Patio Upgrades For The Modern Home

Ask homeowners what hardscape feature they utilize most; more than likely, it's the patio. Patios are a must-have space where we gather to socialize, dine, and relax with our friends and families while enjoying the pleasurable experience of being outdoors. We could say they are trendy, but they've been around since ancient times. We've been elaborating and embellishing them ever since.

For example, the patios of Ancient Greece were incredible feats of artistic stone architecture and were typically part of an enclosed courtyard that included gardens, artwork, and sculpture. The patio as we use it today in America came into being in the 1950s as we became increasingly focused on using our backyards as a recreational extension of our homes.

Since that time, backyard culture itself has evolved. We've had many innovations in materials and designs, and lately, technology has joined the party. Today's patios are more functional, exciting, and creative than ever, with enhancements that add a memorable wow factor to our landscapes. They skillfully weave softscaping vegetation into the hardscaping features in a way that blends, unifies, and elevates those elements. In short, they've become artistically stunning showcases and social hubs, with enough bells and whistles even to blow the socks off Socrates.

If you haven't updated your patio in a while, it's time to look at some of the latest must-have patio upgrades for the modern home.

Fresh, New Landscaping Design Aesthetics And Multiple Levels

Design trends for patios are shifting to sleek, clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and material colors that are no longer drab but monochromatic and subtly nuanced with complementary shades pops of bolder hues and even darker colors like charcoal gray. We're also seeing the use of varied textures and patterns like herringbone and geometric shapes to add interest and directional accents. The addition of raised or recessed features, steps, platforms, partial walls, and even water elements make for eye-catching upgrades. Multiple levels are hot, too.

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is something that patios need, and if you think you can still flip a switch to turn on that same old boring fixture at the back door, think again. The best patio lighting is layered. Think table lamps, string lights, overhead lanterns, ground accents for highlighting plants, unique decor, patio perimeters, and walkways.

Consider integrating your lighting into your hardscaping elements, such as atop columns. Lights should be thoughtfully positioned to provide the right touch for the right spot. For example, brighter lights for a favorite reading nook, well-lit cooking areas, and softer lights for a dining table or a cozy, romantic nook. And don't forget to think green, highly-efficient solar lighting options abound now, and the latest technology allows us to control them with the simple tap of an app.

Fire Pits

There is no better light source for a patio than adding an adjoining fire pit. Fire adds a focal point, destination, and unique ambiance to your patio in a way that can take your backyard space from ordinary to sublime.

Rustic, log-burning fire pits are forever in style, but the hottest new trend is gas. Gas fire pits have several advantages. They burn cleaner than wood, are much easier to clean, and are much easier to start. (Tap that app.) Another significant advantage is the exciting new design possibilities they open up. From unique shapes to multiple heights to endless material options, it's the perfect upgrade to accentuate those new aesthetics in vogue right now.

Shade

Nothing is more beneficial to your patio than some shaded areas. Having something overhead to shield you from rain or the excess sun is a must-have, and when that shade option is built-in and artfully integrated with your patio, you've just raised your wow factor up a notch. An awning, pergola, gazebo, or even an ivy-covered arch is a wonderful and thoughtful addition.

Privacy Screens And Walls

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home far from the prying eyes of neighbors. Some of the most spectacular patios of 2022 now have lounging areas, dining areas, fire pits, and cooking and entertainment areas. Adding walls or screens to your patio can provide you with much-needed privacy and help lessen noise and add definition. Those walls help to divide, direct, and define the space.

Outdoor Kitchens And Entertainment Areas

Outdoor kitchens aren't new, but they are as hot as ever and the perfect upgrade to your patio. Counter space, running water, built-in burners and grills, pizza ovens, electrical outlets, refrigeration, and perhaps even a bar are incredibly useful and visually impressive features. Additionally, outdoor kitchens are considered one of the best patio upgrades you could make to boost your home's value. And why not add an entertainment area, to boot? Outdoor televisions, stereos, and gaming equipment add to the patio experience in wonderful, engaging ways.

Patio Upgrades And More By Fullscapes

In summary, the best new patio trends and upgrades turn your outdoor area into a multi-faceted destination and bring indoor fun and functionality outside. Are you ready to explore the possibilities waiting just beyond your back door? Contact the friendly, talented professionals at Fullscapes, and let's do that together.