Dated Design Flaws in Patio Decor: Avoid These 7 Faded Styles
Ready to revamp your patio and make it an extension of your living room? Here's what the designers recommend you should phase out for a trendy, cozy patio.
Say Goodbye to:
1. Oversized Spaces
While open layouts might seem ideal, they often fail to offer intimacy and daily functionality. Fill your patio with defined zones using hedges, trellises, or fencing, and soften them with pergolas, trees, or vines.
2. Synthetic Surfaces
Artificial materials like plastic and faux turf may seem low-maintenance at first, but they often end up looking worn over time and don't provide a natural feel. Opt instead for timeless choices such as stone, gravel, wood, and brick.
3. Crowded Fire Pits
Giant fire pits may have been popular, but they're not as practical as they seem. Opt for smaller, cozy fire setups designed for personal moments and versatile design. Fire features like outdoor cooking zones also add functionality to your patio.
4. Trendy and Uncomfortable Features
Avoid elements that photograph well but lack warmth and practicality. Prioritize comfort by choosing soft cushions, durable textiles, cozy throws, and storm-proof candles. Place swing chairs in intentional spots like secluded garden corners or under shady trees.
5. Oversized Umbrellas
Large, hard-to-move umbrellas are out. Consider natural shade sources like trees, pergolas, or vines that soften your patio and make it feel like a true garden room.
6. Lounge Chairs
Bulky and awkward to store, traditional lounge chairs often dominate your patio without offering much functionality. Instead, think about adding comfy daybeds that become instant hangout zones perfect for lounging and entertaining.
7. Plants That Don't Belong
Let plants, not decorative objects, define your space. Choose native species, layered greenery, and functional plants for your patio to create a relaxing, stress-reducing environment. Add vertical planters, potted trees, and other layered arrangements for privacy, shade, and enclosure.
By making these simple changes, you'll create an on-trend, cozy, and functional outdoor space designed for leisure and everyday living. Embrace the outdoors and make the most of your patio this year!
- Martha Stewart's outdoor living advice suggests replacing oversized spaces on your patio with defined zones, using materials such as hedges, trellises, or fencing, to create a more intimate and practical area.
- When considering the surfaces for your patio, follow design experts' recommendations and opt for natural materials like stone, gravel, wood, and brick instead of synthetic options like plastic and faux turf.
- To enhance your patio's fashion-and-beauty appeal, invest in cozy furnishings like soft cushions, durable fabrics, cozy throws, and storm-proof candles, and place swing chairs in intentional spots for added comfort and style.
