Ideas to make your patio a outdoor retreat!
The summer has arrived, kids are out of school and its that time when our outdoor spaces get some heavy use. Watch the slide show or scroll through the pages and discover some fun ideas to get the most out of your outdoor space & create a retreat like setting that you can enjoy well into the fall.
Add Style and Charm
Make it inviting by creating different areas for dining and relaxing. Add various sized & colored containers filled with flowers, vegetables, outdoor plants & grasses to help blend the structure into your current landscape. Include weatherproof furniture & cushions to create a quaint sitting or lounging area or update or add handrail to your deck or patio. Consider adding a small water feature or maybe a trellis and cover it with luxurious vines.

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Add Outdoor Lighting
Enjoy your patio well into the night. Light can give your landscape a magical setting. Adding globe or string lights overhead will create a ceiling plane, which helps your outdoor space feel cozy & inviting. Be sure to choose a bright light for grilling and other task oriented areas and mood or ambient type lighting to create a more intimate setting. There are many options to choose from including dimmable, solar, LED and low voltage options.

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Add outdoor accessories
Fireplaces, fans, fountains, fire-pits, rugs, statues, water gardens, pillows, wall décor and art can add style, comfort & design. Try hanging a group of metal art or mirrors to a wall or fence. Add colorful pillows to create a cozy corner or place solar or battery operated lights & candles to light a path or other specific area. Can’t afford a rug? Paint one on your deck or patio. Use solar floating lights in a pond or water feature. Get creative and have fun & remember that even the smallest details can make a big difference!

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Add an outdoor structure
Adding, pergolas, and patio covers over your deck or patio extend your outdoor living space & add to your existing architecture. Adding drop solar or sun shades to those structures protect you from the elements. These options not only add protection, comfort, privacy & value to your home, but will save you money on heating & cooling costs.

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Create Privacy
Want your deck or patio to feel like an oasis or retreat? Enclosing your patio can help create that intimate space. Add solar or sun drop shades to give you privacy & style but still allow you to view your surroundings. Other options are privacy walls, trellis, fences, mature trees, vines & shrubs.

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Create Shady Areas
Even sun lovers need a little shade to retreat to! Choices for creating shady areas include mature trees, retractable awnings, umbrellas, pergolas, arbors & patio covers. Retractable awnings & umbrellas are great for those who want sun part of the time and shade another.

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