Memorial Day weekend is almost here. Summer is just around the corner. It’s time to spruce up your outdoor space with a patio makeover. Use these tips to turn your backyard into your own private oasis.
1. Make Comfort a Priority
The vast majority of outdoor patio furniture is shockingly uncomfortable. From hard-sticky plastics to awkward sloping seats, the designs are often not given then care and attention indoor furniture receives. This makes it incredibly difficult to relax.
But what if your outdoor furniture was as comfortable as your living room couch? Wouldn’t you want to spend less time lounging indoors and more time soaking up Mother Nature?
When you select outdoor furniture, make comfort a priority. Look for deep-seated sectionals with plush cushions. For something slimmer, consider chairs with swing backs that mold to your body. Either way, give each piece a “test sit” prior to buying. You want to know that you can comfortably lounge for longer than five minutes.
2. Add a Colorful Rug
Not only do outdoor rugs help you define your space, they bring a sense of plush refinement. They soften the ground. And, they can a add pop of color.
3. Light up Your Patio with an Impressive Lantern
When the sun goes down, don’t let darkness banish you and your guests indoors. Light up your patio with an eye-catching lantern (or two). We’re big fans of Gloster’s LED line. These solar-powered lights are as elegant as they are functional.
Designed in neutral colors, such as teak and white or black, they mix and match well with nearly every outdoor space. And, they can be repositioned as needed.
4. Look for Functional Décor
Consider how you like to entertain when you’re indoors. Do you often set up a bar cart or a side table with help-yourself appetizers? Create the same experience in your outdoor space by adding a functional serving cart.
5. Spruce up Your Space with Edibles
Adding plants to your patio helps soften the space and make it more inviting. But, make sure those plants work for you. Consider edible plants, such as fresh herbs. Not only will they be beautiful, you can incorporate them into your meals and even your drinks!
6. Bring in a WOW Factor
It’s always nice to have a conversation starter, like an eye-catching piece that’s a little bit different. Gloster’s Bells Tables are just that kind of piece. Serving double-duty as a side table and ice bucket, they are available in four fun colors.
7. Let There be Shade
During the hot summer days, nothing will send you indoors more quickly than the need for shade. Adding a patio umbrella (or two) to your backyard allows you to escape the sun when you want.
Market umbrellas offer a lovely, classic look. For the maximum in functionality, we’re fans of cantilever umbrellas. The large rectangle-shaped umbrellas swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to easily move the shade with the sun.
8. Bring the Heat
As warm as a summer day can be, summer evenings in the Pacific Northwest can sometimes get a bit chilly. Outdoor fire pit not only bring the heat, they are beacons for visitors. Folks naturally gather around them. Offering offer ambiance and a focal, fire pits are as beautiful as they are soothing.
9. Add Colorful Pops of Comfort
When it comes to selecting the cushions for your outdoor furniture, we typically recommend going with a neutral, solid color. This allows you to have the maximum amount of flexibility with your outdoor décor.
However, when it comes to selecting your outdoor patio cushions, we’re all for bright pops of color. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match patterns and colors. You can also select cushions of varying sizes to add more texture to your outdoor seating.
10. Stock up on Outdoor Glassware
You’re outdoors, enjoying a leisurely evening with your friends and family. Folks have a cocktail. They nibble on a few appetizers. And then someone drops their drink and your crystal glass shatters into a million pieces…
Talk about a buzz kill! Instead, stock up on outdoor glassware. Which, contrary to every country song, doesn’t mean red solo cups. We carry a selection of stemless plastic wine glasses that look anything but cheesy.
11. Pick Interesting Accessories
Like in your living room, accessories are a great way to add some pizzazz to your outdoor space. Whether it’s a fabulous mounted plaque or a funky ceramic animal, interesting accessories let you infuse your patio with your own personality.
Drop by our Seattle or Bellevue location to find the perfect pieces for your patio makeover.