Patio Design Ideas

Having a well laid out patio area will not add extra living space to your home but it can add increased worth to the value of your home. Patio areas are a highly prized feature that homeowners and buyers covet. Buyers are willing to pay premium dollar for a house with a great patio.

The National Association of Home Builders have noted that having a great outdoor space is an important home design trend in 2012. They also noted that approximately 12 percent of homeowners either remodeled or added to their patio area. By creating a great patio area, you can have a functional and utilitarian space that is an extension of your home. Patio additions are one of the highest recouping value that you can add to a home.

Be Certain To Consider

When designing or remodeling your patio, you need to make sure that this space is complements with the rest of your property. Remember, that your patio is an annex of your home and so when drafting this space, ensure that is harmonious with the rest of your home.

It is important to balance the patio esthetic and your backyard, so there is a harmony. So do not create an overwhelming large patio area with a small green area and vice versa. Give your patio/backyard an equilibrium or symmetry so that is appears a seamless extension of your home.

Also consider having your patio area closely situated to your home or near your patio door entrance. This is especially so, if you have an area for dining or eating because this provide you with a space where it is easy and convenient for prepping, cooking and serving your meals.

Another factor to take into account is the weather. If live in a primarily sunny area, you can do pretty much whatever esthetic you chose; however if you live in a more damp or four season area, consider constructing your patio with a covering or install heated areas that will overcome the cold or dampness that might be present. Another option for heating your space is to install fire pits, heated lamps or benches with built in heating.

Also consider easy access from your home to your patio area. Whether it be a beautiful set of tilt and turn patio french doors or a large folding glass door with large retractable folding door screen.

Accessorize with Plants

Plants are an idea way to accentuate and define your patio area. If you have a retaining wall, consider using hanging flowers such as angel's trumpet, climbing vines, such as passionflower, honeysuckle clusters or clematis. Planter baskets with geraniums, pansies and petunias Also consider cherry or grape tomato plants, herbs or strawberry planters as they are great decorative feature and edible solution as well. Shrubs and hedges also help to divide up your space and create a definite border between your backyard and patio area. In addition, they can provide an extra measure of privacy for your backyard and patio area. Choosing new plants, bushes or flowers can add a facelift and a new look to your patio area.

Additional Thoughts

When designing your space to mindful of your budget and what elements that you want to add to your patio area. It is vital that your space looks uniform, complete and well thought out. There is nothing worse for a buyer than a patio area that appears like you skimped or ran out of money or ideas.

Also, if you live in a relative sunny area or for those peak summer months, think about a retractable patio screen or a motorized patio screen for larger doors, to help shield the sun's damaging UV rays and annoying glare, in addition to protecting you, your family and friends from annoying insects and bugs. This is especially important when you are serving food and drinks.