This document provides 10 exciting patio design ideas that can transform an outdoor space into a functional and stylish living area. Some of the ideas include adding an open-air kitchen, fire pit, bar, privacy features, lighting, and comfortable outdoor furniture. Proper patio design can incorporate these elements to create an outdoor room that enhances property value and provides enjoyment for entertaining.

1. 10 Exciting Patio Design Ideas

2. A patio is no longer just a place where you throw down
some square concrete stones and a few lawn chairs.
The concept of the patio has evolved to the point that it
is often a selling feature when prospective home buyers
are shopping for a new house.
The modern patio takes design elements from several
different sources and combines them into an exciting
outdoor space for your property. Here are 10 exciting
patio design ideas for you to consider.

3. 1. Open-Air Kitchens
There’s something about an open-air kitchen that takes
the concept of BBQ to a whole new level. If you like to
entertain, an open-air kitchen may be a great option.
Budget will likely be an issue at some point, but it is
possible for your patio to have:
• Grilling equipment
• Refrigerator
• Cooking island
• Prep counter

4. 2. Adding a Fire Pit
A fireplace inside your home adds an element of
comfort and warmth, and the same can be true on the
outside. An attractive brick or stone fire pit will make
your patio the preferred destination of anyone who
spends time at your house.
Make sure you research local codes and regulations so
you know what permits you need. Also, build the pit far
enough away from shrubs and trees that the heat will
never be an issue.

5. 3. Adding a Bar
If you like throwing neighbourhood parties out on your
patio, adding a bar cabinet is a given. You don’t
necessarily need an actual bar, but if you feel it would
be a good addition and you have the space, try and fit
that in too.
Your bar cabinet should be made from a material that
can handle different types of weather, and big enough
to hold wines and various spirits. It’s also important to
ensure the cabinet has a sturdy padlock that can’t be
opened easily.

6. 4. Designing for Privacy
If privacy is important to you, designing your patio to
protect it is a wise idea. Some people just don’t want
neighbours or passerby to be able to see into the heart
of the patio. When privacy is a concern, consider:
• Planting some shrubs or a hedge like boxwood or
juniper.
• Using attractive screens and awnings in your design.
• Adding a trellis or vinyl divider.
• Adding colourful climbing vines

7. 5. Personal Touches
Moving away from standard patio designs and adding
some of your own personality is always a good choice.
Some features you can add to show your personality
include:
• Small stream
• Bird bath
• Ornamental fountain
• Bamboo curtains or accessories
• Accessories featuring your favourite colours.

8. 6. Making Shade
Many homeowners like to make their patio feel more
like an actual room with various forms of shade. Shade
may also be a practical design choice if you live
somewhere that gets a lot of intense sunlight. Shading
options include:
• Trees, bushes and other landscaping options.
• Retractable awning
• Sail shades
• Large umbrella

9. 7. Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring offers quite a bit of benefit to any patio
design, because it is strong and very versatile. As a
patio floor, poured concrete can be:
• Made into various shapes in a multitude of colours.
• Swirled and scored for a more elegant look.
• Formed into patterns to resemble different types of
stones.
Basically, concrete will give you the look you want, while
also being able to withstand all types of weather and
heavy foot traffic over time.

10. 8. Adding a Potting Bench
A potting bench makes a nice addition to any patio
where the homeowners love gardening. It is practical
and it can also blend into the overall design of your
patio. Some benefits of a potting bench include:
• Space to store everyday gardening tools.
• Place to organize seeds.
• Storage for bags of mulch, soil or fertilizer.
• Counter space to prep flower and plant arrangements.

11. 9. Creating Atmosphere
with Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of any patio for both
home security and atmosphere. The proper lighting for
your space can illuminate the area and highlight certain
features you’d like everyone to see at night.
You can use solar lights if you’re concerned about
saving energy, embedded lights for a stylish look that
keeps them out of the way, or even mini lamp posts to
give make it feel like its own little town.

12. 10. The Outdoor Living Space
Furniture is perhaps the most important element that
will transform your patio into a true outdoor living space.
Today’s patio furniture comes in many different
materials, and includes:
• Couches
• Chairs
• Sectionals
• Ottomans
• Tables
• Accessories

13. Outdoor Living Space cont…
Remember to scale your patio furniture to the space
you have available, and keep it in line with your overall
theme. You want to have a decent amount of space to
move around, but still want the area to look complete.
If you take your time and choose carefully, you’ll have
an outdoor living space you can be proud of for years to
come.

14. References
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/outdoors/patio-ideas-
building-tips-and-design-trends/pictures/index.html
HGTV Remodels
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/5-patio-decorating-
ideas.htm
TLC Home
http://www.cabanacoast.com/
Cabana Coast