A patio is a place in your garden that serves as an ambient space for dining, socialising, and relieving stress due to an exhausting work routine. Striking a balance between the design and functionality is key when you are considering designing a patio. Furthermore, finding the right spot for the patio is necessary so that the area gets adequate sunlight and should not be built far from the house. In this concise guide, we will discuss the things you have to keep in mind when designing a patio that would ultimately help serve the intended function.
Patio Size
The first thing to do is decide the size of the patio according to the available space. There might be many patio ideas that might look appealing but always remember to consider the size so that it becomes easier for you to make a choice. If the patio size is not restricted by the availability of space, try to figure out the reasons you want a patio. For example, if you are planning to use the patio for family lunches or to socialize, a 125 square foot area could easily accommodate at least 5 people.
Utilizing the Space
As you plan to design a patio, use the available space and create zones that serve different purposes. For example, if the patio is near your kitchen, an area can be converted to give an amazing outdoor dining experience. Similarly, flower beds and plants can be planted in an area that can be used to relax and enjoy the peaceful outdoors.
Planning a Layout
Making a detailed layout of the patio can help elevate the aesthetics of the space. When thinking about the layout, the first thing to consider is deciding on the type of furniture that will be placed on the patio. The choices you make when picking outdoor furniture can dictate the patio’s purpose. So if you are planning to use the space for family gatherings, going for a lounge set, rugs, and pillow cushions might be sufficient to host the guests. After you have decided on the furniture, identify the gaps or spaces present between furniture and make sure they are at least one meter wide to allow easy movement.
Placing furniture too close without leaving negative spaces gives an impression of a cluttered place. Planting flower beds, climbing vines, and placing pots in the right spot will also elevate the aesthetics. If you are confused when it comes to planning, make a rough sketch on paper and try to place everything according to the selected scale for a clear perspective.
Positioning the Patio
Several aspects will help you decide the position of the patio. If you are using the space for dining purposes, positioning the patio with minimum light exposure would do the work but if you want to enjoy winter afternoons and get your daily fix of VItamin D, choose a sunny spot. For people who don’t have shade in their garden, there is an array of patio roofs to choose from. Patios are built for convenience, so try to pick a spot in the garden that naturally connects to the house. Lastly, make sure that the place you choose can maintain privacy as these spaces are meant to feel like home.
Patio Styles
The patio should be designed while keeping in mind the style of the house, surrounding garden space, and its purpose. Some people might like their patio open and airy whereas others might want to keep a private space. So give time in planning, study different patio styles, and then make a decision according to the requirements.
Patio designing requires a great deal of effort in planning out different aspects of the process and executing them in a meaningful manner to get the best results. So don’t rush things, give time to research the options and then decide on the one that would suit you the most.
