As spring approaches, your thoughts may turn to refreshing your patio decor for a new season of entertaining and outdoor living. To make this area more inviting, attractive and fashionable, you may want to consider these six tips:
1. Update with the latest new colors
Often, simply changing out the designs of seat cushions and adding other accessories (like candles, lamps and umbrellas featuring this year's exciting new colors) can make a big difference. The 2019 Pantone color of the year is Living Coral. Other trending colors include woodland shades, hunter greens, deep saturated colors, pale pinks, misty blues, bright yellows, creamy off-white and Southwest-inspired stucco and terracotta tones. There is also a shift toward monochromatics and neutral tones — natural materials and colors that blend in with the outdoor environment. So let your imagination run wild as you explore new combinations as well as creative twists on classic colors.
2. Green it up
While your patio is already outdoors, in the middle of nature, sometimes adding a few additional touches of greenery — like planters or open paver squares — can spruce up your decor. Palm leaves, fresh fronds, floral arrangements, hanging plants and even accessories like throw pillows with tropical prints are great ways to tap into this trend. When planning for paths and walkways, two popular techniques are using offset or staggered plank-style pavers that interweave strips of nearby grass or gardens, and porcelain pavers arranged in a stepping stone or checkerboard design alternating with grass, ground cover or other plants.
There are a variety of options for refreshing your patio decor.3. Mix and match
Merging styles and materials in unexpected combinations is a wonderful route to a more imaginative, exciting patio design. For example, try combining materials like chunky timber, teak, rope, metal and upholstery. You can even pair contemporary looks like powder-coated steel, aluminum and laminates side-by-side with textured, chiseled stone or natural wood. Throw in rattan chairs or canvas fabrics and linens to serve as accents, and you have a surefire approach to livening up the look of your outdoor living space.
4. Seating for both style and comfort
Nowadays, the trend is toward comfort — but that doesn't mean style goes out the window. The definition of comfort, of course, depends greatly on your own tastes, preferences and lifestyle. Younger homeowners often like a more relaxed style of seating, which can be deeper and lower to the ground. Older generations, on the other hand, prefer traditional sofas with armrests, since they are generally higher and easier to get out of. So to accommodate both ends of the spectrum, there's an extremely wide range of furniture to choose from, including complete patio sets as well as individual pieces like love seats, chaises, reclining chairs, barstools, armless and modular chairs. There are even special styles like Adirondack chairs (in a variety of colors), rocking chairs and recliners, dining chairs and daybeds to consider.
5. Finesse it with fabrics
Today's new, luxurious outdoor fabrics offer more stylish options than ever before, with the added advantage of practicality. There are now outdoor sheers that can be used as curtains, exterior velvets that lend an air of glamor to your patio environment, and soft broadcloths and lovely canvases that are durable, fast-drying and stand up well to the outdoor elements. All-weather carpeting, welcome mats and exterior spot rugs are also great complementary additions to consider.
6. Remember the accessories
Last but not least, don't overlook the visual value of distinctive design flourishes such as umbrellas and umbrella end tables, reversible cushions, floor lamps, firepits, ottomans and other patio accessories.
Looking for the perfect furniture for your patio? Head to Arwood's Furniture and Mattress! Family-owned and -operated, Arwood's has the largest selection of Missouri furniture. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best products for your needs and budget.
