2 Colorado Designers Share Their Best Patio Design Advice
Tips and tricks from the pros
Whether you already have a patio or are thinking of building one, you know that your backyard is an extension of your home—a place for gathering, making memories and enjoying life.
But it can be a challenge to design an exciting and inviting outdoor space, especially when considering the crazy Colorado weather. That’s why we asked two Colorado designers, Laura Medicus of Laura Medicus Interiors and David Schwank of Mosaic Outdoor Living & Landscapes, to share best patio design tips and tricks.
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS
David Schwank (DS): Every patio should have comfortable furniture, pops of color, flowers and ambient lighting.
SMALL & SIMPLE DECOR CHANGES PACK A PUNCH
Laura Medicus (LM): Café lights can make any patio look fantastic. I just had a client install some commercial café lights over her patio area, and it immediately looked more chic and inviting. Another easy way to add interest to a patio is with a few potted plants. Tropical plants, like banana trees and canna lilies, are especially great because they add height and color. These plants can also add privacy, disguise something unattractive and give an otherwise unremarkable space some style.
DESIGN WITH THE SEASONS IN MIND
DS: Year-round usability is so important. A nice outdoor living space can be a significant investment, so you want to be able to use the space as much as possible. To start using your space year-round, try adding fire features, infrared heaters, and things that block the wind, such as natural fences, privacy screens, or even a hanging garden.
MIX UP YOUR LANDSCAPING
LM: A big trend right now is putting vegetables and herbs into a space where you might once have only seen flowering annuals. Personally, I like seeing the mix of vegetables and flowers. It's practical, attractive and sustainable.
MAKE THE OUTDOOR SPACE JUST AS INVITING AS THE INTERIOR
DS: Living in Colorado, people want to be outside; however, many people don’t spend a lot of time outside at their own homes due to bad design. If you’re thinking about making over your patio, make sure you have a space that’s the proper size and configuration for gathering with family and friends. You also want to have a reason for people to engage within the space—fire features, spas, TVs, and water features are ways to draw people outside. Large doors between the interior and exterior space are particularly effective at inviting people onto the patio.
WHEN IT COMES TO FEATURES, FOCUS ON COMMUNITY AND COMFORT
LM: There is something about a fire pit that is really appealing to us in Colorado. When the sun goes down, it can get quite chilly, even in the summertime. Sitting outside around a fire is such a romantic idea and something that encourages together time.
Tim Glidden is the General Manager of Retail for Pella Windows and Doors Denver, which sells a variety of energy-efficient windows and doors. You can contact Tim at (303) 350-5617.
Content for this article provided by Pella Windows.
