Summer Dreams
By Jo Phillips
7 Simple and Cheap Ways to Transform Your Patio for Summer
Your patio can be one of the nicest places in your home during the summer, whether you like to curl up on your outdoor seating with a good book or invite family and friends around for a fun summer barbecue. If your patio is in need of a revamp, there are several things that you can do to freshen it up and get it summer-ready without breaking the bank.
Consider Adding an Awning
A patio awning provides shelter for your patio space, making it the perfect option for using your patio all year round. In the summer, garden awnings are an ideal choice for providing some shade away from the sun, and retractable awnings are a great idea for when you’d like to take the shade back and get some sunbathing in during the summer. An electric awning allows you to easily switch between a sheltered or open patio,making it a great solution for when those summer showers hit. Nationwide Home Innovations offer a wide range of awning choices to suit any patio. They only use quality materials that provide complete UV protection, and they also make use of self-cleaning technology – look at this site to find out more.
Get Some Potted Plants
One of the best ways to brighten up and add some colour to your patio is to get some potted plants. Move them around to make different use of the space that you have and place your more vibrant plants somewhere that they can stand out and be enjoyed most. If you have a small patio area with limited space, choose plants that will bloom and look good for a long time to keep your patio looking vibrant for as long as possible.
Add Some Solar Lights
Solar lights can be one of the best ways to brighten up your patio and keep the space atmospheric even when the sun sets. Fairy lights hung across the patio are an ideal choice if you’re going for a rustic atmosphere, or if you’re looking for something more sleek and modern, consider lights that can be attached to your patio fence or a few small post lights that you can place inside plant pots to keep your favourite plants visible when it gets dark. Outdoor lampposts placed on the patio can also create a stunning and unique effect.
Add Comfortable Furniture
If you like to spend a lot of time on your patio, adding comfortable furniture is a must. There are plenty of options to consider if you want to create a cosy, relaxing space on your patio. A comfortable outdoor corner sofa or sofa set and coffee table is an ideal choice for any patio – keep it under the awning if you want a shady, relaxing place to retreat to on those warmer summer days. Make sure that you opt for furniture that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions if you are planning to keep it outdoors all year long. It’s also worth investing in some outdoor furniture covers that are ideal for keeping your outdoor cushions clean and dry when not in use.
Add Some Smart Storage
Throughout the winter, you’re probably not going to use your patio as often as you might in the summer – and some smart storage solutions are an ideal way to ensure that everything you keep outside is protected when the weather isn’t great. You can store your barbecue, outdoor decorations, and sofa cushions in a small weatherproof shed or opt for a sturdy outdoor storage container to keep everything safe for the next summer. The last thing that you want is to plan a spring barbecue only to find that your equipment has gone rusty.
Add a Firepit
On those warm summer evenings, a fire pit can be a fantastic way to add a cosy vibe to your patio and keep it warm outside for longer when you’re entertaining friends or family. A fire pit can be placed in the centre of the patio simply to keep you warm and create a comfortable atmosphere, or even for roasting marshmallows like a camp fire – it’s up to you.
Get a Wireless Speaker
Finally, consider investing in a good wireless speaker so that you can listen to your favourite tunes whether you’re having a summer garden party with friends or relaxing outside after a long day at work. There are plenty of great options to choose from with something to suit everybody’s budget, and a wireless option means that you don’t have to worry about bringing extension leads outdoors.
Your patio is an outdoor space that can be a comfortable retreat during the summer. A nice patio can encourage you to spend more time outdoors and get some vitamin D whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor furniture or entertaining friends. If your patio is looking a little shabby, there are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to make it your favourite spot in your home.