Decorating Articles

Question: When is a patio not a patio?

Answer: When it becomes a summer "room"!

Here in Southern California, we’re pretty spoiled when it comes to outdoor entertaining. We can do it (almost) all year round…and we don’t have to worry about mosquitoes! Other parts of the country are not so fortunate.

But they have something we don’t. They’re called sun-rooms, screened porches, summer porches, verandas! A nice cozy spot to put a few comfy chairs or maybe a lazy swing or hammock. Somewhere to “kick-back”, sip a glass of iced tea or a mint julep, and enjoy the long hot days and balmy nights of summer protected from the sun and bugs that accompany the season.

But we have patios. Our patios are covered, but not screened. Most patios connect the house to the yard. Patios are very practical, and some are quite lovely; depending on the stone used and the landscaping beyond. The one thing about patios, however, is that the “cozy’ element is usually missing. Rather than an extension of our home, a patio usually gives the feeling of, well, a patio!

You can remedy that rather simply. No matter where you live, your patio can become a welcoming “room” with a few “SMART” summer tricks!

Start by adding some plants.

Don’t limit the lawn to all the greenery. Introduce some potted trees (especially palms) to begin creating a sense of drama and to serve as a visual barrier between lawn and patio.

Add flowers to the mix. One way to soften the stone and add color is to bring in fresh flowers. You can use planter boxes, strategically set on the ground as “room” barriers, or in small pots and bowls as accessories. A few strategically placed tall, colorful pots bursting with cut lilies, birds of paradise or bamboo stalks can turn a hum-drum patio into a tropical paradise instantly!

Make it feel homey.

• Create a “roomy” feeling by bringing in some comfortable chairs or a small sofa. Use wicker or rattan, and be sure they have soft, colorful cushions. An ottoman is good to put up tired feet, and don’t forget an end table and coffee table to set down your drink glass!
• Add an area rug to anchor your seating grouping. An outdoor rug that is weather resistant and easily cleaned by using the hose, is one key element that can quickly turn concrete into a retreat!
• Use inside lamps…outside! Have some fun, here, but be practical. If you are in a breezy area, use smaller lamps made of non-breakable material; like wood or iron. If your patio is more sheltered, terra-cotta or colorful ceramic could work as well. Just be sure they are located away from anywhere rain can reach, or kids can knock them over.!

Accent with accessories.

• Don’t limit the fun-stuff to the indoors. Bring in the candles and baskets. Perk things up with throw pillows and a comfy, washable throw.
• Set the table with a colorful tablecloth, placemats and napkins. Jazz it up with patterned plastic glassware and dishware.

Rearrange the furniture.

• Don’t make the patio table your “focal point”. Move it nearer to the grill and arrange a “circle of conversation” with your sofa and cozy chairs. Add a cute chimenea for cooler evenings and a new point of focus.
• Surround your seating zone with drama by creating a canopy with soft gauzy curtain panes billowing from your patio cover. Seclude your self even more by bringing in a decorative screen or two.

Theme it up.

• Bring the tropics to you by “themeing” everything from your jute floor carpet to the coconut-shaped beverage glasses! Add some tiki torches, a few juicy pineapples and settle back in paradise!
• Turn the patio into “fiesta central” with a bright red area rug and multi-colored dishware. Fill a bowl with limes for the Margaritas, and bring on the patterned pottery for the munchies. Light the chimenea and an abundance of candles in terra cotta holders and you’ll soon be shouting ole!

About the author:

Marcia Smart is a nationally recognized Interior Redesigner and author of the witty do-it-yourself book “Decorating by Instinct”. Marcia is an in-demand instructor of professional redesign training and is shaping the future of the industry as the Executive Director of I.R.I.S., Interior Redesign Industry Specialists To learn more about her program and find more FREE tips and articles like these, visit her site at www.smartredesign.com

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