Create a Contemporary Patio That Reflects Your Sense of Style

There are so many choices today for an outdoor patio. You can do much more than just poor a little concrete and toss out some resin furniture. Today’s outdoor patio is like an additional room in your home, your family room or den, or even a casual dining room, if you will. Modern patio décor options allow you to make your patio or deck an extension of your home and of your personal style.

The Floor

First of all, consider the floor of your patio. Do you remember your dad or grandpa spending the day pouring and smoothing the concrete floor of for their patios? You probably also remember the concrete looking very much like any old sidewalk or garage. Today, you can choose pebbled concrete, which is decorative and particularly great for a pool side patio because it prevents slips and falls. You may also wish to use treated timbers for a rustic look, or one of any number of pavers in shades of reds, grays, browns, or creams. Another option is to use indoor/outdoor carpet. It has come a long way from the typical bright green you are probably picturing right now.

Furniture

The patio furniture you choose will determine the level of comfort as well as design you wish to add to your outdoor patio. Cheap resin chairs and folding canvas chairs are great if you need portable furniture that can be pulled out at a moment’s notice, but they are not very attractive, nor are they comfortable.

If you love the look of the tropics, you can choose from a wide variety of rattan chairs and couches, stained in natural shades of browns, grays, or even black. Brightly colored cushions will give your furnishings a sunny look, and when you come in at night, only the cushions must be brought in out of the elements.

You can enjoy more modern lines and designs when you use furniture fashioned from treated wood, weather resistant aluminum or even marble and granite. Of course, your choice will be partially determined by how portable you would like your furniture to be. Marble and granite are very heavy, as well as expensive, so they will be pretty stationary once they have been placed. Wood patio furniture and aluminum, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to change around at will.

What Do You Want To Do With Your Patio?

A patio may be a place to rest, drink a glass of wine, and chat about your day. For this, you might choose an ensemble that includes chairs, a chaise, and maybe a couch or a swing. On the other hand, outdoor bars have become extremely popular as well and will give the whole neighborhood a great place to come together for a drink and a game of cards.

Great additions to your contemporary outdoor patio include a fire pit, a fountain, or even a hot tub. The choice is yours; with all of today’s patio furniture options, you can create whatever outdoor sanctuary you choose; you’ll never want to go inside, and your friends will never want to leave.

This  article was written and submitted by guest author Samantha Reynolds