Enhance the look and feel of your patio with these easy spring makeovers! With just a few simple changes, you can completely transform your outdoor living space into a gorgeous retreat. Have fun making upgrades that reflect your personal style. Enjoy the fresh charms that the spring season brings to your patio!
Introducing Patio Pizzazz
Spring weather presents the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your patio. The mild temperatures and blooming flowers of the season set an inviting stage for outdoor relaxation. Now is the time to make updates that create a patio oasis tailored to your tastes. Small touches can make a dramatic visual impact. You do not need large-scale renovations to give your patio pizzazz!
Focus on easy, inexpensive DIY projects and decor changes that pack a punch. Embrace your own personal flair as you spruce things up. Have fun and get creative with paint, plants, furnishings and accessories. Almost any patio can be instantly enhanced with smart styling and strategic tweaks. Make this spring the moment for a patio pick-me-up!
Patio Perk-Ups
Spray Paint Small Furnishings
Supplies needed: spray paint, drop cloths or newspaper, cleaning supplies, painters tape (optional).
Give metal or plastic chairs, tables, pot stands and other furnishings a facelift with spray paint. Choose a color that complements the overall palette of your space. Paint in a well-ventilated area and cover nearby surfaces to prevent overspray. Lightly sand glossy surfaces before painting. Use painter’s tape for sharp edges. Apply multiple light coats of paint rather than one heavy coat. Let dry fully between coats. Seal with a protective clear coat.
Style with Trendy Decor
Update throw pillows, area rugs, curtains and other decor items based on current trends. Swap out pillows in last year’s color palette for ones in this season’s hues. Hang new patterned curtains that let in light while adding privacy. Roll out a fresh new area rug. These easy switches pack a visual punch. Choose accessories that align with your personal tastes.
Arrange Fresh Floral Displays
Cut blooms from your garden or purchase colorful stems and arrange in vases or pots. Spring flowers immediately boost the charm factor on any patio. Opt for a coordinated color story or an eclectic mix. Cluster vases on tables, tuck posies into corner spots or create a focal point display. Don’t forget to snip and refresh blooms regularly.
Amp Up Ambient Lighting
Strings lights add a magical glow on spring nights. Encircle the entire patio perimeter or just accent cozy seating areas. Opt for classic white bulbs or go bold with colors. Incorporate lanterns on side tables or hang twinkling glass globes. Candles lend romantic flicker. Extend your evenings outdoors with amplified ambient lighting.
Show Off Vibrant Hues
Paint or purchase new pillows, pots, accessories and furniture in splashy citrus tones. The bright colors of spring look fantastic against patio neutrals. Zesty yellow, verdant greens, tangy oranges, neon pinks and sunny blues catch the eye. Add as many vivid hues as you crave or stick to one or two statement shades.
Arrange Carefree Container Gardens
Plant a potted arrangement of blooms, herbs, grasses or succulents. Container gardens are movable, adaptable and easy to care for. Choose a variety of lush green or colorful plants. Elevate pots on stands for maximum impact. Cluster a mix of heights, shapes and textures. Water and trim when needed.
Display Unique Wall Art
Paint, stencil or decoupage artwork directly onto an exterior wall. Or showcase framed or unframed pieces in covered areas. Opt for metal, wood or vinyl wall words and quotes. Hang mirrors or abstract art. Display family photos in weatherproof frames. Add visual interest with creative, personalized wall art.
Roll Out Fresh Floor Coverings
Rugs, mats and cushions protect feet from hot or damp surfaces. Choose style options like braided, woven, patterned, solid and more. Opt for durable outdoor fabrics that resist moisture and UV damage. Use rectangular area rugs or round placemat styles. Keep extra cushions on hand for comfort.
Show Off Your Green Thumb
Repot container plants or add new specimens to freshen up patio plantings. Fragrant herbs, petunias, impatiens and pansies are lovely spring options. Display potted plants at different heights. Let vines trail down containers and walls. Tuck plants into nooks and corners. Water and trim regularly.
Outfit Outdoor Rooms
Create functional activity zones like dining areas, lounges, bars and reading nooks. Use area rugs, partitions and arrangements of furnishings to define the spaces. Repurpose indoor side tables, lamps, mirrors and artwork to embellish the zones. Use items like cafe tables, stools, bar carts and bookshelves to customize each space.
Incorporate Cool Water Features
The sound and sparkle of moving water instantly enhances ambience. Set up inexpensive DIY mini-fountains or splurge on larger installed features. Opt for stand-alone water walls, spouting sculptures and rock or stone basins with moving water. Remember that locations require access to electrical outlets.
Serve Up Fresh Accessories
New dining, serving and bar pieces revive the patio for entertaining. Mix up table linens in springy hues. Display fresh glassware and dishes. Incorporate quirky unique finds like reclaimed wood boards or galvanized buckets. Ensure adequate seating is on hand for al fresco parties and meals.
Add Inviting Seating Spaces
Arranging groups of comfortable, weather-resistant seating encourages lounging. Place chairs, benches, chaise lounges and padded stools around low side tables. Top tables with lamps for nighttime gatherings. Include weather-proof cushions for comfort. Position seating to enjoy views or in cozy conversation groupings.
Install Privacy Features
Screens, lattices and plants create secluded relaxation zones. Strategically hang bamboo blinds where overlooking neighbors are an issue. Train vines on overhead structures or fences for natural cover. Mount semi-opaque lattices or stretched fabric panels. Supplement with potted screening plants.
Patio Inspiration for Spring
Here are some creative concepts for enhancing your patio this spring:
Dreamy Boho Escape
Channel wanderlust vibes with layers of earthy textures, exotic patterns, abundant plants and unique global finds. Opt for tapestry-style rugs, woven wall hangings, macrame planters, draped fabrics, and distressed or handcrafted furnishings. Accent with fare trade textiles, ceramic garden stools, metallic containers, and colorful floral displays. Opt for a neutral base with bold punches of color.
Charming Bistro Retreat
Bring French cafe charm to your patio with bistro tables and chairs, string lights, chalkboard menus, and fresh florals. Incorporate striped linens, wire baskets, galvanized planters and urns. Display coffee table books and serve snacks on cake stands. Paint walls a crisp white and use bright accent colors like fire engine red, sunflower yellow and cobalt blue.
Sophisticated Outdoor Lounge
Create an elegant lounge with tufted sofas, polished side tables, and a large area rug. Hang a swing or chair from the ceiling in one corner. Incorporate mirrored and glass decor pieces. Display orchids, citrus trees and palms. Use an antique chandelier for ambient lighting. Keep the color palette neutral with metallic accents and fresh green details.
Boho Garden Oasis
Embrace plants, macrame, rattan and woodsy elements to create a nature-loving retreat. Arrange hanging pod chairs, decorate with handwoven wall hangings andopt for an outdoor rug with a leafy botanical print. Display pottery, vases, clay planters and glass terrariums filled with greenery. Accent with lanterns and unwind near a miniature water fountain.
Coastal Cottage Escape
Evoke laidback seaside style with weathered wood furniture, netted accents, rope details and driftwood. Add striped cushions, seashell wind chimes and found object collections. Plant stripes or wavy patterns into the groundcover. Set up a mock “dock” area with deck chairs. Use sun-bleached linens and marine blues and creams.
Urban Rooftop Lounge
Bring sleek city chic to your space with graphic prints, modern furniture shapes and architectural accents. Opt for cement planters, steel chairs and polished concrete tiles. Drape string lights from corner to corner overhead. Paint one wall black or charcoal to define the space. Add bright pops of chartreuse, crimson and cobalt.
Tropical Staycation Paradise
Transport yourself with the sights and sounds of an island getaway. Incorporate rattan seating, potted palm trees, bamboo accents and bright hibiscus floral displays. Use citrus colors like tangerine, lemon and lime as bold accents. Arrange faux exotic birds and set up speakers with ocean wave sound effects.
Modern Japanese Zen Garden
Achieve serenity through clean lines, simplicity and nature. Opt for wooden platforms, bamboo fencing, stone furnishings and water features. Display bonsai trees and Zen garden accents like rakes and bamboo spouts. Use sand and rocks to create miniature landscapes. Incorporate paper lanterns and unembellished wood details.
English Garden Gathering Spot
Cultivate cottage garden charm with climbing roses, foxgloves, peonies and hydrangeas. Add wire garden seating and distressed painted benches. Display weathered terra cotta pots and hanging baskets overflowing with blooms. Include a trellis, obelisks and garden arbor covered in vines. Use linens and florals in pastel hues.
Mediterranean Courtyard Escape
Channel old-world European charm with terracotta tiles, potted citrus trees, stucco walls and wrought iron accents. Add a bubbling fountain and decorative tile backsplash. Accessorize with urns, olive trees in large planters and vines trailing overhead. Use sun-washed colors like ochre, terracotta and sage. Add a stone fireplace for ambiance.
Patio Makeover FAQs
What are some easy makeovers for refreshing a patio?
Some easy DIY makeovers include repainting furniture with spray paint, switching out throw pillows and cushions, hanging new curtains or string lights, rolling out fresh area rugs, adding vibrant flowers and plants, displaying trendy new wall art and accessories, and rearranging furnishings into defined spaces for dining, lounging and more. Even just a few simple changes can give a patio a fresh new look.
How much does it cost to redo an outdated patio?
The cost to update a patio can range widely from inexpensive DIY solutions to higher priced renovations. Simple makeovers can often be done for under $500. This may include new paint, throw pillows, curtains, planters, decorative items, etc. More complex updates like installing new flooring, privacy screening or extensive landscaping might cost $2,000-$5,000 or more. Big ticket additions like kitchens, fireplaces or water features can add much higher costs. Focus on a few impactful DIY upgrades to maximize your budget.
What are trendy patio looks for 2022?
Some current popular patio design trends include creating defined functional spaces or “outdoor rooms,” lots of greenery and plants, natural materials like rattan, cane and jute, bohemian style with layered global textiles, colorful tile accents, graphic black and white patterns, statement lighting, handcrafted or vintage decorative touches, neutral palettes punched up with bright colors, and multifunctional pieces that allow for working and relaxing.
Should I repair or replace my worn patio furniture?
It often makes more sense to refurbish well-made patio furniture rather than replace it. Metal sets can often be given fresh updated looks with new seat cushions or a coat of spray paint. Treated natural wood furniture can be sanded and resealed to restore it. Replace broken slings and straps. Consider re-strapping woven sets for longevity. Sometimes a good cleaning and simple repairs are all that’s needed to extend the life of patio furniture.
What low maintenance plants work well in patio containers?
Great low maintenance patio container plant options include cascading plants like ivy and creeping jenny, succulents like sedum and aloe vera, ornamental grasses, herbs like oregano, thyme and rosemary, annuals like million bells, marigolds, sweet allysum and zinnias, perennials like lavender, coreopsis and sage, and shrubs like boxwood, roses and hibiscus.
Final Thoughts on Refreshing Your Patio for Spring
With just a bit of creativity, elbow grease and determination, you can utterly transform the look, feel and function of your patio. A few simple upgrades make all the difference in creating an inviting outdoor oasis. The spring season presents the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your space.
Focus on projects and improvements that reflect your personal tastes and lifestyle needs. Get inspired by the latest trends and designs, but ultimately create a patio that you will adore spending time in. From enhanced aesthetics to increased comfort and better functionality, a spring patio refresh rewards you throughout the warmer months.
