Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Create a Stylish Patio

  • Written by Chloe Taylor


When decorating your home, it’s important to look at the big picture and pay as much attention to the exterior as you do to the interior. Sure, it probably will cost you a bit more but still, your yard – and everything in it – can bring your home’s style to a whole new level if decorated properly. With that in mind, here are a couple of ideas that might help you create a stylish patio that will make your garden look better than ever before.


Make it more intimate

You can add some privacy to your patio – and make it look like just another room in your house – by enclosing it. Add a pergola above it to protect you from the weather, and choose some stylish curtains and some fabric lounges to create a somewhat enclosed and more intimate space. Or, if you’re more into the “natural” covers, you can use flowering vines and hedges to hide your patio from view. This can come in handy when you want to take a nap – or when you want to have a romantic date with your significant other.


Think about the scale

If you have a smaller patio, don’t hesitate to put a couple of bigger items like a few big plants or some oversized pillows. The thing is, if you add smaller items to your already small patio, you might make it feel sparse. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should clutter it with so many items you can hardly walk between them, but don’t be afraid of adding a couple of bigger decorative elements.


Create zones

On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to have a big patio, consider splitting it into different zones for different purposes. For instance, you can build an outdoor kitchen in one zone, create a dining area in another, and build a nice resting lounge in the corner. This way, your patio will be more functional, and much more stylish – if you decorate the zones properly, of course. For example, you can add a nice wheelie cart with dining essentials to your eating area, a unique magazine holder to your relaxation zone, and some quirky knife holder to your outdoor kitchen.


Pick the right furniture

Speaking of decorating your different zones, the first thing you should think about is the furniture. For example, high-quality outdoor wicker furniture might not be the best choice for your dining area, but it’s perfect for your outdoor lounge. So, think about the purpose of your furniture and how exposed it will be to the elements, do your research on the best materials for your patio, and you will surely make the right choice.


Create the transition

If you want your patio to feel more like a continuation of your home than a completely separate area, make sure to create a proper shift from your indoors to the outdoors and vice versa. You can do this with colors and materials, depending on what kind of patio you’re building. For example, if you’re focused on creating a more relaxing area, use comfortable furniture that is similar to the one you have indoors, combine wood with some softer outdoor carpet, add a couple of nice pillows and throws, and try to match the colors to your interior style.


Light it up

If you prefer a bit more intimate atmosphere, light up your patio with some candles, lanterns, or string lights. On the other hand, if your patio is also your outdoor kitchen, you will need much better lighting fixtures, like LED lights. Either way, lights are important elements that can improve both the functionality and the appearance of your patio, so don’t spend those lazy summer evenings in the dark.


Mix fire and water

Another thing you can do with a bigger patio is spice it up with a relaxing spa. There are few things more calming than lounging in your hot tub while enjoying the view of your perfectly landscaped garden or enjoying the smell of barbeque being prepared only a few meters away. On the other hand, if you’re more into something “hotter”, consider building a small fire pit; imagine sitting around it and telling stories to your kids, or just relaxing and roasting delicious marshmallows.

Make no mistake – decorating your garden, including your patio, is just as important as decorating your living room or kitchen. In other words, if you want to truly enjoy the time you spend outside entertaining your guests and relaxing with your family, you should pay attention to both the appearance and functionality of your patio.

So, light it up properly, separate it into zones if it’s big enough, get quality furniture that suits the purpose of your patio, and introduce a couple of interesting decorations to make it more unique. After you’re done, your stylish patio might even become your favorite place in your home.


About the author:

Chloe is an interior design consultant from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.


7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

LIFE STYLE

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorching 38°C. That’s why having...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies stands out for all the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a lot about the...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing with more advanced services like connecting your...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford spends his time building scaled replicas of...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apartment or a spacious family home, introducing...