Choosing the right back patio ideas can help you enjoy your backyard all year round – not just in the summer. Whether you're the consummate host on the hunt for ways to stay warm during winter hosting, or you'd like to use your patio as an extension of your living space through the colder months, there's a porch upgrade for everyone.
Country musicians Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Nashville home is a prime example of how to keep alfresco going well into the evening.
Depending on your climate, backyard-covered patios can be the most sociable rooms in your home, so you'll want to make the most of the space you have available.
If you aren't sure where to start with your back porch ideas, simply look beyond your immediate surroundings. Mother nature is the ultimate design inspiration. Your landscape can give you cues around color, materials, furniture orientation, and more.
‘Your garden patio ideas should always be thought of as an extension of your home, so it’s important to bring the comfort of indoors outside,' says OKA’s co-founder and creative director, Sue Jones. 'One way to do this is to ensure you have all the creature comforts associated with an indoor living room – heating, solid furniture, plush upholstery, and even a TV or sound system.'
Comfort and durability are key when designing an outdoor living room that resembles Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's space. 'You want to make sure there’s ample seating as well as the typical conveniences of the indoors, such as side tables and coffee tables,' says Michelle Morgan Harrison of Morgan Harrison Home. 'Durable, weather-resistant materials are a must and we typically like to keep the palette simple including soft grays or beiges, which seamlessly flow into the hues of nature.'
Patio lighting is another element worth considering from the offset. When lighting a patio area, start by establishing a backbone of permanent lights – such as wall lights, hooded spots, or solar stakes. These provide practical illumination, helping you navigate the backyard after sundown.
Permanent outdoor lighting will also increase the security of your home, deterring intruders. With this in place, you can then add decorative lighting for a sense of occasion when entertaining.
‘Dress your patio with plenty of ambient up and downward-pointing lights, festoon lighting, and even mood-enhancing candles,’ advises Lucy Kirk, creative manager at Lights4fun. ‘Solar lanterns hanging in the neighboring trees will soften your patio and create a magical glow.’
For a successful overall look, you need to be disciplined about what to include and leave out of a carefully curated outdoor living space. But you can choose flexible cushions and waterproof accessories to switch up the look with the seasons and as garden trends change.
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