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
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.
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