Sunday, May 23, 2010

Creative Patio Design Ideas









Patios have always been our favorite place for spending leisure hours, be it barbecuing in the afternoon, sipping cocktails or just for reading a book or relaxation. Patios are the ideal place for having an exotic meal, reading your favorite book, conversing with friends and family within the premises of your dwelling. You can also spend your evenings and nights in the patios, but make sure to have a proper lighting arrangement to suit your eyes; choose from the best patio design ideas that can match up to your taste and preference.

Patios come in various themes and designs to be chosen from and the size and mood of the patio are two determinant factors that need to be sorted before finalizing a design. You ought to decide upon the size first; whether you want a large or a small patio and that will help you in choosing the ultimate design and creating an awesome ambiance for your home where you can spend some quality time in solitude.

There are certain elementary things to be considered before chalking a plan for your patio; if you have an existing patio and you want some improvisation you must focus on the present view of the patio, the weather and the point where the sun hits during summer and winter. In such cases, it's ideal to be creative in improvising the existing designs to make best use of the view and then make some possible changes to it.

The focal point of a patio is of significant importance and that's the preliminary factor which draws attention. The correct focal point is the highlight of a good patio design. If you find too many odd edges in the patio, you can choose from certain focal points like fountain, statue or a flower bed as a disguise.

If you have a pool in the house, you can create a resort like feel within the house almost effortlessly. Umbrellas of various color schemes can be used as great designs to add that feel to your patio. Of all the colors, dark green has been a favorite amongst people as it can also serve the purpose of covering the area temporarily. If you love the sun, just close those umbrellas and soak yourself.

Choosing the correct lighting is very vital for your patio design as it gives a lively feel to the area during the night. Proper lights are not just meant to beautify your patio design, but it also ensures your safety when you walk around the patio at night. There are various patio lighting options as well to be chosen; some of the common ones are torches, lights hanging from the trees or ceilings etc. Torches bring in a natural feel to the ambiance, while the lights used with gazebos or covers give a romantic feel to it. Make sure to use proper lighting in the strategic areas such as, steps, walkways and level changes for safety.

Patio covers must be chosen carefully and according to the weather of the area that you live in. If you are located at a place that is sunny all through the year, you can choose temporary covers for the patio, such as, umbrellas and awnings. But if you are located at a place that is less sunny with occasional rain showers during the year, you can opt for permanent covers for your patio, such as, pergolas, corrugated metal roofs and gazebos.

Great patio design ideas add an extra element to the dwelling that is appealing to the eyes and functional as well. While choosing the best suited patio design for your dwelling do keep in mind that the design you choose would reflect your thought and personality and as such you must come up with the best.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Patio Roof Designs - Find a Unique Look to Fit With Your House


No ideal home is complete without a beautifully designed patio. This is a paved area outside the house, commonly for relaxation, dining, and good conversation, listening to music, drinks and other recreational activity. A patio is best covered, so as to be suitable for all seasons. Besides, roofing adds much beauty to the patio. Patio roof come in many shapes and designs. Here are some great ideas for your patio roof designs.

Patio umbrellas are wonderful roofing patio styles. With a good swimming pool nearby, an umbrella patio gives a natural resort feel to the patio that increases relaxation. While they are made of wood, the umbrellas usually come in different colors. One very good thing about this patio design is that it can easily be closed down or adjusted to taste.

Canopies and gazebos are made out of iron or wood. They also come in various shapes and sizes. The covers are moveable. The fabric and draping come in many designs and colors. Some are even water proof. Trellis and vines can be added up to the sides of the vines to climb up and add a more natural feel Using simple wood pergola Patio roof designs will make the whole terrain a site to behold, especially when properly maintained. A very innovative touch to the entire property can be enhanced by the color of paint and designs applied on the patio. Planting ornamental plants will add up to the artistic feel of the patio.

A good patio cover design that is used mostly on summer is the vinyl Awnings. They come in many colors, designs and sizes. They also make good poolside beauty and comfort additions.

If you want a more permanent fixture for your patio roof designs, a metal patio roof should be one of the styles to consider. Made of corrugated metal sheets, it is very suitable for rainy seasons and last quite long. When attached to your home, maximum shade from excessive sunlight and rain is guaranteed.

A clear glass patio can be tinted, depending on choice. It is beautiful and labels your property and elegant. With a glass patio, sunshine can be let in, as well as a good protection from the elements. They are also strong.

Another affordable patio roof design to use is the Aluminum Pan roof. Besides durability and affordability, it can also be maintained with minimum costs. A cool shade in summer, a shield from the rain and a good protection from the elements is what this roof style offers.

In choosing a roof design for your patio, it is advised you choose the designs that will so complement your house design that it will be seen as part of your house that it really is. Most importantly, uniqueness is what makes the patio roof a site to behold.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Patio Design - Add Awnings As A Colorful Finish For Your Patio Design


Patio design, planned with care and creativity, not only becomes a value-adding asset to your home, but expands your living and entertainment areas substantially. Elements such as awnings will complement any patio design, adding both color and protection against the powers of nature.

Your patio design will depend on the area you have available, the maintenance-level you prefer, and your lifestyle needs.

You may need some serious landscaping, and choose complicated water features. Or you may have only a limited space, and an even more limited budget. A patio doesn't have to be oversized, in order to be functional. A competent landscaping designer will be able to present you with a patio design, perfect for your pocket and property.

You can draw on a wealth of ideas while planning your patio design. Magazines are an excellent source of inspiration. The idea is to make the patio an extension of your home. To achieve this ideal, the patio design has to blend in with the design of your living space. This includes the architecture, as well as the interior décor.

A number of paving possibilities are available. Concrete patio pavers or interlocking patio pavers are extremely popular, affordable, and durable. These come in sizes, shapes, and textures to fit from a simple patio design, to an elaborate landscaped outdoor area.

Stone or brick patios are another viable option, especially if durability is a concern. If you choose a stone patio, make sure that the pavers have been fired in such a way that they are weather resistant. A wooden deck has its place in patio design, but also has limitations with respect to lifespan and maintenance. However, if the planned patio area is sloped, or has drainage problems, a deck may be a simple solution.

The features you incorporate into your patio design, create atmosphere. A water feature facilitates a feeling of tranquility and relaxation. Another advantage is that it helps to mask noise, such as passing traffic. You may choose to add an herb garden, with lavender and other fragrant, calming plants. Flower beds or boxes can be a source of greenery and color.

The patio furniture you choose, will depend on your personal taste and budget. Keep in mind that exposure to sun and showers necessitates quality materials.

Colorful canvas awnings add an elegant finishing touch to your patio design. To use your extended 'living room' to the fullest, it is vital to have protection against the sun, wind, rain, and worrisome insects. Awnings made with quality fabric offer UV protection, are weather resistant, and waterproof. Look for models that can be retracted when you want to bask in a bit of sunshine, or when you want to enjoy the company of the moon and stars on a romantic evening out...

Some awning designs make provision for an extra screen that can be added, which will give you an insect-free zone. You will be able to relax and enjoy visiting with guests, while nasties such as mosquitoes and flies are kept at bay.

One of the best investments you can make in your property, is the addition of a harmonious patio, done within the guidelines of a well-planned patio design.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Patio Design - Designing A Patio


There are some basic elements of designing a patio. A patio design also includes issues like weed control, drainage and border of the patio. For proper drainage there should be 1 inch slope at every 8 to 12 feet of patio. Moreover a well thought out installed patio itself controls the weed. A patio should have distinct border. To have distinct border pavers can be installed in different directions. Today prefabricated borders are available to give the patio borders a different look. So far as the main body of the patio is concerned it is not difficult to construct a durable patio in a selected design and size.

Actually the design of a patio also depends on the type of the paver products used in the patio. While designing the patio an unpaved space is left in the middle. This space is meant for making focal point where flowerbed is installed. Moreover a beautiful tile made of ceramic can be installed to make a unique center stage. Second most important aspect is framing the area of patio for safety. Braces can be used for this purpose. Level of the patio has to be kept above the lawn in the premise. It is done by raising the level with the help of sand. And then paving stones are installed at a desired level. It can be a basic design for any patio.

In addition to paving stone patio there is flagstone patio. It looks like a slab. It is built by excavating the ground first. It is followed by leveling the slab with the help of sand and mortar. In this process some flat stones are necessary because flagstone may not be compatible with each other. Patios are also made from loose materials. These patios are not as formal as the flagstone patio. The loose material may be mulch or pea gravel. There are normal patios. These are tile based patio in which there is a vast scope of designing as the tiles of different design colors and sizes are available. It can have ceramic look or mosaic look. In this kind of patio mix and match design of focal points can be made. Now the landscaping of the area surrounding is also very essential for making a patio design more attractive. Basically it is also a component of patio designing. A beautiful landscaping of the patio can makes the patio more live and natural. Thus the quality of patio design depends on the type and quality of the building material, choice and taste of an individual and of course the on the skills of the designer.