Soaking up the summer sun is one of the best parts of having an outdoor living area. It can be an excellent place for barbecuing, relaxing, and entertaining friends and family, but before dusting off the barbie, it might be time to give that patio a makeover.
Start the summer off strong with a new and improved outdoor space. There are many inexpensive and efficient ways to transform your backyard into a dream come true. Simple changes like shading, lighting and gardening are perfect ways to elevate the area without breaking the bank. Just remember that if you do any messy work, custom tarps are the perfect solution to keeping the area clean until you’re finished.
Here are a Few Ways to Freshen Up Your Patio for Summer
Made in the Shade
Sometimes the summer months can turn a relaxing warm oasis into a blistering nightmare. Adding a bit of shade can help to ease the heat and allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful weather in comfort.
Umbrellas are one of the easiest ways to add a little shade. They are quick, affordable, and the best option for a smaller area. Opt for a custom patio umbrella for its simplicity and ease of use, but if having a fixture in the middle of the table is undesirable, try an offset umbrella instead.
For larger spaces, a pop-up canopy can do the trick. They’re perfect for any outdoor celebration or event and can be easily tucked away when no longer needed. If you are looking for a more permanent structure, consider building a pergola or pavilion. This renovation can be pricier but offers long-term and stylish protection from the sun.
Install Fans
Even with proper shading the heat can be too much. An additional way to stay cool while enjoying outdoor living is to install a patio fan. Naturally, these will be added to the ceiling of a pergola or mounted on the wall. Increasing airflow helps keep everyone comfortable and also assists in reducing the number of insects.
UV Proof Your Deck
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause your wood deck to fade, warp, and even crack. The best way to prevent sun damage is to coat the wood with a good quality deck sealant with UV protection and to reapply every 1-2 years.
If you paint your deck, changing to a lighter color is another way to prevent potential damage. Darker colors tend to overheat quickly and require more frequent maintenance to avoid fading and future sun damage.
Add Summer Design Schemes
When it comes to a summer color scheme, vibrant and beachy tones combined with bold prints are the most popular, but feel free to explore a color profile that fits your personality. To maintain harmony in the space, use complementary tones and patterns in the cushion covers, table covers and other decor items.
Note the different textures used and the atmosphere they generate. Clean lines and smooth surfaces create a modern feel, while bamboo and rattan furniture create an organic boho environment.
Lay Down a Rug
Another great way to update the patio while adding a pop of color or texture is to incorporate an outdoor rug with the design. They can withstand the harsh summer climate and are easy to maintain because of the durable materials used. Bringing one into the patio area is one of the easiest ways to liven up the space without investing much time and money.
Add Summer Plants
Nothing adds life and brightness to a patio quite like plants. Depending on the size of the area, different kinds of greenery can serve a variety of purposes. For a smaller space, working in the vertical with hanging plants is the best way to add visual interest and charm.
In a larger area, planting a tree or two can both display stunning florals that add whimsy and serenity while also providing a bit of shade. The flowering trees can add to the color scheme, and keeping them within a similar color range will allow for a cohesive and harmonious space.
Bugproof the Area
Inspecting the area for any standing water is necessary when bug-proofing the outdoor living space. Still water is a breeding ground for pests like mosquitos, so it is essential to regularly clean or empty any birdbaths and buckets and eliminate any puddles that form.
While checking out spots for standing water, go ahead and tidy up the yard as well. Tall grass, unkempt bushes, and long branches close to the house can harbor different pests and provide easy access indoors.
Now it’s time to add some natural repellants. Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and rosemary are known to deter insects, but if those are undesirable, try using mint-flavored mouthwash to ward off pests. Be sure to spray the solution evenly around the space, and the bugs will be on their way.
Keep Outdoor Games on Hand
Keeping guests entertained during summer get-togethers is always something to think about when designing your outdoor space. What better way to enjoy the weather than with some outdoor games?
Keep various easily accessible games stowed near the area to use at any time. Play a round of backyard cricket or set up for cornhole. Maybe the yard is big enough for a swing set or jungle gym that the kids can explore. The key is to keep all options open for some summer fun.
Have Lighting for Nighttime
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to manipulate the atmosphere of the patio. There are many different styles of light you can incorporate into the space depending on the specific need.
A set of bistro lights that emit a soft golden glow create a fantastical and romantic feel. This kind of lighting can also aid in reducing the number of flying insects in the area because of its warm color.
Lining a patio or garden path with torches and lanterns is another way of using light to create a soft ambiance in the space and allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors well into the night.
Plan for Summer Storms
Nothing is worse than having spent hours designing the perfect patio upgrade only to have it all strewn about the yard during a nasty storm. There are several ways to prepare your backyard space for inclement weather.
Securing loose objects is a crucial step. Any furniture, pots, or chairs left unchecked can be a potential hazard to property and may even cause injury due to high winds. Store away smaller items such as pillows, rugs, and potted plants until the weather clears.
Be sure to invest in bbq covers and custom made tarps to prevent water damage to your barbeque and deck during a storm. Using a water-repellent stain on your deck will cause rain to run off instead of absorbing into the fibers and causing irreversible damage.
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