Designing Your Patio or Deck for Optimal Enjoyment

Mother's and Father's Day, graduation and BBQ season are fast approaching. Around our area that means, "Let's celebrate outside!"

As soon as the weather starts to warm up, the desire to entertain, play or quietly relax outdoors becomes irresistible.

Here are some tips for designing your outdoor space, no matter what the configuration or budget, so you can enjoy it from spring's first warm sunny days. First, if your home has a patio, deck or balcony you love, it's time to start thinking about how to make the most of it:

• Plan for shade –– essential on hot days. Add an umbrella to your patio table or install a retractable awning.
  Create privacy, cleaner air and noise buffers with shrubs, planters filled with tall plants or hanging baskets overflowing with greenery.
• Make your space reflect your personal style and more inviting by adding cozy cushions and throws (for cool nights) in colors and patterns you love. Easy to store away when not in use.
• Include fixed, hung and landscape lighting in your plan. Lighting lets you: highlight your landscape; enjoy outdoor games; safely navigate your yard at night; and create whatever mood you seek.
• Accessorize! Find items that reflect your taste such as outdoor art, sculpture, birdbaths or candle holders to add more personality to your space.
• If you have a pool, make it your centerpiece! Add comfortable seating and umbrellas so you can enjoy the water even when you're not swimming.
• Don't forget about storage! Invest in a good-sized storage bin to keep pool toys, floats and other summer gear organized.
• Be realistic and balance function with form. For example, you should probably skip the fire table (as beautiful as it is) for now if you have two dogs and three toddlers at home.

But what if your outdoor space is past its prime and just not working for you anymore? Let's talk about what to consider when you're redesigning:

• Size and shape –– Is it too large or small for your needs? Do you want to keep it the same size or make changes?
• Layout –– You need to imagine how to access your space, how traffic will flow and be clear on any constraints. For example, if you're constantly walking through your dining area to get to the grill, that's not ideal. Is there a septic tank or local EPA rules to consider?
• Materials –– What will work with your home and creative vision? Poured concrete, brick pavers, stone or tile? Do you want only natural wood for a deck or weather-proof, lower-maintenance manufactured building materials?
• Landscaping –– Do you want a natural look or prefer highly manicured?



Whether you have a large backyard, a small balcony or you're ready to build a new oasis, with a little strategy you can design outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years! Need some help planning and choosing? This is what I love! Contact me to start brainstorming soon.