10 tips for creating your ideal patio

When creating your outdoor space, it’s important to consider how you will use it, what features to include and who will be using it before going forward with a design. It’s an exciting and fun addition, but you want to make sure you don’t do this twice.  

D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, Inc. will also help walk through this with you, but it’s good to start taking notice of how you and your family use your current space.

• Create a gathering place - Make a space that’s friendly for the kids, friends and family for times you host a gathering, and most importantly for you and your partner.

• Add an archway or pergola- for some shade and character, adding a pergola or trellis brings a unique and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living area.

• Adding speakers – nothing adds ambiance like some background music. Bonus points if your speakers that are inconspicuous (such as decorative rocks or fixtures
  

• Repel bugs with citronella candles and torches – Citronella will repel unwanted mosquitoes and other bugs away while also providing the gorgeous flame to set the mood.

• Use string and accent lighting for easy and elegant look - String lights are perfect for outdoor lighting because they are small enough to be difficult to see during the day & there are so many bulbs to spread the light out easily at night.

• Create a separate nook for yourself – even if it’s a hammock or swing, create a place for you that is just for a quite time for relaxation.

• Add the element of water- Fountains or ponds can be used to be the center of attention or provide the perfect accent to your favorite outdoor spot.

• Add a fire pit – The only thing more attractive then water is fire; using fire anywhere in an outdoor space is sure to get some wows.

• Add a heater for cooler nights- Chilly weather should not stop you from enjoying the beauty of your backyard. Outdoor heaters are an easy addition to keep you cozy through those brisk nights. 

• Include an outdoor kitchen – If you are a frequent entertainer, investing in an outdoor kitchen would be a great addition for grilling and serving. 

Details for Fire Pits

Six Essential “S” Words for Fire Pits

Think all fire pits are the same? They offer more variety than you would think! D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling thinks you should know they come in all kinds of styles, shapes, and sizes to accommodate your needs as a homeowner.  If you are looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space, we have six things you should consider in order to achieve a unique design that’s perfect for you!

Surroundings

A fire pit rarely stands alone. While you are designing your ideal fire pit, consider how the elements surrounding the fire pit will affect it. Will you work it into your deck or patio? Where will it be in your yard? What landscaping do you want to add to complement? A good plan is a great start to the perfect fire pit.

Style

Make sure your goal for a fire pit aligns with the style of your home and the elements already in your outdoor living space. You can achieve a variety of styles including modern, contemporary, traditional, and rustic. Know which direction you are heading before getting to the details.

Size

This is where budget can affect your decision, but beyond budget, the dimensions of the fire pit as well as the dimensions of the surrounding area. Also, consider how far into the ground and how high above ground level you prefer. A fire pit is something for your family to enjoy, so these decisions are about what you prefer.

Shape

A fire pit has a lot of flexibility in the shape from semi-circle, circle, oval, square, to rectangle and if you want to get crazy, I’m sure you could pick another shape! Base the shape on personal preference, but also how many people you want to be able to gather around.

Stone

Stone selection for your fire pit can vary in color, size, shape, and style. Different choices in stones will achieve a different look. D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling stresses the value of having visual examples so that the end result matches what you had in mind from the start.

Seating

The purpose behind a fire pit is typically that it serves as a gathering area in your outdoor living space. Built-in seating is an option or regular patio furniture can be a great complement too! You can combine the two seating types for flexibility. Check out other patio designs to be certain you like the look of built-in seating or furniture.

Consider the details when looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space and you’ll love watching those elements come together to match the vision you had for your fire pit!