Making the Most of Your Patio

If you are one of the lucky people who get to have a patio at your home, it is very likely you will be spending a lot of time outside there this summer! Greater Boston Outdoor time is often too short – so make the most of it! While just having a patio is often luxury enough, read below for our tips on how to give it an upgrade. We want your styling and profiling in the best way possible for the next few months!

Shade, Shade, Shade!

Summer brings with it lots of sun and heat, although you wouldn’t believe it with the super cold spring we have had so far this year. Sitting on your patio in direct sunlight can lead to becoming overheated, be unpleasant for your eyes and uncomfortable for your skin. Adding shade can significantly improve all of these discomforts.

There are many options of ways to shade your patio, ranging from more advanced to less expensive. On the pricier end is the idea of purchasing and adding a canopy to your patio. This a great option for shading a larger space and if you are planning on having guests over. A less expensive option would be an umbrella—weather you add one to a table or purchase one that can stand on its own. Umbrellas often go on sale after the Fourth of July so don’t be afraid to hold out for some cost savings!

Different Types of Patio Furniture

When it comes to patio furniture, there are countless options on the market. Choices range from lounge chairs, dining tables, outdoor couches, etc. The type of furniture you choose should be based on cost and the number of people who will be using it. For example, if you are just one person and do not plan on entertaining, it would not make sense to purchase a large outdoor dining set. If there will be multiple people using the patio, it might be a good idea to split the cost of a larger, comfortable furniture set. While online shopping may be convenient, a lot of outdoor furniture should be sat in to make sure the comfort is there for you. Quality is also important because outside elements can ruin outdoor furniture much quicker than indoor sets.

Seasonal Additions

Many people purchase seasonal options for their outdoor entertaining area such as fountains or fire pits. Water fountains serve a decorative purpose, and the sound from them is often viewed as relaxing. Fire pits can be used during the fall, winter, and even colder nights in spring and summer. They are a great way to gather a group around for conversation.

Another new and exciting addition we are seeing in the Greater Boston Real Estate market is outside fireplaces in many single-family homes. Sometimes it’s just great to sit outside and enjoy fresh air around a fireplace without having to go camping or make a long commute! Make sure you are taking proper safety precautions, and if it an apartment rental, make sure to not use anything without asking your landlord if it is ok!  You want to know that everything is working properly!

A Small Garden Area

One of the simplest ways to add a pop of color to any space is with plants and flowers. If you are going to be putting them on your outdoor patio, it is a good idea to do some research on what types can thrive in that type of environment. Plants vary in their level of care needed, so make sure you pick something you will have time to take care of. Lot’s of properties in the suburbs around Boston have irrigation systems and many are now running drip irrigation into well-designed flower and garden beds which helps grow plants at an exceptional rate!

Outside Grilling

This is often the pinnacle of outside summer living in Boston. We often have to cook all our food indoors for seven months of the year or longer. But when summer comes there seems to be a huge push of everyone wanting to get going on the grilling of fine meats and vegetables. Often few things can compare to the smell of an outside grilling session.

Do yourself a favor, buy a quality grill. Quality grills can last ten years or longer. And a pro tip pointer is to have it built for you to save you time. The cost of having someone put it together for you that knows how to do it quickly is usually well worth it. Even better is to buy one off a showroom floor at a big discount when the newer models are coming in – you just pay for delivery or hope your best friend will let you borrow their truck!

Patio Lighting

Although it stays light outside later in the summer, if you are planning to spend time on your patio at night you will need some sort of lighting. Luckily, there are countless options available! Lanterns are a cool, decorative option for those who just need a simple glow. For an eco-friendly option, look into solar lights that gather energy from the sun during the day and light up your space at night.