A small patio may seem like an impossible area to decorate, but with out-of-the-box ideas, you can do plenty to make the most of your small outdoor patio space. A patio makeover is an excellent opportunity to improve your home’s value and increase your living space. You can create a beautiful transition between your indoor and outdoor areas with the right design, and an outdoor living room is a wise investment and will provide you with an array of benefits. New York architect Kevin Lichten believes patios should be outdoor rooms. “Scale is the most important feature to consider when choosing materials for an indoor room.” A small patio will look best with smaller bricks or river-run pebbles. Choose the larger bluestone paving stones for a grander outdoor area. Implementing a decorating idea like string lights, a piece of sleek outdoor furniture, and bringing in a firepit or outdoor rug as a much-needed focal point can really make a statement. You may not want to go back indoors after reading about 25 small patio ideas that work well in both the backyard and front yard.
How do I build a small inviting patio?
Lichten recommends providing a visual focus to make a small patio into a coveted alcove, such as positioning a small statue in boxwood or placing an eye-catching tree sculpture. Koi fish ponds, fountains, and wind chimes can all add to the ambiance of your outdoor space. A firepit is a perfect addition to any small patio, offering a unique smell, sight, and sound. Not only can a pergola add value to your home, but it can also create additional privacy and shade.
How do I build my small patio more comfortable?
You can’t fully enjoy your patio if you don’t feel comfortable while you’re outdoors. Therefore, extending the comforts of indoors to your small patio is key. Covering a patio defines it as an outdoor living space, giving it structure and extending its use the whole day and, often, into the evening.” “People can sit, dine, or lounge underneath a covered patio space with flexible furniture arrangements, and adding a fan or some discreet lighting enhances the enjoyment.” By having a small outdoor bar or mini fridge, you can limit the number of times people have to go back and forth to the house, making everyone feel more relaxed in the process.
What can I put on the small patio?
You can explore more than just classical living room furniture when planning your patio’s design. An outdoor coffee table provides a designated spot for drinks and snacks if you have the room. However, a side table can serve the same purpose if space is limited. Lounge chairs are a great option if you want to spend time outdoors relaxing in the sun. If you can see yourself enjoying a morning coffee outside, go for a bistro set. If your patio is not attached to your house, another solid option is building lattice panels on one side as a backdrop for the furniture. On the other hand, you could add a hammock for a bohemian-style makeover. For more small patio ideas, check out this list of recommendations from designers and architects who are experts in outdoor space design.
1. Accentuate Your Angles
If you’re a fan of minimalism, then you’ll love pared-back furniture for the great outdoors. It’s the perfect way to add some modernity to your space. Designers Christine and John Gachot decided to revive Paul Rudolph’s former home in Manhattan by adding a sleek table from Blu Dot, some custom chairs, and a Charlotte Perriand stool to the outdoor space. The result is a successful blend of hard and soft elements.
2. Lounge Away
Create a cohesive and stylish outdoor lounge area by taking inspiration from Studio Schicketanz and adding a set of matching chaise longues to your patio. This sleek, stylish home in Silicon Valley is perfect for anyone who wants to keep a minimalist aesthetic. The Kerry Joyce performance fabric is also easy to clean and will resist stains and spots.
3. Pack On The Plants
Does your outdoor space only look good for a few months out of the year? This home in Malibu, California, would suggest otherwise. A single tree in the middle of your outdoor patio will make a stunning visual impact whether you pair it with furniture or let it stand alone. In addition, a lot of foliage will look great in different seasons.
4. Spring For Suspended Style
Give your small patio a makeover with these high-impact ideas. Homeowners can increase their home’s style by adding a hanging chair, as seen in this Pebble Beach, CA, house. This design tip provides a great spot to relax and unwind—without using up too much of your valuable space.
5. Mix And Match
Matching furniture is the way to go if you’re looking to furnish your small patio cheaply and efficiently. However, it might be a little too boring for some people’s taste. You can add some variety to your space by piecing your outdoor set together. This stunning Palm Beach home, designed by Caroline Rafferty, features a Room & Board sofa and two Sam Son chairs — both of which were designed by Konstantin Grcic for Magis.
6. Try The Tactile Treatment
If you want to make your small patio look both cozy and chic, try juxtaposing different materials in one confined space. Designer Patrick Frey added custom cushions, wood furniture, and a wrought-iron chandelier to this idyllic French property in order to accentuate its weathered stone facade.
7. Get Your Glow On
Proper lighting is key, even on a small patio. In this Austin, Texas home, designer Paul Lamb accessorized an outdoor fireplace with small lanterns. The look is completed with an elegant outdoor set from RH, Restoration Hardware.
8. Create A Pop Of Color
Atelier Davis’s daring design will entrance maximalists, who will adore the way this space sets a Restoration Hardware table against Petite Friture’s bright’s chairs. This brightness creates a bold look and pairs well with the lush greenery that surrounds most Bay Area homes.
9. Bring the Inside Out
Cliff Fong believes that the key to decorating the outdoor space is treating it with the same care as your home’s interior. The eye-catching pendant is from Louis Poulsen, the table is from Van Keppel-Green, and the fashionable chairs are by Mathieu Matégot. A Los Angeles designer designed this stunning backyard.
10. Think Beach-Y Keen
The late Uruguayan architect Mario Connio designed this beachside patio, which is covered in eucalyptus poles. This was once his vacation retreat on Uruguay’s coast. The sitting area with sofas and a table is perfect for hosting guests in the shade, while those who prefer can sit in lounge chairs to take the ocean view.
11. Round It Out
This patio, designed by Natasha Baradaran just outside of Los Angeles in Santa Monica, is covered in a pergola with beautiful greenery growing around and above it. The cocktail table is by Baradaran, and the outdoor lounge chairs are by Dedon.
12. Foster Fireside Chats
Bring your family and closest friends together around a fire pit, similar to this intimate arrangement in the courtyard of the Marin County, California, cottage.
13. Select Weathered Wood Furnishings
The chosen wood furniture for this 18th-century row house in Perpignan, France, adds a unique charm to the patio. For a personal touch, the keystone and window grilles feature the monogram of the JOB-brand cigarette papers family, the previous owners.
14. Create A Petite Dining Area
There is a beautiful awning made of reclaimed corrugated glass at a historic Long Island, New York farmhouse beside the pool. The custom outdoor furniture has lovely cushions covered in high-quality Perennials fabric. The pool surround and patio are made of Kota stone, and the topiaries are boxwood.
15. Embrace The City
A metal screen with cedar slats, potted boxwood, English ivy, and magnolia provide privacy and shade on this hot New York City terrace. The outdoor table and bench are made of aluminum by Harbour, and the lanterns come from RH, Restoration Hardware.
Comments are closed.