Patio 101: Bring Life to Your Outdoor Space

April 10, 2017
by Lizbeth

Furniture and Home Accents Outdoor Living

I don’t know about you, but my patio is an extension of my home. With spring already here and summer right around the corner, I wanted to make sure it was ready for entertaining friends — or even just to relax with a cup of coffee. I’ve been waiting all year for the warmer weather so I could start bringing my patio to life.

Photo by Home & Fabulous

I like to start off with the foundation: patio furniture. It’s the most important, but often the most difficult to purchase. If you don’t have any yet, it’s worth investing in some pieces you love. Great patio furniture will last you for years to come.

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My patio furniture has been with me for years now. It’s made up of three pieces and, I swear, they get better as the time passes. This year, I gave myself the challenge of mixing things up a bit by opting for something different. So, I decided to give my patio furniture a little makeover and splashed on some paint. In the end, you don’t always have to spend a ton when it comes to decorating your patio.

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These small benches were a great find from HomeGoods. They weren’t the color or fabric I was looking for, but the price could not be beat. However, with a little bit of imagination anything can be brought to life. I reupholstered them myself with outdoor fabric and thought they would be a great seating option for friends and family.

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If you have a patio that allows you to add plants and have your own beautiful garden, you don’t need much to decorate. But if you don’t, I recommend investing in statement planters – like these that I found at HomeGoods – and using artificial plants like flowers or a boxwood ball. They’re a great alternative and look fantastic. Once they start to lose their color, all you need to do is touch them up with spray paint (made specifically for artificial plants).

Photo by Home & Fabulous

I found my plants at HomeGoods. Whether you prefer artificial plants or surround yourself with flowers, they have a great selection to choose from.

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Create an extra cozy ambiance with pillows and throws that allow you to change up your look depending on the season. Drape the throws on the seats, or in a basket placed next to them.

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These tables were originally a dark gray, so I painted them white to give my patio a brighter look. They’re a great addition!

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I also highly recommend an outdoor rug. Trust me, it does wonders for a patio space. You can find a wide selection of these at your local HomeGoods.

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Add a touch of magic to your outdoor space by stringing café lights. This is an easy way to incorporate light and sparkle in your space. It’s inexpensive but looks like a million bucks!

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Lanterns and solar lights are a great option if you don’t have outlets for lamps. They are statement pieces that bring fashion and function to your area. Not to mention you save money on electricity! Win-win!

Photo by Home & Fabulous

I hope these tips will help you out when creating the outdoor space of your dreams. Enjoy your summer accompanied by friends and family and I’ll see you next time!

Lizbeth is a paid blogger. View more of her work at Home & Fabulous.