Bonus Space

Written by Tom Xavier

Dynamite Courtyard Makeover

There are simple ways to decorate your courtyard or patio, making it a place of ultimate relaxation and a great outdoor area to entertain family and guests. Your decorating options will depend on your budget, but there are things that anyone can do, even when we’re tightening purse strings. Living in an apartment doesn’t limit the possibilities, either. Here are nine ways you can transform a bland patio into an outdoor paradise fit for a king (or queen).

Plants and Flowers

Don’t underestimate the impact plants and flowers have on your patio. These make a great addition to your decorating. If you have a container garden, arrange your plants and flowers in an attractive and organized way. To do this, figure out the colors of the flowers that each plant produces, and the heights and textures of the plants’ leaves. Then, put containers together based on a color scheme you like, and group other containers based on texture. Do the same for plants and flowers you plan to put on tables. Hanging baskets on your patio also add a nice touch to your patio décor.

Lights

You can enjoy being outdoors at night if you decorate your patio with lights. There are many patio lighting options on the market, from simple to high-tech. Some patio light options include ambient lighting and diffused lighting. A really simple way to light your patio is to string white holiday lights around the patio. This is fun for kids, too. Also, it will cost less than expensively-marketed patio lights and you’ll have a lower electric bill.

Furniture

You want to decorate your patio, because you plan to spend time there, right? However, you won’t be out there long if you don’t have any furniture to sit on. Patio furniture is a necessary addition to your patio if you’re going to relax or entertain outdoors. If you’ve ever checked out the prices for patio furniture, you’ll note that it can be just as expensive as buying living room furniture. This may not be an option for folks on a limited budget. So, the best thing to do is check yard sales, Craigslist, or even ask friends and family members if they’ve got furniture you could have. It may not be “patio furniture,” but it can do the job. Wood or metal furniture work best and will last longer. Plastic furniture will also be fine.

Swing or Hammock

A swing on a patio gives a nostalgic, country feel that many people enjoy. These are easy to get and will give your patio a simplistic, yet elegant look. Make sure that the hooks you use to hold up the swing are sturdy, and that the swing itself can hold the weight of at least two adults. If you prefer a hammock to a swing, the same principles apply. Safety has to be your primary concern, because you don’t want a family member or guest climbing into your swing or hammock and getting hurt.

Create Colorful Benches

Buy affordable wood or metal benches, and paint them in bright colors. Add accent pillows in coordinating shades for a little comfort and a lot of style.

Bamboo Mats

Here’s how to make your own area rug for your patio out of inexpensive bamboo mats. Get the same mats that you roll up and carry to the beach; they cost about $5 each. Attach two or three of them together with carpet tape on the underside, flip and put under your patio table.

Make Homemade Topiaries

Buy dense shrubbery from a garden shop, a retail outlet, or a home improvement store. Use garden shears to cut the shrubs into shapes. They don’t have to be elaborate—spheres, cones, and hearts will do.

Upgrade Tables and Chairs

Make an old patio set look new again with spray paint. You can buy used patio furniture on the cheap at garage sales and thrift shops and make it pop with bright, summer colors and a little spray action.

Paint the Cement

If your patio is worn, you don’t have to have it re-done. Instead, paint it! You can use stencils to create the look of brick or tiles. After you are finished painting, seal the patio to make sure the colors last.

There are tons of simple ways to decorate your patio, and with just a little work, you’ll add an “extra room” to your home.

Article appeared in our 27-2 Issue - June 2010