Design Tips for Patio Season

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Leigh Liebmann

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on May 18, 2021

Summer is almost here, and we are dreaming of all the patio hangs. The perfect summer days spent laying by the pool (with seltzer in hand!) followed by an evening spent on the patio conversing with friends huddled around a thoughtfully curated charcuterie board while sipping on a glass of perfectly paired pinot. 

With these summer gatherings in mind, we’re sharing a few tips that will instantly give your outdoor space the lift it needs to set the mood for the perfect patio oasis. We’re breaking down five styles and sharing recommendations that will fit any sized budget. Whether you’re looking to splurge, or save, a simple update to include these five categories will give your patio the sense of style it needs to quickly become everyone’s favorite room in the house.

LIGHTING: Set the mood

SAVE: Hanging string lights are an easy, affordable way to showcase added style, and bring a warm, inviting touch to any patio. There’s something about string lights that will make your guests feel at home enough to want to linger a little longer than usual.

SPEND: Outdoor lanterns are both stylish and functional. Group them in pairs of three around your patio to create vignettes which give off a warm, inviting glow.

SPLURGE: Pendants hanging from a pergola may be a bit more involved to install, but will leave your patio feeling like you’ve entered an exotic getaway right outside the comfort of your own home. It’s an investment worth making.

TEXTILES: Convey a cozy feeling

SAVE: Door mats are an affordable way to add a touch of texture to your space. Try layering a door mat on top of a smaller outdoor rug for added interest and balance on your patio.

SPEND: Incorporate an accent rug under your outdoor seating areas to add a pop of color or touch of pattern to your outdoor living space.

SPLURGE: A great way to bring the comfort of the indoors to your outside space is to incorporate a variety of outdoor throw pillows, blankets, and outdoor poufs to ensure you’ve created the ideal post beach napping environment. Besides, is there anything better than drifting off to sleep after a long day in the sun?!

PLANTS: Bring in an element of the wild

SAVE: Herbs in hanging planters are a cost-effective, functional, and fun way of bringing a bit of green to your patio. A little creeping thyme goes a long way. No more running to the store to grab basil for that gin cocktail, Summer is the perfect time to grow your own and share with friends.

SPEND: Bring a few smaller decorative planters with flowers into your outdoor space to add a femenine touch. Hanging planters with bright florals have a way of adding interest and softening a room. There’s just something about flowers that seem to make everyone smile.

SPLURGE: If you’re looking for a chic, sophisticated look, incorporate cast concrete planters with boxwood. From traditional to contemporary, potted greenery has a way of adding a sense of elevated style to any space or setting.

FURNITURE: The grounding element of the space

SAVE: Outdoor furniture can be quite the investment. If you’re not looking to break the bank, consider incorporating a few woven/resin chairs with ottomans so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunset. 

SPEND: For a classic, modern look, bring in a metal sofa set with plush cushions to anchor your space. Furniture with clean lines mixed with comfort will send all the right signals.

SPLURGE: Teak is a great option for those looking to invest a little bit more in a patio footprint. It’s where style meets durability. The best part?! Teak is often weather-resistant which will help keep your patio looking clean, fresh, and vibrant.

FIRE: Keep a lighter handy

SAVE: You can never have too many outdoor candles. Set the mood by incorporating a vignette of votives on the coffee table or a larger citronella candle to ensure your space stays footloose and mosquito-free.

SPEND: Oil Lamps are a decorative way to light up the outdoors. The natural flame ambiance is the perfect way to bring a hint of luxury and paradise to your backyard. 

SPLURGE:  Fire pits are a chic way to transform your outdoor space into a bonfire experience. Set out some marshmallows and roasting sticks to make sure you are s’mores ready at all times. After all, is it ever too early for a marshmallow?!

Did you know our Havenly designers design patios too? Make sure you’re patio-ready this summer by taking our style quiz to get started with a designer! 

Words by Leigh Liebmann