Did you know that your outside space is a very important piece of your real estate when you own a home? Sprucing up that space can beautifully enhance your health and well-being in ways that might surprise you.

Whether or not you are a 50+ Baby Boomer, you’ll want to review these design tips for updating your patio with style. Let’s get started…….

Updating Tips for Your Patio!

Cleaning First: Look critically at your patio furniture for the spring and summer seasons. Start by cleaning: scrub down your furniture pieces and cushions. Wrought iron or metal furniture can be cleaned with a mild solution of dish soap and water. Rinse off the excess (especially good for removing mildew).

Or just a good hosing with your garden hose can work too. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning furniture cushions. Or go online to source cleaning services in your area.

Repaint: If your furniture could use a new coating or paint, check out a patio furniture restoration service. Many of these companies can provide the same finish used by the original manufacturer. They will pick up your furniture and bring it back when finished. Do this in the spring to have everything refreshed just in time for summer!

Pay attention to your patio surfaces: Consider upgrading to composite decking, hardscape such as a pergola, or a concrete slab to update your patio. Pea gravel or concrete pavers can also be used to anchor your seating and dining areas.

Think conversation areas.  Outside furniture is just as important as the pieces inside your home. If you haven’t shopped for a while for patio furniture, you’ll be amazed at the variety and quality that is available now.

Arrange your outdoor furnishings just as you would at home, with conversation in mind. Even large patios are divided into areas for dining, socializing, or convening around the fire pit.

Use side tables and coffee tables to provide a place to set down a book or a wine glass. Cozy it up with afghans for chilly nights by the fire, or an area rug to anchor your seating area.

Furniture Trends: Curved furnishings, designed to fit around a fire pit, are available now. Side chairs and tables that look like inside furniture are specially designed to withstand the elements. If you are thinking of purchasing new furnishings or accessories, I can help with that! Click here to set up an initial free 15-minute call: www.marleneoliphant.com/scheduling.

Lights, art, fire! Now for the fun part: it’s time to jazz up your patio with accessories, such as a ceramic stool to use as a side table, a new umbrella, outdoor wall art, barbecue tools, planters, a heater, a fountain or firepit, or a metal or glass-topped console table to place behind a sofa or loveseat.

An outdoor floor lamp or lanterns can provide nice light in the evening. And don’t forget string lights to add some nighttime ambiance overhead, or on a fence or enclosure. Not to mention some colorful melamine dinnerware, unbreakable drinkware, and placemats. 

Add an outdoor rug: I’m a big fan of outdoor rugs, they wear exceptionally well, and can simply be hosed off or wiped with a soapy rag to clean them. (I also use two of them in my kitchen). A colorful rug can anchor your seating area or dining furniture nicely. Don’t worry about fading, spots or stains.

Add some bird feeders or hummingbird feeders. My husband set up two hummingbird feeders among our patio landscaping. We love watching them zip to and fro, to sip the nectar from our feeders. It reminds us to stop and enjoy nature at it’s finest!

At this time in our lives we want to experience a home that provides a feeling of comfort, serenity and safety. Outdoor spaces are no different. Here’s hoping you enjoy your new outdoor digs!