While summer isn’t in full swing, you must start planning for your outdoor space immediately. This ensures that your patio is ready to be enjoyed once the days get super hot and the sun stays out later.

However, this doesn’t just include watering your grass or ensuring your patio is clean — it takes a lot more than that to transformyour backyard into a stunning escape. Here are some backyard patio designs to consider for your outdoor oasis.

Tips for Building the Perfect Patio

To take full advantage of your home, give your backyard some love. And no green space is complete without a beautiful back patio set up. From al fresco dining to a refreshing space to hang out with friends, a patio can act as a second dining and living room area if appropriately designed.

Here are some best practices for building your picture-perfect patio:

Look at Lush Landscaping

The great outdoors are considered great for a reason. Plants truly add so much natural beauty to any space, including your backyard. Put in trees, shrubbery and plants that can complete the space and provide some much-needed protection from the hot sun.

For a fun twist, put in an herb garden that will look beautiful and add flavor to your summer menu. You could do this in a flower bed directly in your backyard or use elevated planter boxes for a chic take on your garden. This style of planter also keeps you from having to constantly bend down to get the herbs needed to spice up your entrees. Use a natural wood option or opt for a cute tin one instead — both are great for your yard.

Brighten Your Yard With Outdoor Lighting

While the sun stays out much longer in the warmer months, it does have to set eventually. However, this doesn’t have to end your outdoor fun! Playful fixtures like strung fairy lights or solar lights are great options, so your get-togethers can last long into the night.

You’ll want to determine the type of fixture based on the functionality and purpose of your lights. If you want ambient, warm lighting, an outdoor chandelier or bistro lights can be hung and strung above your outdoor table. Or, if you want brighter, more effective lighting, you could have lanterns stuck into the ground surrounding your most used areas — namely, the grill, outdoor table, or hung above outdoor chairs. That way, you can always do what you need to, whether that be to make burgers or curl up with your favorite book under the stars.

Select the Perfect Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furniture, you want pieces that are going to last. Choose comfortable and sturdy outdoor chairs, benches, picnic tables — even a parasol — to sit and enjoy the fresh open air all summer long. You can also make the space extra comfortable by throwing in some outdoor pillows and blankets that not only look cute but also make long hours spent in your backyard as cozy as possible.

If you have a poolside patio, don’t forget about comfortable lounge chairs that can help you get a tan while you dry off. Additionally, extra storage for swimming gear, towels and pool chemicals can keep your outdoor items organized.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Flooring

While concrete pavers and wood flooring are popular, don’t be afraid to mix and match materials. A combination of natural wood and gray pavers can create a beautiful contrast that will leave guests wanting the same look at their house. Or, if you want to go a different route, you could create a stone patio with a matching retaining wall for a cohesive look and feel.

Whichever flooring you choose, just be sure to match the outdoor furniture with the pavers or concrete patio. You could create a stunning backyard by ensuring everything looks like a complete picture with no pieces out of place.

5 Trendy Backyard Patio Designs That Won’t Go Out of Style

Want to keep up with the most popular patio design ideas without having to swap your design choices every year? Follow these patio designs that won’t go out of style:

Create an Outdoor Oasis With Water Features

Adding a water feature like a pond or fountain can make a splash in your backyard, providing a living and moving piece of art for all to enjoy. This eye-catching design choice can add sound and movement that’s both relaxing and unique — especially if you live in a noisy neighborhood with lots of traffic. Think you can’t do this because you have a small patio? Think again! There are clever and space-saving ways to incorporate water, even in a small space. Try a bird bath, garden water bowl, or a watertight trough in a variety of materials.

Get Bright Plant Pots

While you may think of greens, blues and other organic colors when going over your patio palette, you have more shade options than you might think. Use colorful pots for flowers, trees and other plants for bright bursts of color. These pots can be a variety of shapes and sizes, providing visual interest and making the yard even more lush. You could also line pots along the border of your garden or walkway to create a bright boundary.

Incorporate Built-in Outdoor Seating

If your patio has less space or you’re looking for non-traditional seats, garden seats built into the patio can be a nice twist on classic lounge chairs. This could look like building bench seats into the sides of a raised bed or retaining wall, making the space functional without sacrificing the look.

Put Together a Grilling Station

The ultimate patio space includes a grilling station with all the necessities to throw together a gourmet meal fit for royalty. Think about the type of grill you’d like, then add a small countertop for prep work, drawers for storage — even a sink if you want to go all out.

Nothing screams neighborhood BBQ like a full-blown patio kitchen right there in your backyard. Prepare meals while hosting guests without having to step inside. This can make outdoor dining a breeze by having everything you need right in front of you.

Consider an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

Outdoor living is best done when there’s a fireplace or fire pit to gather around and roast marshmallows. The perfect summer evening includes bright flames and amazing friends and family nearby — as long as you don’t mind the smoke smell.

If you have a covered patio or enclosed patio, an outdoor fireplace can be a great addition. It can also make outdoor dining feel even more chic. If you don’t have a covered or enclosed patio, a fire pit is another option that works just as well.

Your Dream Patio Awaits

If these ideas have you excited about your patio’s potential, connect with Michelle Jett – Decorating Den Interiors straight away. Our team can bring your ideas to life and help transform your tired and outdated backyard into a dreamy landscape built for entertaining.

To start the backyard revamp process, all you have to do is contact us. Once you reach out, we’ll set up a free consultation — either on the phone or in person — to get a better idea of what you’re looking to achieve, what your budget is and other valuable information.

Then, your personal decorator will take your patio design ideas and financial considerations and create a beautiful mood board and design layout. This will help you visualize the types of colors, materials, and functionality your new patio will offer you. If you love what you see, we have the green light to get started, doing all the hard work of organizing, ordering, and putting the space together so you can sit back and relax. 

Ready to have your pinch-me moment with your backyard? Contact us today!

Call 877-538-8332 or Contact Us

————-

Join Our Newsletter

If you enjoyed reading this interior design blog, sign up for our monthly newsletter. They’re never too long and will brighten your day!

—————————–

The post Elevate Your Outdoor Living With These Patio Designs appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.

As spring unfurls its vibrant colors and invites us to revel in its warmth and sunshine, it’s a joyous change from the winter’s hibernation. This season, nature renews itself, and it’s the perfect time for us to breathe new life into our outdoor living spaces. Let’s extend the spring cleaning ritualfrom our interior living quarters to the yard, porch, and patio, transforming these areas into inviting and comfortable extensions of our homes.

Getting the yard ready

Before diving into any decorative projects for your porch or patio, it’s essential to begin with the basics: your yard. Firstly, clearing away any remaining leaves, trimming the grass, and preparing the soil for new plantings are crucial initial steps. This foundational work lays the groundwork for transforming your outdoor living area and provides a clean slate for your creative endeavors.

Assess what you already have

Now that your yard is in order, shifting focus to your porch and patio is in order. Reflect on whether you aim to rejuvenate your current decor or start afresh. Regardless of your outdoor space’s size, it’s vital to contemplate how to make it functional. You can gradually introduce new elements or entirely revamp your space. When retrieving your furniture and decor from storage, evaluate whether your current pieces require a refresh or if it’s time for a change that better complements your outdoor lifestyle.

Treat yourself to new patio furniture

If your patio furniturefeels a bit outdated, why not indulge in a new set? Spring cleaning is not just about tidiness, it’s about rejuvenation and reimagination. Consider your seating, entertainment, and decoration needs, and imagine how new elements can elevate the ambiance of your patio. This could be the year to pamper yourself with plush outdoor sofas made with weatherproof fabrics, vibrant throw pillows, and cozy blankets, creating a luxurious outdoor retreat.

Let us help with your outdoor living space

Consider enlisting Michelle Jett’s expertise for those seeking a genuinely transformative outdoor space. Embrace the full potential of spring by dedicating your time to outdoor leisure, confident that a professional is tailoring your space to reflect your personal style and comfort. After a consultation to understand your vision and preferences, Michelle will create a customized plan, ensuring the outdoor living area of your dreams becomes a reality.

Call 877-538-8332 or Contact Us

Join Our Newsletter

If you enjoyed reading this interior design blog, sign up for our monthly newsletter. They’re never too long and will brighten your day!

The post Spruce up for Spring appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.

Outdoor Kitchen: Take Dining Al Fresco to a Whole New Level

Why limit your outdoor dining experience to carrying food from the kitchen to the patio? Instead, embrace the concept of an outdoor kitchen and elevate your back patio into a bistro-inspired retreat. Consider adding a grill or a kitchen nook with running water under a charming pergola. This shift in theme will provide a delightful ambiance for enjoying meals with family and friends after a long day.

Edible Garden: Grow Your Own Bounty

While flowers add beauty to your yard, why not take it a step further by creating an edible garden? Involve the whole family in planting and nurturing a variety of vegetables. It becomes an engaging project that everyone can contribute to, and you’ll have the joy of harvesting and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor together.

All-Ages Playground: Fun for Everyone

Playful spaces aren’t just for kids. Transform your backyard into an all-ages playground that brings joy to every family member. Set up a courtyard equipped with entertaining yard games like bean bag toss, bocce ball, ring toss, and horseshoes. This inclusive approach ensures everyone can participate and have a blast together.

Backyard Movie Theater: Cinematic Delights under the Stars

Why confine your movie-watching experience indoors when you can create a captivating outdoor movie theater? You can enjoy your favorite films under the starry sky with a blank wall or a large screen, a projector, and some cozy patio furniture, or simply mounting a TV outside. Enhance the atmosphere by investing in comfortable seating, surround sound, and cozy accessories like throw pillows and blankets.

Get Started with Decorating Den Interiors:

To turn your backyard dreams into reality, reach out to Michelle Jett Decorating Den Interiors today. Benefit from a complimentary consultation with a personal decorator who will understand your style preferences and analyze the available space. We will work closely with you, presenting ideas, creating blueprints, and executing the project flawlessly. Your input and feedback will shape the final result while our decorators takes care of the rest.

Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize your outdoor space this season. Contact Michelle Jett Decorating Den Interiors today and embark on your backyard transformation journey.

The post Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space: Trendy Ideas for Summer Entertainment appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.

Need a little help decorating around the swimming spot this summer? Consider these tips:

1. Choose comfortable seating
Beyond the pool, your guests will be most concerned with where they can relax after a nice swim. Provide various seating arrangements in the backyard to encourage family and friends to gather and converse, such as lounge chairs and sectional outdoor sofas. You can also hang a hammock between a few trees for those looking for some peace and quiet to themselves.

Create an inviting space to relax in conversation.

2. Light the way for nighttime swimming

The party doesn’t necessarily have to end when the sun goes down. If you want your guests to stick around for a while, hanging string lights around the patio space can encourage a late-night affair. You can also place citronella candles around the border of the patio area or deck to keep the mosquitos away. These small touches of light will illuminate the space and give it a cool and intimate vibe on those warm summer nights.

3. Set up a resort-style cabana
When you need a break from the sun and don’t want to go inside, a cabana saves the day. This space offers shade and privacy after a swim and makes a stylish resort-like statement in the backyard. For additional flare and seclusion, drape sheer window treatments over the sides.

4. Don’t forget the outdoor bar
What’s a pool party without a couple of fresh seasonal cocktails – or mocktails – in hand? Wow your guests by dishing out customized drinks at your own outdoor bar. You can do something as simple as using a bar cart filled with cute beverage accessories, glasses, and your favorite drinks, or you can go all out with a permanent liquor lounge under the cabana.

Serve cocktails to your guests.

5. Accessorize around a theme
It’s always easier to design an outdoor layout when you have a theme in mind. One easy outdoor option is beach style, decorating with soft blue, white, and sandy neutrals. Or you can follow a modern outdoor theme with sleek lines and monochromatic decor. Once you have a theme, you may find it easier to pick out throw pillows, outdoor area rugs, and tabletop accessories that make the space feel cozier and more inviting.

Decorating around the pool can be intimidating if it’s never been an immediate concern of yours. If you need help updating your outdoor living arrangement before your next get-together, call Michelle Jett – Decorating Den Interiors. We can come to your home for a free consultation to discuss your options based on your personal style and trends. We will bounce off of the suggestions above and provide more insight that will cater to your wants and needs.

Summer’s end will be here before you know it. Contact us today to give your backyard the update it needs before fall rolls around!

The post How to Decorate Around the Pool appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.

Before you send the invitations to loved ones and call your favorite caterer, however, you need to make sure your outdoor living space is in pristine condition for the get-together. From prioritizing lawn care and improving your decor and accessories, to making sure everyone is accommodated in terms of comfort, there are various tasks you need to put on your checklist and take care of before the party starts.

Here are our suggestions for creating a more comfortable and festive backyard atmosphere for the Memorial Day gathering:

1. Set aside time for lawn care and add festive flowers
Before you can decorate and set up your furniture, take care of the foundation of the backyard. Mow the lawn, tidy up the shed and do what you can to make your outdoor living area more presentable and comfortable for your guests. You can even plant a few red, white, and blue flowers around your deck and patio to showcase some holiday spirit that your guests are sure to enjoy.

2. Prioritize seating
Accommodating all of your guests is essential when throwing a party, and paying close attention to seating arrangements has never been more important. Take a look at your current setup and decide if you have enough seating to take care of all of your guests. If the amount of chairs isn’t an issue, think about the setup. Do you have enough distance between chairs for the guests who are still playing it safe? Keeping the comfort levels of all of your friends and family members in mind is important if you want everyone to relax and have a good time.

3. Pay attention to lighting based on your wants and needs
If you plan to keep the party going well into the night, don’t forget about lighting. String lighting and candles are a simple way to keep spaces made for intimate conversation well lit, while more powerful spotlighting should be considered if you plan to gather out in the grass and play yard games.

4. Prepare festive food and refreshments
What’s a holiday party without festive snacks and beverages? Whether you plan to serve a whole meal, spread out appetizers throughout the day, or simply set up a self-serve bar, keep Memorial Day in mind while you shop and prepare for the party. A colorful fruit salad, patriotic cookies and vibrant cocktails are a few ways to bring the holiday to life through food and beverages.

Have fun with foods and refreshments.

5. Call a personal decorator from Michelle Jett – Decorating Den Interiors to help
Preparing for the unofficial start of summer and potentially the first big get-together of the year is something to be excited about. However, you may also feel a bit overwhelmed with the responsibility. Instead of putting the entire project together on your own or with a few family members, why not bring in some professional assistance instead?

A personal decorator from Michelle Jett – Decorating Den Interiors is your ticket to a flawless Memorial Day get-together. He or she will come to your home for a free consultation to assess your backyard and provide you with recommendations based on the amount of living space you have to work with, your personal style, the suggestions above, and more.

After your initial consultation, your decorator will have a better idea of what design style you’re going for, but you can continue to collaborate back and forth until the job is done. By the end of your partnership, your backyard will be in top shape for Memorial Day and the rest of summer.

So what are you waiting for? With just a few weeks to spare, you don’t want to miss your chance to revamp your backyard to prepare for Memorial Day weekend! Contact one of our design consultants today to get started.

<<Back to Blog

The post How to Create a More Comfortable and Festive Memorial Day Gathering appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.