HOW TO TAKE YOUR PATIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Is your patio looking a little run-down? Are you embarrassed to bring your friends over because your backyard looks like an industrial rubbish heap? Have your once golden sandstone pavers turned a toxic green? If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions, then help is at hand!

Here are some simple tips to take your patio to the next level:

Furniture

Believe it or not, a few carefully placed pieces of stylish furniture can really transform your patio. A few lounge chairs, cocktail tables and even a hammock or two is all that it takes.

Another great tip is to use furniture to hide unsightly parts of your patio; it is a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of your backyard. If you have an ugly drain in one corner, for example, place a low-lying chair in front of it.

Lighting

Proper lighting can make a good backyard look like a great backyard, and an ugly backyard look a little less ugly. The most important thing to keep in mind is to do away with those boring light bulbs. Everyone uses traditional lighting for their patio areas, but you can stand out from the pack by replacing light bulbs with:

• Candles – Not only do candles look great, they feel relaxing as well and if you buy scented candles they can spread a lovely aroma all around your patio.
• Torches – Gasoline fuelled torches will add an exotic vibe to your patio.
• Rope Lighting – During the festive months, some rope lighting will really add to the party vibe. Hardware stores sell rope lighting for as little as $20 per metre.

New Flooring

If your patio has the traditional red brick flooring, then laying outdoor tiles or a wooden deck will really add some elegance to your backyard. If your landscaping is particularly green and lush, then a wooden deck will blend in quite nicely. On the other hand, if your landscaping is more modern, with a pool as the major feature of your backyard, then outdoor pavers would be perfect. Just make sure that your new patio flooring will complement the rest of your home.

Sights and Sounds

A really great and innovative way to take your patio to the next level is to install a stereo system and a television screen outside. There is no better way to spend a lazy summer Sunday evening than to watch a movie with surround sound outside on your amazing patio. Better yet, during the major sports festivals you can have all of your friends around to enjoy the game.

Landscaping

If your patio looks a bit sparse and lifeless, all it takes is a few plants to revitalise it. You can plant a few shrubs around your patio, but be careful not to overload the area with greenery; remember, you are aiming for a tropical paradise, not an Amazonian wilderness. A great addition to sheltered patio’s are hanging pot plants, they are perfectly suited for hanging off the otherwise ugly wooden beams.

With these tips in hand, you are ready to turn your average patio into the talk of the town!