If you have a truly tiny space, such as a small balcony or a tiny patch of yard in an urban landscape, decorating ideas are your best bet. You can choose bold and impactful pieces that will make a statement—like colorful furniture or an outdoor rug—or go with a minimalist approach of neutral colors for furniture and building materials that allow the surrounding plants and the view to stand out. For these smaller spaces, less is often more. You’ll want to avoid a cramped and cluttered feeling, so embrace functional elements like built-in benches with storage and select tables and chairs with a small footprint. Raise greenery and flowers off the ground with hanging planters, suspended from the ceiling or affixed to a nearby fence or a railing to keep floor spaces clear and open.
When decorating, interior designers encourage drawing inspiration from your living or bedroom spaces and infusing that style to the outdoor space for a continuous thread. Carry the aesthetic throughout the entire indoor-outdoor concept when choosing flooring, outdoor furniture, and greenery.
Concrete patio ideas for design sensibility and durability
The affordability and availability of concrete materials make it a top choice for backyard patios. Moreover, the versatility of concrete allows homeowners to create durable, lasting features and spaces that can fit in with any design aesthetic from modern, minimalist spaces to a relaxing countryside retreat.
If you’re after reasonably priced and low-maintenance landscaping ideas, concrete is also a winner. For one, concrete slabs cost about 15% less than laying pavers. Likewise, stamped concrete—which is a tad pricier, but can be made to look like limestone, slate, and flagstone—is an attractive stand-in for a stone patio. What’s more, a stamped concreted patio is not only more durable, but it typically requires less maintenance than natural stone options. Here, find 5 ideas for incorporating concrete into your backyard space.
Find the right concrete hue for your project
Gone are the days of a boring concrete slab that turns blindingly bright when the sun hits it midday. Today, the popular building material comes in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns that cater to your style and needs. Treat concrete as a blank slate that is equally compatible poolside as it is beneath an outdoor fireplace or a chic pergola. When planning your outdoor patio, consider the various available styles and hues of concrete. For example, experts recommend choosing darker grayscale colors for an elevated, contemporary look.
Contrast textures