Anatomy of a Patio Makeover

It's outdoor entertaining season. If you love to entertain, you probably have a great outdoor space that you set up each year. To me, it's just as much fun as decorating indoors.

I have a beautiful metal gazebo that fits perfectly on my patio. Unfortunately, it's not the type that can stay up all year. I’ve been hauling that thing in and out of my shed for the last 3 or 4 years, setting it up with step stools and a balancing act, and decorating it to be not only functional, but pretty and cozy as well. Then in the fall, I take it back down, again looking like I’m performing a circus act all the while.

It looks beautiful when it’s constructed, complete with mosquito netting, lights strung inside, and planters holding colorful annuals. I only wish I could add A/C to it! I work hard to make it a space where my family and friends could hang out on beautiful summer nights, enjoying the sounds of nature without having to worry about mosquitoes.

​And each year I like to switch things up a bit.

First things first

Like I would with any room inside my house, I first have to determine how I need the patio to function. I know that we’ll need to keep the grill there. We sometimes eat on the patio, and if we have visitors, we’ll sit out if it’s not too hot or cold. So now I know that we'll need at least some portion of the patio that is not enclosed (for the grill) and would still like to have a covered area to sit because there is no shade.

Layout

Thinking about my intended function for this space, I’ll make a sketch of the patio and place the grill first. Because of the importance of the placement of this big item (because of the fire hazard), the layout of the remaining pieces will revolve around it. With that taken care of, I’ll determine where it makes sense to place a table and chairs. I’m also thinking about having a small, separate seating/conversation area, and probably a table near the grill for food preparation. I may need to come up with two or three different layouts, based on different functions or needs, to see what may work best.

Inventory

I will have to take inventory of the pieces I already own. I also like to have measurements for each piece. Once I come up with a layout, I'll see which of my existing pieces may work, what may not work, what I may be able to repurpose or what may need to be purchased. I will also look around in my garage, shed, in my house, and at yard sales if I am looking for any other specific pieces.

Once I know what my layout will look like and I have the furnishings that I need, I can start accessorizing. This is the fun part. Flowers, tablecloth, outdoor carpet and lighting are some accessories that can help pull the design together.

Whether you're decorating inside or outside, the basic principles are the same. Determining the intended function of the space is the foremost decision. Once you know what you expect from a space, the planning becomes easier.

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