The Patio Decorating Idea Book

Patios are common features in houses around the world.  In places that have warm weather all year long patios are often considered to be an additional room in the house that are used just as much for daily activities as any other room.  In Italy and in Spain and in some parts of the Middle East patios are often built into the interior of a home with the main living spaces being built around a central open-air patio that lets light and air into the home while at the same offering a protected outdoor space for the family to enjoy.

In the US patios are often built as an adjunct to a home. Many homes have a concrete or flagstone patio area that encompasses part of the backyard of the home and is often used for outdoor entertaining during the warm summer months. Patios are becoming more important to homeowners because many homeowners are choosing to stay home and entertain rather than go out to eat or go to bars because of the increases in the cost of gas, food, and other basic living necessities.

Homeowners are realizing that adding the luxury of a well-decorated and furnished patio to their homes is an excellent investment. The more they do to spruce up their patio the more they add value to their home. Plus, they are finding that it is fun and economical to invite their friends and family to their homes to entertain and spend time with loved ones in a relaxing, comfortable environment.

With the renewed interest in home entertaining that is sweeping through the country more and more people are trying to find new and fun ways to enjoy their patios. Even if you have let your patio go it’s still possible to transform your patio into a comfortable, inviting spot where you and your family and friends will love to spend time.  Patios aren’t just for barbecuing anymore, and there are hundreds of ways that you can easily create the outdoor space of your dreams using the patio that you already have and a small budget for furniture and supplies. 

If you use your imagination and the tips in this book you’ll be amazed at the many different functional, comfortable, and beautiful outdoor spaces you can create with your existing patio.  Isn’t it time that you turned your patio from an afterthought into one of the places in your home that you love to be?

Let’s get started!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Design Tips for Designing a New Patio

   Where are you going to put the patio?  

   What shape do you want the patio to be?

   What materials are you going to use to build your patio?

   Is the ground in your backyard level and even?

Patio Furniture

   Wood

   Wicker and Rattan      

   Metal

   Plastic or PVC patio furniture   

The 5 Most Common Types of Patio Furniture

   Picnic Tables

   Conversational Groupings

   Dining Sets

   Bar Tables and Stools

   Bistro Tables

The best Wooden Patio Furniture

   Teak

   Cedar

   Bamboo

   Eucalyptus

   Chinese Oak

Five Tips for Buying Patio Furniture

Five Ways to Get Great Deals on Outdoor Patio Furniture

Five Tips for Buying Patio Furniture Online

Five Basic Rules for Outdoor Decorating

Decorating Your Patio on A Budget

Ten Ways to Change the Look of your Patio for less than $100

The Five Best Places to Get Bargains on Patio Furniture

Five Ways to Make Your Patio a Romantic Retreat

10 Ways To Turn Your Patio Into Summer Party Central

Making Your Patio A Family Friendly Space

   Keep the breakables to a minimum

   Don’t use patio furniture that folds up

   Check your floors and walkways

   Set up a kid’s area on the patio

Five Ways to Turn Your Patio into a Tropical Retreat

How to Turn Your Patio Into a Luxury Retreat

Getting Your Patio Ready for the Ultimate Summer BBQ

   Build a buffet

   Position the grill

   Use furniture to mark off separate areas

Five Ways to Turn Your Patio into the Perfect Home Office

Five Ways to Freshen Up Your Patio Decor

How to Make a Small Patio Look Larger

Five Ways to Make a Large Patio More Intimate

The Best Fabrics to Use for Patio Decor

Use the Right Lights to Set a Mood on Your Patio

Making Your Own Lights for Your Patio    

Five Tips for Getting Rid of Bugs and Pests on Your Patio

Five Ways to Enjoy Your Patio More

How to Turn Your Patio into a Meditation Space    

Selecting Plants to Change the Décor of your Patio

Ten Accessories That Can Change the Mood of Your Patio

“Camping” on the Patio with Your Kids

Tips for Turning Your Patio into the Ultimate Yoga Studio

Conclusion