Patio Design

There's nothing better than lounging on the patio and taking in the fresh air with a cool drink in hand. Outdoor spaces have come a long way from flimsy charcoal grills and the plastic lawn furniture of yesteryear. Today's patios are as carefully outfitted as indoor rooms. Here are a few patio trends that enhance your time outside and let you relax in comfort, whether you're grilling or just lounging.

Outside and fully furnished

A pergola or some well-placed retaining walls define space and create the feeling of separate "rooms" on your patio. All that's left for you is to decide how to furnish them. Recent trends have taken the idea of outdoor living to the next level. Patio furniture now rivals indoor furniture for style and durability, so an outdoor seating area can be as comfortable as a living room. High-performance grills and full-size seating let you cook and dine outside. With a wide range of styles to choose from, you can have the same level of decor outdoors as inside.

Romantic bower

If your patio is in a small or enclosed space, make the most of it by creating an intimate nook. This look works especially well with existing tree cover, but a pergola or trellis with trained growth can also provide shelter and a cozy feel. A small water feature or a bold tile pattern adds atmosphere.

Smaller pieces of patio furniture, especially vintage metal and wood, can be mixed or matched for an eclectic look. Adding string lights to the space creates the perfect atmospheric lighting after dark. This patio look works best in areas with a good variety of plants at varying heights. If ground cover predominates in your landscaping, consider adding decorative planters to the space.

Elemental design

Fire, water, earth, and air: Any of these elements can be incorporated into patio design. You can heat up your patio with a wide variety of fire pits or other fire features. If you live in a warm climate, a water feature may make more sense for your patio. As with fire pits, water features can range from traditional fountains to streamlined minimalism.