As the weather turns cooler, the fall season will be the perfect time to work outside. This may just be the right moment to finally build the patio you have always dreamed of for your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy great moments with your family and friends for years to come enjoying unforgettable meals, but it will also raise the value of your house greatly. Here are a few tips to create the ideal patio in your backyard.
Create a Link Between Inside and Outside
Many will tell you that the secret to achieve a patio that everyone will find exceptional is to make sure that there is a continuity between the room that opens-up to it, which is often the kitchen or the dining room. There is no better way to do so than to select and install the same flooring in both locations. This way, the patio becomes an extension of the house, which brings more value for the eyes as well as for its resale. It is important to choose a suitable and durable flooring that is slip and weather resistant. Tiles, wood and natural stones are great options that you should consider.
To add the sensation of continuity, there is nothing better than choosing one of these garden awnings that can be attached to the house. When open, they protect against sun rays or rain, making it possible to eat meals on the patio in any kind of weather. But most of all, it functions as a partial roof, which connects the patio to the rest of the house. There are a variety of awnings available today, which can be adapted to your house specifications in terms of size, length and colours.
Choose the Right Furniture
Today, the range of furniture for an outside patio is so large that you won’t have a problem finding exactly what you need to make it fit with the rest of your house. However, you should look for sustainable materials to be environmentally friendly. Since it has become a core value of our society, many designers have adapted their furniture to become green. Look for bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled plastic when you go shopping.
Although style should fit the tastes of the family and the environment it will be placed in, there are still other things to take into account when choosing furniture for the patio. It is always better to select multifunctional pieces, so that they can be used efficiently whenever you decide to move them around for a visual change. In terms of colours and patterns, although bright ones are currently trending, it is important to choose something that you believe you can live with for at least a couple of years. If your eyes get tired after only a few weeks, you may start to avoid finding yourself sitting on the patio, which would be a pity.
Add an Exterior Kitchen
One of the most interesting elements you can add to your patio, is a second kitchen. It is nice to be able to change the way you cook for a few months, throughout summer. The two most popular cooking methods outdoor are wood oven and a grill. Both are totally different and can be complementary if you have enough space. If not, you will have to decide between baking and grilling, which are entirely different. If you love pizzas, you probably already have your answer.
To make it easy to cook outside, you should have a large window built between the kitchen inside the house and the one outdoor. This way, you can move all the ingredients and condiments you will require easily. Otherwise, you can also install a refrigerator outside. You need to add a sink to wash the food, as well as plates and utensils that you will use to cook. Don’t forget a counter to work on.
Get Creative With Lighting
Lighting as become the ultimate tool to create a perfect patio in the latter years. Nowadays, string lights are a classic option and can be hung from trees, fences or on the awning that you will choose. They are the elements that add warmth to the patio. To go one step further, you can select lanterns for a more rustic or traditional look. They can be used to line the patio or to hang like the string lights. And if you really want to have a “wow” effect, you can choose a fire pit, which will provide both light and warmth, and can be positioned in front of the patio, where people can gather around it after dinner.