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Both patios and decks are used for small outdoor entertainment and relaxation. A patio can be of any size and is usually built in the back yard. A deck, on the other hand, is usually smaller in size and generally cannot accommodate a large gathering but it comes with the convenience of being attached to the home.

Patio Design Ideas

Whether you are renovating your existing patio or creating a new one we have got great tips and ideas to help you design that perfect venue for outdoor entertaining.

Tips for designing your patio

Get rid of your lackluster furniture. You can make your patio look more contemporary by choosing furniture that mimics the colors and patterns of your indoor furnishings.

Add Comfort

Make sure that your patio furniture is comfortable and relaxing. You can soften your seats with colorful cushions and accent pillows.

Be Versatile

Invest in multipurpose furnishings. Choose small stools, chairs and benches that can be expanded and easily relocated to other areas of your outdoor spaces.

Add Color

When purchasing sofas, chairs and rugs, choose ones with the most neutral colors. You can add color and patterns with pillows and other accessories. And when your pillows begin to fade, you can replace them with a new set of covers.

Watch the Weather

Use umbrellas to provide shade and comfort. Umbrellas make your patio usable under all types of weather conditions.

Include Greenery

Grow edible plants and herbs in planters and pots of various sizes and shapes. They not only add the much needed greenery but also soften the edges of your patio walls.

Tips for designing small-decks

Maybe your yard isn't large enough to accommodate a deck and a flowerbed. Or possibly you have lots of flowerbeds but hardly any space left behind to place a table and chairs. But don't let a small yard discourage you from building a deck. If you keep a few design ideas in mind, you can build a space-savvy deck even if you don't have a spacious yard.

Understand your requirements

Your lifestyle should be the first thing you need to consider while designing a deck. Before you start designing the space, think about how you would like it to function. If you invite friends and family for barbecues on a regular basis, your deck should be spacious enough to accommodate lots of chairs and at least one big table. But if you already have a spacious lawn where you can entertain guests, you probably don't need to build a large deck.

Establish a natural connection between your house and your deck

Make sure that the style, colors, materials and shape of your deck are in sync with your house and your yard. Ideally, the design of your deck should encourage a natural flow between the inner and outer parts of your home.

Include plants

Include flowers, shrubs and trees in your deck design. They are essential to meld the deck with the yard. Trees also offer nice shade and create a cooler atmosphere overall.

Other enhancements

If your budget allows for it, think about adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, maybe even an outdoor kitchen if you really want to entertain and impress your guests. These additional enhancements only make the entire outdoor experience more enjoyable.