One of the best things about Seattle is summer. Our summer weather is perfect and with so many amazing outdoor activities to choose from, whether it’s enjoying an outdoor movie at MOHAI in South Lake Union, catching a Mariners game at Safeco Field, or tasting fresh heirloom tomatoes at one of the many neighborhood farmer’s markets, spending time outside is easy to do.
In addition to taking advantage of the many excellent activities our city has to offer, Seattle homeowners more and more are looking for ways to enhance their outdoor living areas. Adding an outdoor patio or deck to your home is a great way to take advantage of the beautiful weather, extend your living area, create an inviting atmosphere to entertain guests, and increase curb appeal for those of you looking to sell your home this summer. Whether you're dreaming of a modest retreat where you can connect with nature or an elaborate space built for serious outdoor entertaining, there's a patio to fit your home, lifestyle and budget.
Here are 5 tips to creating the perfect outdoor patio in Seattle:
Define your space with patio flooring. One of the biggest trends in patio design is to use concrete flooring. Unlike wood which molds easily, concrete holds up well under the elements and is incredibly versatile and can be shaped into any pattern or color. Paver stones which can be interlocked together also work well to define a space.
Provide shade. A deck that provides some shade from the sun is far more inviting than a deck in full sun. Offering areas of shade is an essential part of creating an inviting space. Collapsable deck umbrellas, retractable awnings or sailcloth hung overhead between structures is a great way to offer a respite from the hot summer sun.
Create inviting “rooms”. Arranging your patio into various living “rooms” draws people in and invites them to stay. First, decide what you want the overall functionality to be. What’s important to you? If you love to cook and entertain and plan to grill for large parties, creating a well equipped outdoor kitchen will serve you well. But if you intend to use your outdoor space as an oasis, a place to relax, then creating lounge areas complete with lush plantings, water features and comfortable patio furniture may be preferable. Like any other room in your home, decorate the space to ensure that it's welcoming, interesting and aligned with your home’s style.
Provide warmth to extend the summer season. A wood-burning fire pit is romantic, but hooking it up to a gas line is more practical for year-round use. Portable propane or standing patio heaters are an alternative - just be sure to have extra propane on hand so you don’t run out at an inopportune time!
Set the mood with lighting. Whether you’re hosting an evening affair or just relaxing with the family, lighting is important. Strike the right balance between light and dark by stringing up multiple, smaller bulbs rather than large lamps. They will spread a soft glow and can create a relaxed atmosphere. Candles and diffuse landscape lighting will add to the effect, too.