As the temperatures rise, basking in the sun and enjoying the summer weather is a common pastime. Good thing you do not have to go far to relish in these simple pleasures. Escape to an outdoor oasis in your front and backyard! This summer, create an area to entertain yourself and others. From the basics to the details, here are some tips on how you can set up your patio and/or porch for a successful summer.
Summer Goals
The first step in setting up your patio or porch for the summer is to consider what your goals are depending on your space. Do you wish to revel in the summer months on your front porch or are you looking to extend your living space onto your back patio? Determine if your primary goal is a lounge area, an eating area, or a combination of both. Consider the size of your area, what it can support, and how many people you hope to include. Also, envision the area’s future visitors: will it be kid-friendly or primarily entertaining adult friends and family? What amenities do you wish to include? Establishing these goals can help guide the direction of your patio or porch.
Selecting Outdoor Furniture
Once you have established your goals, deciding on outdoor furniture can become a fun process. From sofas, chaise lounges, tables, and chairs, outdoor furniture is a way for you to continue the overall vibe of your home’s interior into your summertime set up. Consider the durability of the fabric and material. Outdoor furniture is most commonly made in wicker, wood, metal, or plastic, each with distinct styles like sleek and modern to farmhouse furniture. While most are designed to be water-repellent and weather-resistant, maintaining the look and feel of the structure and cushions is important, especially if exposed to the sun. Investing in furniture covers that are easily stored in deck boxes when not used will help you preserve your furniture so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Rocking chairs are also a great addition to your outdoor area and can be enjoyed year-round.
Perhaps your patio can accommodate a furniture set, equipped with a table and chairs but sits in the sun. Cantilever patio umbrellas with bases are a simple way to provide shade. These umbrellas are simple to crank open, tend to be flexible with gusts of wind, and come in a variety of sizes. Placing this over your sitting area will ensure an enjoyable time outside, weather permitting.
Turn the Heat Up
Do you or someone in your family possess the skills to grill a meal on a fire or barbeque pit? Gather to make and enjoy meals outside in the summer weather. Investing in an outdoor appliance such as a barbeque pit, grill, or smoker is a simple way to begin a journey to making your outdoor dream kitchen. These appliances can cook a number of meals on your patio with enough heat and precaution.
Gather Around the Fire
For a more centralized source of heat that does not typically make food, smaller fire pits or porch heaters are another option to consider. The versatility of these is seemingly endless! From gas fire, wood-burning pits, electric heaters, and fire pit tables, these appliances come in several shapes and sizes to meet the needs of your space. They also create an inviting environment post-summer. When the temperatures start to drop, you can continue to get your money’s worth as you sitting around the fire on a cool fall evening on the patio or porch.
Embellish with Durable Décor
Lastly, top off your outdoor area with a touch of fun. Adding the finishing touches to your patio or porch, keep in mind the continued theme of durability and weather resistance. Adding items like throw pillows is a simple way to incorporate pops of color. Additionally, to change up the pillows and preserve the cushion, try rotating with durable pillow covers. If your outdoor space is meant for entertaining, consider adding different levels of sitting on your porch with Adirondack chairs. These chairs are easily stackable, weather-resistant, and light enough to move around. Complete a patio sitting area by including a colorful or patterned area rug. These come in a number of colors and patterns, which you can coordinate with the style of your furniture. If you are looking to catch more of that summer breeze, place a swing or glider on your porch or patio! Swings often come with their own mini covering, providing shade or can be installed to hang from a porch ceiling, ensuring use throughout the seasons. They also provide more sitting space for you and your potential guests. Time spent enjoying a nice summer day often continues into the evening. To complete the ambiance and continue using your umbrella, stringing lights underneath the cantilever umbrella creates a unique atmosphere.
