Patio Ideas Turning a concrete pad into a thing of beauty
Patio ideas can be fun to come up with. Just about anything you can think of that's pretty will fit somewhere on or near a patio.
No landscape design is complete without a place to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Patios and decks serve as outdoor rooms where family and friends can dine, play, and party.
Benches, chaises, and other patio furniture provide comfortable spots for reading, chatting, or a quick afternoon nap in a pillowed-up hammock.
And while you are feathering your outdoor nest, consider the avian friends that share your space.
Hang a seed-filled birdhouse on a sturdy tree branch, and you'll be rewarded with the cheerful songs of your favorite winged companions.
And don't forget the decorative birdbath that will add both refreshment to the birds as well as enhance the beauty of your patio space.
But first things first---what colors do you want to make your patio ideas stand out?
I love periwinkle blues, myself, because it stands as a beautiful contrast against the greenery...and it's romantic to me.
In the picture above, the purple Hydrangea bush adds such luster to this patio space.
And how much more gorgeous would it be in that setting to add one more purple Hydrangea, and all in between, fragrant stalks of grape Hyacinth? Oh yes.
Notice too that the patio itself is made of paving stones. Paving stones have become so popular in the last decade for creating a patio paradise.
Although, since concrete has been re-invented and can be formed into almost anything you want, it may be taking the lead in patio textures as the photo above beautifully displays.
Such an interesting color on the walls surrounding the patio above... which brings us to an important patio idea, which is choosing a daring color for a nearby wall.
If your patio is in an area in the backyard that is near a wall, painting that wall a bold color can be fabulous, as the patio courtyard shows above.
I love the Mexican feel of the pepper red and the royal blue French doors. Very bold and very full of atmosphere.
Adding beautiful patio furniture would enhance your outdoor experience and delight every visitor who sits amidst a backdrop of such outdoor grandeur.
Even better is if the wall has a window or two. There you can hang voluptuous flower-filled window boxes. Talk about some vibrant color!
If there are no windows, I love the Spanish style wrought iron planter boxes like the one shown here. (Click on the picture for more details) Several of these would look just gorgeous on any wall.
You can opt for the elegant look, or choose from any number of basic planter boxes or hanging baskets. The flowers and plants inside will spark a burst of life into your patio area!
Another beautiful touch, although it might take a while to grow but is so very worth waiting for, is a live trellis (as shown right) to make the wall by your patio really stand out.
And there are so many different kinds of evergreen plants that attach nicely and are easy to shape into any form you wish.
My very favorite is a Yellow Jasmine vine which is an evergreen with the prettiest leaves as well as the most fragrant yellow flower that blooms all summer!
It's just positively endless when it comes to patio ideas. As I said before...anything pretty works for that space!
But this page hasn't the space for exploring all the many possibilities. Such as:
patio planters
patio pergolas
patio furniture choices
patio outdoor rugs
patio lighting
patio wall fountains
In any case, we do hope there's been something here to spark your imagination.
Designing a patio is one of the most enjoyable of all landscaping ventures. Just let your mind run free and you will create the most colorful, dynamic and beautiful patio area on the block.
In the picture above, the purple Hydrangea bush adds such luster to this patio space. 
Another beautiful touch, although it might take a while to grow but is so very worth waiting for, is a live trellis (as shown right) to make the wall by your patio really stand out.
