Home Improvement

Why should you give your patio design a lot of thought? It is because your patio is an extension of your home and should be given as much planning as the other rooms of the house. You will also be experiencing a lot of memorable events and occasions on your patio and who knows, it may even be more the hub of activity than your living room or your great room. Include choosing the right furniture in your patio design – whether they’re made of wood, wicker, aluminum, or plastic. Always keep in mind while making your patio design that the patio serves as a transition area between your home’s interior and the garden outside.
Your Patio Design From the Ground Up

When you consider your patio design you might think of anything as simple as a concreted area adjacent to the house, to an elaborate low walled area with a cover. But this is merely the backdrop to what will give it a more distinct appearance: the furniture, plants and other ornaments which you place within it. Of course the one relies upon the other. For a modern contemporary feel you may dispense with decorative ‘frills’, for something more traditional you might include a floor pattern or low decorative border. But the real declaration of style and intent comes from the selection of furniture and its colour, material and style.

A traditional ‘natural’ material for garden furniture is, of course, wood. It was possibly the first material ever used to build furniture with, which is partly why it is, by definition, traditional; but much modern furniture is also made with wood so it does depend upon the style or design. Traditional garden furniture designs are as popular as ever, even with the multitude of modern forms on the market. There is something comforting about them, something about the age they refer back to which not only gives us a sense of place and rest but also of nature and the passing of time.

Wicker is another material which is associated with tradition. The brown or ochre colour, like wood, reflects tones and hues in the garden itself. The, often organic, designs of woven strands remind us of growth and the entanglement of the flower bed. Wicker can appear to be the most natural of material and has the advantage of being very comfortable, often requiring little in the way of cushions or additional softeners but always attractive when they are used. It may reflect colonial styles or even have a more oriental appeal.

Wrought iron is tough and resilient and can often be highly decorative in a romantic 18th century way; or else it can be highly contemporary. It will survive most weather and you are able to leave it in the strongest winds; owners will often decorate it with furnishings to take away its hard metal aesthetic and cushions and drapery can add a whole extra customised look to this steadfast material.

More modern materials such as aluminium render the appearance of the height of sleek living. Perhaps, overall, less intrinsically comfortable, aluminium is often extremely functional and its high contrast, in colour and design, will make any garden appear suddenly more colourful, more natural, more alive.