If you choose the right back patio ideas, you can enjoy your garden all year round – not just in the summer. Whether you're the perfect host and looking for ways to stay warm as a winter host, or you want to use your patio as an extension of your living space in the colder months, there's an upgrade for everyone Veranda.
Country musicians Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Nashville home is a prime example of staying out late.
Depending on your climate, backyard covered patios can be the most sociable spaces in your home, so you'll want to make the most of the space available.
If you're not sure where to start with your back porch ideas, just look beyond your immediate surroundings. Mother Nature is the ultimate design inspiration. Your landscape can give you clues about color, materials, furniture orientation and more.
“Your garden patio ideas should always be viewed as an extension of your home, so it's important to bring the comfort of indoors outside,” says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of OKA. “One way to do this is to make sure you have all the amenities of an indoor living room – heating, solid furniture, soft upholstery and even a TV or sound system.”
When designing an outdoor living room similar to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's space, comfort and durability are key. “You want to make sure there is plenty of seating as well as typical indoor amenities, like end tables and coffee tables,” says Michelle Morgan Harrison of Morgan Harrison Home. “Durable, weather-resistant materials are a must and we typically prefer to keep the palette simple, including soft grays or beige tones that blend seamlessly with the hues of nature.”
Patio lighting is another element that should be considered from the outset. If you are lighting a patio area, first set up a framework of permanent lights – for example wall lights, ceiling spotlights or solar poles. These provide practical lighting and help you find your way around the backyard after the sun goes down.
Permanent outdoor lighting also increases the security of your home and deters intruders. With this in place, you can add decorative lighting when entertaining to add a special touch to the occasion.
“Decorate your patio with lots of up and down mood lights, garland lighting and even mood-enhancing candles,” advises Lucy Kirk, creative manager at Lights4fun. “Solar lanterns hanging in neighboring trees illuminate your patio and add a magical glow.”
To achieve a successful overall look, you need to be disciplined about what you include and what you leave out of a carefully curated outdoor living space. But you can choose flexible cushions and waterproof accessories to change the look depending on the season and changing garden trends.
Shop the look
Highly rated
Kooper Solar Powered Outdoor Lantern – Set of 2