Exterior Home Design: Trends in Patio Design
Bring indoor comfort to your outdoor spaces with a great patio design.
Not so many years ago, the word "patio" generally called to mind the angular slab of concrete on which you stationed your no-frills grill and a few plastic chairs. More recently, however, as homeowners have begun to embrace the concept of "outdoor living" in a big way, patio design has become synonymous with the creation of lavish "outdoor rooms," replete with full kitchens, fire pits, water features and furniture that might look equally at home in an upscale living room.
If you're planning on a career in interior design, don't be surprised if your clients enlist your help in "bringing the indoors out." With this in mind, here are some of the latest trends in patio design:
Patio Materials
Modern patio design has evolved to incorporate a wide range of materials. Many homeowners are choosing to upgrade their outdoor space by creating patios using natural stone such as slate, flagstone or fieldstone. Still others are using concrete pavers (which now come in a surprising variety of colors and sizes), brick or even pea gravel. For those attached to the traditional slab of concrete, numerous staining and stamping techniques can be used to create a richer, more contemporary look.
Patio Shape
Along with the trend toward more natural (or natural-looking) materials, many patio designs now make use of organic, gently curving shapes. This allows the patio to blend better with garden beds and other landscape elements, giving the whole garden a more integrated look and feel. Even those who choose to use square concrete pavers are frequently leaving gaps between pavers—and filling these gaps with gravel, grass or a mossy groundcover, creating a more naturalistic look.
Patio Location
No longer limited to the space right outside the back door, many patio designers are creating "getaway patios"—small patios tucked into garden corners or other shady nooks. These patios are designed with privacy in mind, and are often surrounded by lush plantings and screened from view of the house.
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Patio Shelter
As homeowners look to spend more time outdoors, many patio designs have begun to incorporate sheltered areas. Pergolas and arbors are commonly used permanent structures which feature beams arranged in an overhead lattice, on which vines can grow. Some pergolas use trellis walls for even more privacy and protection from the elements. More portable forms of shelter can range from simple umbrellas, to stylish canopies and full-scale cabanas.
Patio Furniture and Accessories
A far cry from the plastic or steel-frame patio furniture of yesteryear, outdoor couches and club chairs featuring teak, aluminum or synthetic wicker frames and deep cushions have gained widespread popularity in recent years. Along with the trend toward living-room-like furniture, built-in outdoor kitchens featuring high-end grills, refrigerators, sinks and bar space are increasingly in demand. Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits, along with several containers of colorful plantings, often complete the outdoor home.
Elegance and comfort don't have to stay indoors. Whether homeowners want to entertain friends, enjoy nature or simply put their feet up and relax, interior designers can help their clients make the most of their outdoor spaces with well-designed patios.