Give Your Patio a Spring Makeover

Give your outdoor living space a seasonal refresh with high-energy accents, lush greenery and a fresh dose of happy hues.

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April 29, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

A Vibrant + Elegant Outdoor Living Room

Quick and easy updates brought springtime charm to the covered deck of HGTV Spring House. From bold outdoor draperies to an upcycled swing chair, take a closer look at this outdoor space's high-energy accents.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Outdoor Underfoot

With so many rug options these days, it's difficult to tell the difference between indoor and outdoor rugs. Thanks to durable materials, like polypropylene and acrylic, today's rugs are designed for both interior and exterior spaces. If you're looking for a durable rug to keep indoors, consider indoor-outdoor options; they're stain-resistant, mold-resistant and easy to clean.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Outdoor Draperies

Outdoor draperies offer the quickest and most effective way to add color to your patio or porch. Look for drapes made from wrinkle-free materials, such as acrylic, nylon or polyester. When harsh weather hits, they'll continue to look fresh.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Accentuate Height

A designer trick to make tiny outdoor spaces look larger is to accentuate height. This modest 9-by-10-foot deck seems much larger than it actually is. A combination of 8-foot-long drapery panels, posts lined with decorative hooks and a grouping of hanging plants draws the eye upward.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Throw Pillows

For years, outdoor throw pillows could rarely be found outside of matching furniture sets. Today, there are endless options that work with virtually any color scheme. If you can't find the perfect outdoor throw pillows for your home, consider picking up indoor-outdoor fabric by the yard and making custom pillows. One yard of fabric will produce two 18-by-18-inch pillows.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Shade-Loving Greenery

Add life to your covered porch or patio — without sacrificing valuable square footage — with low-maintenance, hanging plants. Here, ferns add a layer of privacy and infuse color to the space.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Fresh-Cut Flowers

During mild seasons, add a burst of color to your outdoor tabletop surfaces with fresh-cut floral arrangements. Cut the stems at an angle under running water every other day and change out the water daily to extend the life of your flowers by one to two weeks.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Multipurpose Pieces

An excellent trick for decorating small outdoor spaces is to use multipurpose furniture that can quickly transform for various entertaining needs. Here, floor cushions made from weather-resistant fabric allow guests to mingle in groups and use the tables for easy dining or chatting.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Outdoor Wine Storage

To make your patio truly party-ready, add a wall-mounted wine rack made from a basic wood shipping pallet. Fill your rustic wine holder with your favorite bottles and glassware just before guests arrive. (Or keep it stocked up daily.)

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Food and Drink

When entertaining guests on a small porch or patio, maximizing space is top priority. Here, a basic end table was transformed into a bar cart complete with an integrated ice bucket for keeping libations chilled and ready to serve.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Hanging Furniture

When space is at a premium, hanging furniture may be exactly what the space needs. If you've got an old crib or bench, consider outfitting it as an outdoor loveseat. An added bonus: most crib mattresses are coated in plastic, making them a perfect fit for outdoor use. Learn how to make an outdoor swing using a crib >>

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Take It to the Front Porch

It doesn't take much effort to give your front porch a spring face lift, too. A quick top-to-bottom pressure-wash will eliminate pollen and spiderwebs that have accumulated during the winter. And a fresh coat of paint on wooden surfaces will brighten the space. Give the surrounding landscape a trim, and lay down fresh mulch for a finishing touch that will make your porch pop.