Your patio is an outdoor sanctuary where you can relax, drink wine and entertain guests. To make it a truly magical place, you can put some thought into the details of your patio lighting and decor. With the perfect choices of furniture and accents, you can transform your patio from a mundane outdoor space into an enchanting world of endless potential. For stylish lamps, bulbs and LED string lights, you can turn to a trusted outdoor lighting store in Santa Cruz CA.
The five most important patio decor elements are the furniture, flooring, greenery, accents and lighting. In most cases, the lighting will make the biggest difference in your patio’s ambiance and visual appeal. Whether you prefer your patio lighting to be attention-grabbing or understated, it’s important to find the right balance of elements to complement your backyard landscaping. The most successful patio designs blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment to create a naturally beautiful living space within a back garden or xeriscape.
When it comes to lighting your patio, it pays to match your design choices with the overall effect you’re going for. A minimal design may call for recessed or wall lighting whereas a more eclectic design may call for a string of globe lights or multicolored lamps. Combining layers of complementary lighting is a great strategy for creating a highly adaptable outdoor environment.
Designing your patio lighting scheme gives you a chance to turn your patio into a work of art. Your patio lighting can serve dual roles as landscape illumination and outdoor ambiance. Many people like multicolored LED lighting for their backyard and patio lights, but white lights can also be a fitting choice. Decorative patio lighting can consist of globe lanterns hanging from ceiling rafters or gas torches lining a walkway. Combining outdoor lights with green plants or flowers can lend your patio a striking appearance.
Functional Lighting can illuminate your patio without the clutter of decorative lanterns and lamps. Wall lights with a dimmer switch offer convenient illumination with an understated appeal. An outdoor fire pit or fireplace can double as a source of heat and light, and some fire pits provide a flame hot enough for outdoor cooking. The choices of functional patio lighting may be sensible, but they’re far from boring.
Patio furniture is a matter of personal preference, but a professional decorator can help you find outstanding items that you might not have otherwise considered. As with outdoor lighting, patio furniture can create a synergy that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re looking for a funky chic or a uniform elegance, your choice of furniture will be the cornerstone of your design.
For dining and entertaining guests, tables and chairs will be the mainstay of your patio’s decor. From wrought iron to rattan, outdoor tables and chairs come in a range of styles to suit any taste. By mixing and matching various types of outdoor tables and chairs, you can create a layered look that accommodates many occasions. Whether you’re designing your patio for everyday gatherings or special events, the materials and upholstery of your tables and chairs will make the defining impression on your guests.
Outdoor benches and loveseats are perfect for conversations over wine and hors d’oeuvres. With patio furniture, you have the choice of fixed or moveable items. A landscaper can install a permanent wood, concrete or metal bench on or near your patio. Alternatively, a structure such as a gazebo or tiki hut can offer cozy bench seating. Your imagination and decorating budget are the only limits.
No outdoor space is complete without foliage. Patio decor can especially benefit from the right choice of plants. Whether you prefer flowers, aromatics or succulents, greenery is an essential element in any back garden. Decorative foliage serves multiple functions as an accent to your patio. With the right choice of flowering plants and herbs, you can keep biting insects at bay and create a protected perimeter for your guests.
The simplest choice is to set up a few potted plants around your patio. Choices such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus and rosemary are effective at warding off mosquitoes and flies. Another good choice is catnip, which gives off a pleasant aroma that confuses and repels insects. Best of all, choosing potted plants for your patio is easy and fun. It’s almost impossible to go wrong with any combination of aromatic flowers and herbs.
Your landscaper can plant a flower bed within or around your patio. Bedded plants make a memorable addition to any back garden, and the most creative applications can look stunning. Whether your taste is minimalistic or extravagant, a plant bed can complement your patio decor. A Zen garden can accommodate a peaceful bed of flowers or raked pebbles. Some people like a more maximalist look, though. With bold colors and a unique design, bedded plants can enhance your overall experience.
From candles and vases to lily ponds and brick ovens, patio decor can bring the whole ensemble together. The best part of outdoor decorating is changing the look of your patio when it suits you. When the seasons change, so can your patio decor. You can easily redecorate your patio with a new look for every gathering. Outdoor ornaments and accents are the perfect finishing touch for any patio design.
Big installations such as ovens and fireplaces are permanent fixtures, so your seasonal decorating will have to work around these large items. Although a large installation is a long-term commitment, it can be worth the investment for an outdoor structure that looks great all year long. Permanent installations can provide a place to hang lights or grow ornamental vines. A patio wall can accommodate recessed lights or a wood-fired pizza oven. Installing a large structure on your patio is a big decision that requires careful consideration, but using smaller items can also be worthwhile.
Accents such as votive candles, glass vases and throw pillows can dramatically change the look of your outdoor living space. Battery-powered or conventional candles can also add a nice accent to your patio lighting. When you feel the urge to redecorate your patio, the upholstery is a great place to start. You can achieve a striking look with complementary colors and textures on your seat cushions and pillows. An outdoor rug can provide an elegant accent while anchoring all the elements of your patio. Umbrellas, fans and stools also make easy, eye-catching patio accents.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of quality flooring in patio design. Flooring is the most functional element in any patio, and it can also be just as fun and fabulous as the rest of the decor. Whether you use concrete, wood, stone or a combination, you can make your patio a haven of creativity with the right flooring.
The most popular and versatile outdoor flooring material is stained wood. From pine and walnut to hickory and oak, wood flooring comes in many styles and varieties. Stains can add color and richness to your flooring while providing a smooth surface that’s free of splinters.
Most types of flooring will match any style of decor, but some materials will accentuate certain styles while clashing with others. Because flooring is a relatively permanent fixture of a patio’s design, it’s important to plan carefully for future renovations.
When it comes to patio design, you can begin the process with a visit to an outdoor lighting store in Santa Cruz CA. Come to The Home Lighter, Inc., in Pacific Grove for assistance with all your patio lighting questions and ideas. We’ll be happy to help you get the ball rolling.
