Fresh ideas for outdoor living

Now that the weather has warmed up, it’s time to plan to spend time outside. There are as many ways to fix up your outside space as there are to decorate your home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Patios

Create a secluded spot for expanding your outdoor space with a patio. Build a custom patio border with mosaic tiles, pebbles or stones; fill in the patio with bricks, tiles or concrete—which can be carved while still wet and then stained in various colors.
Add outdoor furnishings such as an outdoor dining table and chairs, a pair of chaise loungers or an outdoor sofa covered in weatherproof fabric.
Paper lanterns, hung from a framework such as a pergola, can provide soft illumination in the space above your patio, giving a warm glow to the area.
Plants are also an easy way to bring life and color to your patio and can make the space seem much more relaxing. Aside from using flowering planters, you can cover a lattice or stone wall with climbing plants to create a lush backdrop for your patio. Not only does the greenery add color, but plants also absorb CO2 from the air. Plus a variety of plants will soften the hard landscaping materials used in patio design.

Decks

Adding a deck to your home is a great way to expand your living space. Decks are very open to various custom designs, ranging from a simple rectangular add-on to one built on several levels and that uses curved shapes.
You can be very creative in decorating a deck area. Print a custom carpet with a different wood stain or incorporate built-in seating with storage for cushions.
If you already have a deck addition, consider building another detached deck away from the house and connect it with a bridge, a path or stepping stones. If you have trees in your backyard, think about building the deck (or expanding your current deck) around a mature tree to incorporate and connect with nature, making the most of a natural shade umbrella.

An indoor/outdoor area rug can add a nice touch of color and pattern to a porch, adding to the ambiance of outdoor living.

Porches

If your house has a front porch, there are several ways to create a comfortable outdoor spot while adding curb appeal to your home. Start with lighting. Whether you choose it powered by solar, batteries or electricity, lighting is a great way to add ambiance to any style porch. Try something different; experiment with different designs. For example: hang a decorative chandelier instead of standard lighting.
Add plants and flowers. Having plants on your front porch softens the architecture while forming a connection with the garden. Mix different size pots all around—on the stairs, next to the front door, or scattered around the porch, including hanging flowing plants.

Window boxes can also add a nice touch of color when attached to the railings.
An indoor/outdoor area rug can add a nice touch of color and pattern to a porch, adding to the ambiance of outdoor living.
Include comfortable furnishings, such as indoor/outdoor mesh chairs, wood tables, a porch swing a rocking chair and if space allows, a sofa covered in indoor/outdoor fabric.

And the front door

Don’t forget the front door—here is a chance to add a spot of color by painting the door a bright primary color. Include a front door wreath to welcome guests to your porch.

Your outdoor kitchen can be simple or over the top. No matter what it looks like, it's a unique space for cooking and entertaining.

The outdoor kitchen

Go beyond the simple barbecue by adding an outdoor kitchen, complete with work counter space, sink, small refrigerator and weather-resistant cabinets. Locate this second kitchen near the house, on the patio or deck. Install a decorative awning to protect the area from the elements. Awnings come in fixed and retractable forms; retractable awnings give you the option to leave decks and patios uncovered when the weather is nice. They can be operated manually with a hand crank or can be motorized. An awning is also a great way to add color and pattern to your backyard area.

A ceiling for your patio

Add open-air “ceilings” to your patio with arbors, trellises and pergolas. You can buy a pergola kit or ready-made arbor and trellises at most local farm and garden stores. If you’re DIY-challenged or don’t have the time to put together a garden structure, consider hiring a carpenter or contractor to help with your project.
These structures are designed to enhance the open patio by creating an al fresco sanctuary and carving out an inviting outdoor living space. Add vines, climbing roses, hollyhocks or wisteria to dress up your outdoor structure and add color to your garden area.