seat to be comfortable and welcoming, no matter if it’s an outdoor sofa, ergonomic chair or hammock. The addition of soft cushions and pillows makes a room feel more comfortable, allowing for colors and patterns to be added that give the space its own personality.
The fabrics that are durable against fading or water damage must be chosen for cushions and pillows. If you have a small patio, you’ll want to choose furniture that is scaled to fit the space. Avoid the area being crowded, as this can result in a feeling of congestion and discomfort. You’ll be using the patio for meals, entertaining or just relaxing?
If you’ve got some outdoor chairs around the fire pit or a hammock spread across two trees, it would be good to set them out. Outdoor rugs, blankets and pillow covers might be part of this. In order to add a sense of nature, you could even include plants and flowers. You can create a comfortable outdoor seating area perfect for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air with a little planning.
Determine what furniture is appropriate for the tasks you plan to perform. You’re going to want a sufficient number of seats so you don’t have too many guests. This will provide a more flexible and welcoming environment.
When it comes to custom furniture services, working with professionals in this field can help you design and create furniture that perfectly fits your space, style, and needs. Custom furniture allows you to maximize the functionality of your area and ensures that your furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also tailored to your specific requirements, providing a unique and personalized touch to your living space.
Outdoor Dining Delights
With a dining space that invites alfresco meals, you can enhance your outdoor experience. Your patio can be transformed into an ideal spot to host family gatherings or dinners with a solid, stylish dining table coupled with weather resistant chairs. You could create a magic atmosphere for dinner by lighting string lights or lanterns around the room.
You need to select a dining table and chairs that are suitable for your space. You can choose to buy a folding table or tables with the extendable leaves if you’re sitting on your little patio. You’ll be able to select a larger table and several chairs if you have more space. Ensure that your dining table and chairs are impervious to the weather. In particular, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions, this is of utmost importance.
Furniture made from materials such as teak, aluminium or plastic can be selected. You’re adding a rug or carpet under your dining table and chairs. This would help the space to be defined, and create a more pleasant atmosphere. You can put some plants or flowers on the outdoor dining area. That will make it possible to bring in nature, thereby creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
Add some overhead lights, see what happens. It could be string lights, candles or any sort of lighting. That’s going to create a magical atmosphere for dinner.
Greenery & Blooms
In any room, including your patio, plants produce a unique way of breathing life. You’ll be creating a beautiful and inviting oasis where you can take your own time enjoying the outdoors, using the right plants. The climate and the amount of sunlight that your patio receives should be taken into account when selecting plants for this area.
There is a temperate ocean climate in London, with mild winters and warm summers. This means that you have a wide variety of plants on your hands, but it’s important to choose the ones which are suitable for your specific conditions.
Full sunlight is required for some plants like roses and lavender while others, such as ferns and hostas, prefer to be in the shade. You can also add plants if you have an enclosed patio which is mostly covered by shade.
Choose varieties that are able to tolerate low light conditions. Plants are able to tolerate colder weather differently from other plants. You might want to choose plants native to the region if you live in an area which is particularly cold. The humidity level should also be taken into consideration since some plants prefer a drier environment, while others prefer to grow in moister conditions.
Ambient Lighting
You can turn your patio into something special with the proper lighting. Check out a range of lighting options, including solar powered garden lights, lanterns and candles. These soft, ambient lightings not only illuminate an area but also create a comfortable and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect to relax after a long day. You’ll want to select the lights that are sized for your space when you have a small patio.
Don’t overload the area with too many lights. You need to choose the lights which will provide a sufficient amount of light for your patio, where it is mainly shadowed. Lights to complement the furniture and style on your patio should be selected. 0String lights provide a traditional and flexible lighting option for the patio. To create soft and romantic illumination, they can be hung from trees, fences or pergolas.
Lanterns make patio furniture look sophisticated and elegant. They can be installed in a way that provides an ambient light for use on tables, chairs or the ground. Solar garden lights are an ideal and environmentally responsible lighting option. In order to add a light and charm, they can be planted on pathways or flower beds. On every patio, candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It could be placed in lantern, hurricane or even into the ground.
Outdoor Entertainment
The proper lighting can transform your patio from ordinary to extraordinary. Explore various lighting options, such as solar-powered garden lights, lanterns, or candles. These soft, ambient lights not only illuminate the space but also create a cosy, intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day.
When considering artwork and accessory design selection for your patio, opt for pieces that complement the overall ambience you’re trying to create. Artwork and accessories can add a personal touch to your outdoor space.
Look for items like outdoor sculptures, weather-resistant wall art, or decorative cushions and throws that enhance the style and comfort of your patio, making it a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Personal Touch & Functional Decor
Infuse your patio with your personality through functional decor items. Consider outdoor rugs, weather-resistant artwork, and decorative trays. These elements not only add style but also serve a purpose. Outdoor shelving units or storage benches can help keep the space organized, ensuring your patio remains a tranquil retreat.
Your patio is more than just an outdoor space; it’s an opportunity to create a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By embracing natural elements, incorporating comfortable seating, setting up an inviting dining area, adding greenery and blooms, choosing the right lighting, and adding your personal touch, you can transform your patio into a serene oasis—a true extension of your home.
Remember, the key to creating a perfect outdoor oasis is to make it an extension of your home’s interior, ensuring that it reflects your style and provides a space where you can find peace and inspiration.
To achieve this harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor living, consider working with interior design packages tailored explicitly for outdoor spaces. These packages often include expert guidance in selecting the right furniture, accessories, and decor to transform your patio, garden, or outdoor living area into a seamless and inviting extension of your home’s interior.
Author: Amulya Mitta & Tejaswini Patil (Interior Designer)