Thursday, June 26, 2014

Get the Summer Started: Design an Outdoor Patio – Part 2

Last time we got you thinking about some of the best ways to plan your outdoor patio space to ensure that you get the most use out of the area. Now let’s dive in a little deeper. Here are some specific ideas you can use to give your patio the punch it needs!
  • First and foremost, you should decide what shape your patio ought to be. Square patios work great for highly structured yards. Free-form patios give you a more natural look.
  • You then need to decide on the materials for the patio. Concrete is the least expensive – and they’re utilitarian. If you want a more natural look, you can also choose traditional brick, flagstone, or natural stone.
  • Adding a water feature can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. A small fountain or a pool could be an excellent choice.
  • It’s always a good idea to surround the patio area with insect-repelling plants. Basil, pennyroyal, and lavender work very well.
  • Plan for some lighting, too. Candles, torches, gas lights, electric lights, and strings of small lights can extend your patio’s use into the evening.
  • Of course, once you have all that planned out, complete the look with outdoor upholstery fabric on some practical pieces of outdoor furniture.


If you’ve made a great patio, we’d love to see pictures!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Get the Summer Started: Design an Outdoor Patio – Part 1

Now that the weather has warmed up and summer is officially upon us, wouldn’t you like to spend more time outside? The key to enjoying your outdoor space is knowing how to make the most of it. We have you covered as far as outdoor upholstery fabric is concerned – and we wanted to offer a few tips and tricks to ensure that you create the most pleasant and inviting outdoor patio space possible.

First thing’s first, the ideal outdoor patio design takes into consideration how the patio will be used, the size of the yard, and the landscaping. As an example, a small and rustic patio made of natural stone will certainly suit a natural yard with an abundance of plants. A larger concrete patio is great for entertaining – especially when surrounded by a lush lawn. It’s always a good idea to sketch out your patio before you begin. This way, you can fiddle around with a few different ideas before you really get going.


Check back next time for some more in-depth ideas for how to make your outdoor patio space your favorite place to be this summer. Start planning now… pick out that outdoor upholstery fabric and let your imagination run free!