The lure of summer sunshine and backyard BBQs to come has a ton of homeowners considering an outdoor renovation. Whether you’re dealing with a blank slate or just looking for some remodeling ideas, we’ve gathered our resources to provide you with the ultimate guide on how to create your dream outdoor living space. Without further ado, here are our tips for creating a patio area that you’ll love—especially on those perfect sunshiny Texas days.
Are You a Lounger or an Entertainer?
The best way to figure out your design preferences for your patio area is to think about the purpose of the space; this rule rings true for any area of your home. Consider how the space will be used by asking yourself the following questions:
- Are you planning to host a lot of outdoor parties? If so, how many guests (on average)?
- Is your outdoor living area meant to be a quiet retreat?
- Do you need to consider pets or kids when designing?
Once you have a general idea of what you want from the space, plan accordingly by adhering to the following ambiance guidelines.
It’s All About Ambiance
When creating your outdoor living space, the ambiance is key! You don’t have to be a pro designer or landscaping architect to accomplish a patio area that meets your needs; simply:
Plan a Layout
Try zoning your backyard into different areas of purpose—kind of like how you would design a floor plan in a new home. If you already have a defined outdoor living area or covered patio, this step is pretty easy. You’ll likely want a lounge area and a dining area. If you’re dealing with a small outdoor living area, follow the same concept but create only one zone that complements the chief purpose of the space: lounging or entertaining.
Gather Essential Furnishings & Decorations
Once you’ve created your zones, it’s time to go shopping! Remember to consider weather, temperature, and comfort when establishing a furniture budget. For example, Texas heat can be brutal, so you may want to splurge on fans if your outdoor space gets a lot of sun exposure. To make your patio feel like an extension of your home, consider investing in:
- Lighting
- Comfortable seating
- Side tables
Whatever furniture you choose, make sure that it’s suitable for the outdoors. This means selecting low-maintenance materials like:
- Wood (teak, eucalyptus, and cedar)
- Synthetics (plastic, resin wicker, and waterproof fabrics)
- Rust-resistant metals (stainless steel and wrought iron)
Homeowners who enjoy entertaining outside may also want to consider adding a fire pit or outdoor bar to their space!
Texas Landscaping Tips & Tricks
Of course, no outdoor living area would be complete without landscaping. To find landscaping ideas for your Texas home, check out this blog where we go over tips and tricks for keeping your garden pristine.
Get in touch with Chesmar Homes today to find out more about our new construction homes in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and elsewhere in Central Texas!!