A patio or deck is one of the ideal locations of your home. It's a transitional space between indoor and outdoor living. A patio also serves multiple purposes. However, the space itself may not be ideal, being small, loud or clearly visible, for example. Design your patio to best utilize the space you have.
Problem: Small Patio
One of the most common problems for a patio is that it's small. However, you can still live large on your patio by arranging the furniture well. The first solution is obvious -- select smaller furniture. Instead of a family-size table, for instance, opt for a café table. You can augment this with additional seating that serves multiple purposes. Additionally, look for light patio furniture (from an outlet such as Eastgate Pools) that you can easily move aside for larger parties or play time with the kids.
Problem: Not Enough Storage
It could be that your patio is small or that you simply want it to host a lot of outdoor activities. Either way, a well-designed patio should include plenty of storage space. Bench seating is ideal here because the benches conceal a storage well. If you like to cook outdoors, consider also a portable island. You can outfit this with all your cooking utensils stored in pretty containers. Indeed, such an island works well as a gardening bench as well.
Problem: Indistinct Space
Perhaps the problems isn't so much a lack of space but that it flows into the yard. Better Homes and Gardens suggests using a container garden to create a natural-looking boundary. Start with a selection of pretty planters that enhance the décor of your patio. Choose plants that are visually interesting and even offer a nice scent, such as herbs or fragrant flowers. To create the boundary, place them along the perimeter of the boundary but staggered so they don't feel like a proper wall.
Problem: Lack of Privacy
Maybe your neighbors seem to be right there, on top of you. Plants are a great way to add a little privacy to your patio or deck, too. You could create a boundary with planters as described above but simply choose taller plants. Additionally, consider an arbor. Place it as a discreet screen to shield the neighbors' view, and train climbing plants up the trellis.
Problem: Street Noise
Perhaps your neighbors aren't so much visible as audible. For a feeling of seclusion, start by placing your patio furniture in a quieter corner. A plant-covered trellis panel works well here, too. From there, add an outdoor water fountain. Choose a spot where the water music best masks the street noise no matter where you are on the patio.
Take the ultimate enjoyment possible from your outdoor space by designing it to minimize any problems.
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