With the arrival of spring comes longer days, more sun, and warmer temperatures. This is especially true in the south where the pollen is in full force early, covering our homes’ exterior in a layer of green. Its appearance is also a reminder to add prepping your deck or patio to your spring-cleaning checklist in order to enjoy everything the upcoming season has to offer.
Harrison Homes Designer Jenny put together some easy tips to make the most out of your outdoor living space:
- Clean and Prep Your Space
Dirt, pollen, and grime build-up not only contribute to seasonal allergies but can leave your deck or patio worse for wear. Not to mention it looks unsightly. Hiring a crew is a quick timesaver; however, consider investing in a power washer and/or leaf blower, especially the latter to deal with the aftermath of spring storms and tornado season around the corner (You will also want to pull out your leaf blower in the fall to clear up the leaves). Or, if you prefer, rentals are an option through retailers such as Sunbelt Rentals. - Update Your Furniture
Aside from routine maintenance, selecting the perfect furniture to work with your space is important. Is it an area for lounging? Dining? Entertaining? All of the above? Once you’ve determined how you plan to use your space, you can select the right pieces to fit your needs and desired aesthetics.
“Your furniture will most likely be purchased to last for a few seasons, so sticking with neutral tones for larger investment pieces builds a strong foundation. Through the accessories, you can showcase your personal style and have the freedom to update every season if you’d like,” says Jenny.
Below are Designer Jenny’s outdoor patio presentations for two different budgets. Whether you want to splurge or prefer a steal-of-a-deal, the boho chic patio with bold colors and fun patterns will enhance your patio’s summer vibes! Products are linked below each photo.
3. Accessorize with Accents
This is an opportunity to showcase your personal style. It is simple to elevate your outdoor living area with some of the following décor accents:
Throw Pillows: Whether you prefer bright or neutral, throw pillows provide comfort and style.
Rug: A rug not only adds texture and color, it also separates your deck or patio into specific sections and brings the indoors to the outdoors.
Throw Blankets: A throw blanket is a quick solution to those chilly nights in early spring. And, like throw pillows, these can add a pop of bright color or enhance a neutral palette while simultaneously adding an element of luxury.
Lighting: Lanterns or globe string lights add a warm glow as they softly illuminate your deck or patio after the sun has set.
4. More Design Ideas
Once the basics of setting up the right furniture and adding accents are complete, you may have specific wants or needs based on the functionality of your deck or patio.
Storage: The beauty of outdoor storage today is it can be hidden in plain sight. Brands, such as Keter or Suncast, provide storage options that serve a dual purpose of extra seating, an end table, or ottoman, while keeping your pillows, blankets, or cushions safe from the elements.
Shade: If your deck or patio does not already provide shade and you do not want to endure direct sunlight, especially during the brutally hot southern summers, an umbrella is a great solution.
Garden: Whether you prefer an herb garden, vegetable patch, or planting perennials and annuals, flower boxes and colorful pots create a natural element to the space. “I love the rolling planter. It’s a great way to save space and maximize herb growing in the summer, while taking advantage of the beautiful, natural colors,” adds Designer Jenny.
Fire Pits: Cozy up with your throw blanket by your fire pit, which can also transition into the fall.
Like the rest of your home, the purpose of your deck or patio may have changed over the past year. For a change of scenery, move your home office outdoors to boost your mood and soak up some vitamin D. This is a good time to utilize an umbrella to protect your laptop. Once 5:00 hits, transition your new WFH office to an entertainment space for Happy Hour. If you are tired of long walks or runs, your deck or patio can act as a home gym. Set up your yoga mat or hand weights for a Zoom group workout on your laptop.
Now more than ever, your home is your sanctuary. Make your space work for you this spring so you can fully enjoy your home.
About Harrison Homes
Harrison Homes is a group of professional home builders, dedicated to crafting the finest luxury homes in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Buckhead, North Atlanta, Dunwoody, Roswell, Milton, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Lake Oconee. Since 2007, Harrison Homes has built over 400+ premium new construction homes in Greater Atlanta. Harrison Homes has three home building divisions. Harrison Construction builds speculative in-fill new construction homes in desirable neighborhoods of Greater Atlanta. Harrison Custom works directly with homeowners to build the custom home of their dreams, and Harrison Communities focuses on creating unique, upscale developments for luxurious townhome living or single-family amenity-rich subdivisions. Privately-owned and operated, Harrison Homes treats every home we build like it’s one we’re building for our family.
Authored by Samantha Grundy with Jenny Pugh
