How to Prep for Your Summer: Modern Patio Ideas
Six easy steps to get summer-ready.
Get your home warm-weather ready. Whether you have a small urban balcony or an expansive patio, you can turn any outdoor space into an oasis. Prep now with the best modern patio ideas and maximize your downtime this summer. Ready to renew your connection to the outdoors? Check out six of our top modern patio ideas below.
1. Include Natural Materials
Connect with nature by including organic materials like rattan, cane, concrete, and terracotta into your patio's design. Natural materials are always in – and they're sturdy enough to last for years. Airy rattan pieces mimic the textural elements seen in nature. Concrete and terracotta can add complexity and depth; the smoothness contrasts with the roughness of cane, creating a deep, layered look. Soft, natural fabrics like cotton seat cushions add comfort and are cool to the touch – great for hot days. Bring modern patio ideas to life in your backyard by choosing furniture with clean silhouettes and defined lines.
Anchor your outdoor seating and define spaces with a bold outdoor rug. Durable and low-maintenance, an outdoor rug can make a small space feel larger and bigger ones more intimate. Waterproof fabrics like polypropylene and polyester are best for the great outdoors. Choose a darker flatweave to go under the dining table for easy cleaning. For modern patio ideas, opt for bold patterns and colors to roll out under conversation seating. An outdoor rug – especially a light-colored one – will keep the floor cool enough to walk on.
Elevate your modern patio by adding colorful objects and bright accents. These two modern patio ideas will really bring the heat. Keep outdoor sofas simple with water-resistant cushions in a neutral color like white or charcoal. Add an outdoor pillow or two in a warm color to make it comfy. Sunbrella pillows are waterproof and fade-resistant, and they won't mold. They're great to kick back on for virtual happy hours.
Make the most of outdoor areas with space-saving furniture. Use chaise lounges instead of a sofa – they're on the smaller side and easy to move into the sun or shade. Choose a side table instead of an outdoor coffee table. A concrete or rattan side table makes the most sense because you can place drinks on it without worrying about leaving condensation rings. And if a dining set won't fit on your patio, try a small-space bistro set instead. Bistro sets are great for a relaxing dinner for two, and you can always squeeze in an extra chair in a pinch. Modern patio ideas fit all shapes and sizes; the key is to look for pieces that are functional and serve multiple purposes.
Need more nature? Add a few mood-boosting plants or move indoor greenery outside to give it some fresh air. (Jade, agave, and aloe plants do well inside and out.) Choose planters in different heights and sizes – and made from tactical materials like concrete, ceramic, and textured metal – to increase visual interest. Then layer plants asymmetrically to re-create the organic look of nature. You can also use planters to define outdoor areas and provide privacy. Place a few taller ones in a row to zone off outdoor spaces.
Add a fire pit to complete your outdoor space. Whether wood-burning or gas, a modern fire pit can maximize your open-air downtime – extending it from early spring through late fall. A fire pit also provides soft ambient lighting to complement your space. Propane and natural gas are easy to use and provide immediate warmth. A wood-burning fire pit will give you the aroma of a campfire.
Start summer early.
