NOW that it really is summer, you may want to spend more time in your garden.
But if your outdoor space is a but less than an oasis, the answer may lie in your patio.
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Design professional Nick Lewis often shares clever tricks on his YouTube channel to brighten up both the inside and the outside of your home.
When it comes to creating a patio that the whole family can enjoy, there are a few things to keep in mind, he told Fabulous.
Choose Patio Furniture Wisely
Stay away from glass tables, they won’t do anything for your patio except make it look simple.
Nick said: “I can’t stand glass tables in the interior because I find them annoying to clean, leave fingerprints and always look cheap.
“If you take into account the dust and dirt from outside, it really is a nightmare!”
Also, stay away from fire tables or fire pits with brightly colored glass beads.
“Nothing makes a patio cheaper! Use heat-resistant stones instead, but if you must, clear glass beads without LED lighting.”
Avoid sticky accessories
There’s a fine line between fun and quirky garden accessories and the ones that just look tacky.
Rethink the kind of images you put on your patio, colorful gnomes may seem like a good idea, but they’re a little different and frankly a little creepy.
Nick explained: “I mean, look, if you love them, go for it, but they can look a little tacky.
“I think if you really want to add some personality with little figurines, and you want something more modern, go for the ones painted in one color.
“It adds some fun, blends easily with your color palette, and won’t be as flashy as kitschy as your more traditional gnomes.”
Don’t bother your neighbors
“If you live close to your neighbors, I would avoid anything that makes repetitive noises, like wind chimes, water features, or anything playing music,” Nick explained.
“The problem with water features is that the pump can be noisy and the repetition can grate after a while.”
However, there is a way to incorporate fun features into your yard: “If you have some features that sparkle a little in the rain, that could be great for creating more of a Japanese-inspired zen space,” Nick added.
“But, as with all things design, don’t overdo it.”
Garden tips and hacks
patio plants
Many people opt for a large patio to avoid getting their fingers dirty with other gardening chores.
But that doesn’t mean you should forget about plants on your patio, a few pots of flowers can make a huge difference.
And there’s no excuse for using fake plants, said the patio professional: “I think fake plants have a place where access to natural light isn’t possible, like a bathroom.
“On a patio, that shouldn’t be a problem if you buy the right plants for the amount of shade you have.
“Plastic plants on a patio tell your guests you’re lazy! If I can water them, so can you!”
Brighten up your terrace quickly
With summer approaching, you may not have as much time as you’d like to plan your patio.
But fear not, if you have a big BBQ coming up, there are a few things you can do to give your patio a new lease of life just in time.
Nick said: “Look at what you have and make sure it’s the right size for the space you have so people can move comfortably around your patio and the pieces you have are in a style you love.
“From there you work on the basics – chairs, a rug if you want one and tables for drinks.
“Then you can bring lighting, cushions and plants that act as accessories.
And while there are many similarities in patio design, there are also some differences to keep in mind.
“Patios are more casual and rustic than you might expect in an indoor space, so consider pieces in brighter, more vibrant colors and with playful patterns.
“Hopefully you’re enjoying the sun there, so have fun playing with bright coral, sky blue and yellow, three colors that are now super hot for outdoors and really pop on a patio.”
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