A well-placed patio can be a relaxing retreat, an intimate gathering space or even a shady dining spot. No matter what purpose you intend it to serve, first figure out your family’s lifestyle and entertainment needs; this will guide your patio design, furniture selection and other features.
Next, consider the material that best suits your personal style. Paving materials like brick, concrete and pavers are available in a wide range of colors and textures, so you can create a truly custom look. For instance, if you want a traditional patio with a classic flagstone pattern, try a natural stone like limestone or slate. If you’re going for a rustic look, quartzite flagstone carved into irregular shapes can achieve your desired aesthetic.
If your patio is surrounded by greenery, choose a planting palette that complements the hardscape elements and lends color to the outdoor room. Welsch says that clients love intimate spaces that feel calm and private, so he recommends keeping plant and material selections simple for an elegant look. On this patio, for example, he used a tight planting palette of white hydrangeas, Japanese forest grass and climbing roses to enclose the seating area and add color.
Finally, remember to leave plenty of room for movement around furniture and other objects on the patio. Using lawn-safe chalk to outline the dimensions of your patio on the ground will give you a more realistic idea of how much maneuvering space you’ll have, and it’s always better to have too much room than not enough.