The sunny skies and warmer weather of summer days make relaxing and entertaining outside on the patio more enticing than ever. If you have a small patio or you’re simply intimidated by decorating your space, you might be tempted to skip the upgrades and call it a day with a nice table and a few chairs. But you don’t have to settle! You can turn any patio into the relaxing retreat you want – without spending a fortune or hiring a professional decorator. Keep reading for top patio design and decor tips to try this summer. 

1. Embrace Lush Greenery

Plants can do wonders for your patio, adding an infusion of color and life that makes your space feel like an oasis. If you live in an urban area with concrete, lush greenery can help hide the sterile gray, muffle the outside noise, and make your patio feel more inviting. Think vertically, and don’t be afraid to play around with size! You can use your plants to create walls or a stunning backdrop, or you can use small plants to create a space that really feels like home. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb – decorating with artificial plants will work just fine.

2. Define the Space with Rugs

You want your patio to feel like an extension of your home. One easy, contemporary way to do so is to add rugs. Flooring can instantly change the entire look and feel of a space. Rugs in bold colors and prints not only showcase your decorating style but add a welcoming touch that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space. They can also do a great job at creating zones or special spaces if you have a larger patio, such as the entertaining space, grilling area, or lounging area.

Be mindful of the colors, patterns, and prints you choose to achieve the look you want. For example, if you want a relaxing space, go for a rug in muted shades and simple patterns.

3. Refresh with Paint

While updating your patio may seem like a large undertaking, sometimes the main thing it needs is fresh paint. After all, the background is just as important as the furniture and other decor you put in the foreground! Choose a color that enhances your decor, whether that’s a cool shade of white to make your space feel larger or a pleasant and relaxing sky blue to match the cloud-free summer sky. You could even paint a mural for something completely unique! 

4. Create Mood Lighting

You want to be able to enjoy your patio all day long – including when the sun goes down. Turn your patio into paradise and add ambiance by incorporating mood lighting to match your decor. There’s no shortage of options, either. Fairy lights and festoon lights are trendy, popular options, but you can also hide lighting in flower beds with spiked spotlights, have tabletop lanterns, place modern patio lamps, or even go all out with a portable fire pit for the perfect summertime bonfire feel.

Read: How To Blend Furniture Styles For Seamless Interior Design

5. Pay Attention to Scale and Placement

Choosing summer furniture for patios is about more than the right colors and design styles you like. You also need to pay very close attention to the scale of your couches, chairs, table, rugs, and other furnishings. While it shouldn’t look sparse, it also shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the size or amount of decor. Small patios do not automatically mean small decor. A few larger items can actually make a space look bigger, while numerous small items can end up looking cluttered and feeling smaller. Play around with size to see what works for your space.

6. Try an Outdoor Aquarium

Typically, when most think about aquariums, indoor aquariums come to mind. But aquariums can absolutely be placed outdoors for a colorful dose of tranquility. Add a trough tank to have an aquatic statement wall, or get a small- to medium-sized tank for a tabletop focal point. More than a space for your fish, you can even add plants to your aquarium for a mesmerizing and stunning conversation starter. Get creative with your placement and decor! 

A few things to keep in mind: pay attention to the weather/location of the aquarium, the size of the tank, and plant and fish care. While great for decor, you also want to create a happy, healthy environment for your fish friends!

Summer Design and Decor

Just like the interior of your home, adding special decor and design touches can elevate your space and make it feel more inviting to you and your guests. From choosing to think outside of the box by painting a mural statement wall or livening up your space with an attention-grabbing aquarium with colorful fish and silk aquarium plants, you can transform your patio into the lounging and summer entertaining space of your dreams.