10 Ideas to Perk-Up Your Patio This Summer (With Pictures)

As the days are getting longer and warmer, people tend to spend more time outside, relaxing in the sun. Lucky individuals, who have yards, can fully enjoy the balmy weather in the comfort of their home.

However, if you want to completely use the yard’s potential, consider perking up your patio for the hot summer days and chilly nights.

Nobody wants to sit in on an untidy patio. Besides looking neglected, it can cause serious health-related problems such as allergies.

Therefore, before you decide to upgrade it, make sure you’ve weeded out the darnel, swept off the dust and washed this area, so you can let go of your worries and loosen up.

1. Furniture

A patio without furniture is basically useless unless you’re a hippie and prefer sitting on the floor. Unless you want to catch a cold, or get stung by a bug you sat on, placing furniture on your patio is essential.

Let’s face it, everything revolves around the seating area. Therefore, the whole patio aesthetic depends on the style and type of furniture you choose.

Whether you’ll go for minimalism or comfortable outside Livingroom, it’s up to your preferences. There is no right or wrong. The important thing is to have a beautiful place everyone loves.

2. Add a fireplace

Do you know the depressing feeling when you’ve planned a Friday night party with your friends, but summer has decided to double-cross you and turn cold for the weekend?

Luckily, there is a solution that will make your patio look cooler and keep you warmer during these times. Fire!

No, you should not set fire to your patio. Instead of that, add a fireplace or a fire pit. Pop a glass of champagne while you’re listening to the relaxing crackling sound the fire makes.

Practically and aesthetically, it’s an ideal solution for every type and style of the patio. The fire pit adds warmth to the heart of your yard.

3. Build an outdoor kitchen

Is there anything better in the world than delicious homemade food on a cozy patio? There isn’t if that’s all you want at the moment.

Instead of having continuous trips to the kitchen, as you always forget something, build an outdoor kitchen. 

When someone mentions an outdoor kitchen, the first thing that pops up in your mind is probably the luxurious, expensive kitchen you don’t know how to use.

Well, it doesn’t have to be like that. Instead of spending a fortune on costly materials and installation, why don’t you build the outdoor kitchen yourself?

Imagine family lunches on warm Sunday afternoons, or dinner parties with friends every Saturday night. That would be amazing! And the best part of it all is that you don’t need any special skill to build the outdoor kitchen! Just a little bit of patience and goodwill.

4. Install a pergola

Hot summer days are ideal for outdoor activities with your friends or family. However, being outdoors in the middle of the heatwave, without protection, can’t be good for your health. You don’t want to risk getting a heat stroke, do you?

Besides giving your patio a unique look, installing a custom pergola roof protects you from the dangerous sun rays. With a wide range of styles available, open roofs are ideal for any type of yard or patio.

You don’t have to worry about mismatching the aesthetic of your home, as pergolas come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The heart of your yard deserves a special look, and installing a pergola roof can give you exactly that.

5. Don’t forget about the greenery

If you think your patio is perfect, good job! But take another look around. Is there something missing? What about landscaping, flowers, and greenery?

When a patio lacks landscaping, it can really take away from the overall impression of the yard. It takes away from the curb appeal too!

The welcoming and inviting atmosphere you strive to achieve heavily depends on the landscaping. Potted plants, flowers, tree and bush seedlings are a perfect décor on the budget.

They contribute to the comfort and aesthetic of your yard and house. Look for cheap but lovely landscaping ideas that will add a special charm to your exterior.

6. Add New Pillows and Cushions to Patio Furniture

Pillows and cushions add a fun, colorful element to your outdoor space. You can choose neutral colors for a cool, understated look, or bright, funky patterns to bring extra vibrancy to your patio. You can even buy floor pillows to add extra seating and a decadent feeling to your outdoor space.

Pillows and cushions are an affordable way to change your design setup. If you’ve hesitated when buying outdoor pillows before due to their strange feeling, you should know that outdoor fabric has evolved.

Newer patio pillows can stand up to weather conditions without feeling uncomfortable. Get a unified patio set, or mix and match pillows of different colors for an eclectic feeling.

7. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint to Existing Patio Furniture

Nobody needs to know that you didn’t splurge on a brand-new patio set if you just coat your old furniture with a new coat of paint.

Paint can freshen up your design scheme, cover up any damage, and even provide additional protection from the weather.

There are many different options when it comes to painting your furniture. The easiest way to do it is with spray paint.

Look for paints that are formulated specifically for wicker, wood, metal, or plastic, depending on the material of your furniture. You can even use stencils to paint designs on your furniture for a whimsical, playful vibe.

8. Install New Patio Lighting or Candles

A change in light fixtures can help you see your outdoor patio in a whole new light. If you don’t have lighting installed already, this will allow you to use your patio long after the sun sets, perfect for warm summer evenings. If you already have patio lighting, switching it up can create a whole new atmosphere.

Try installing fairy lights to create an enchanted atmosphere. Are you hoping to entertain guests around your patio table? Install an outdoor pendant light or a tall floor lamp to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. If your patio has a wall or trellis, you can even install wall sconces.

If you don’t want to add to your electricity bill, candles are a fun way to add light and create a soft, atmospheric glow. Throw some tea lamps on your table, or invest in some tall candle holders and place them around your patio. When installing candles or any lighting, be mindful of safety hazards.

9. Add a Water Feature Such as a Water Fountain

A bubbling water fountain can add a touch of luxury and calm to your outdoor living space. A fountain can make you feel as if you are in a luxurious palace garden owned by royalty—and they do not cost as much as you might think.

You can pay a landscaper to install a small pond or fountain directly into the ground, which creates a seamless natural look but will cost more.

Or, you can buy a battery-powered small fountain from a hardware store or online retailer. Those are smaller but are still soothing to look at and listen to.

10. Create a Reading Corner on Your Patio

The best way to enjoy your patio is to create a space dedicated to your hobbies. A quiet reading nook can be the perfect way to enjoy your outdoor space.

Pick out a comfortable chair, or throw a few decorative pillows on an existing chair to make it into the perfect reading throne.

Add a throw blanket so you can continue reading even once the weather gets cooler. Add a small side table to hold your books, drinks, and anything else you may need for the perfect reading experience.

Conclusion

Investing time and money in your patio is really worth it considering the fact of how healthy it is to spend time outdoors.

You can make a great, functional outdoor space just by perking up your patio. It’s all in one space that provides comfort, shelter, and fun. So, don’t waste time and use the sunny weather to improve your old patio to the patio of your dreams.