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Cottage patio ideas


20 pretty spaces for relaxing outdoors |

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Create a charming and romantic outdoor space with these cottage patio ideas. 

Outdoor areas should be seen as an extension of our homes, so whether you are augmenting an existing patio or creating one from scratch, it’s important to design a space that complements your house. 

When considering cottage patio ideas, consider how are you going to use the space. Is it going to be a dining area for al fresco meals, or somewhere to relax after a long day? Giving your cottage patio an identity will help you to create a design that works for you as well as with the architecture of your home and garden.

Increasingly patio ideas also need to take into account the effects of climate change and be as eco-friendly as possible to tread gently on our fragile earth. Find inspiration for how to transform your space.

Cottage patio ideas

Designing a cottage patio that will complement both your lifestyle and your home involves making key decisions on a number of elements, from patio furniture ideas for relaxing and entertaining, to choosing the right patio lighting and patio planting ideas to enhance your enjoyment of the space.  

The following ideas will help you to transform your cottage patio into your dream outdoor space.

1. Choose sustainable landscaping materials

(Image credit: Future/Bruce Hemming)

Before you look into how to lay a patio, you need to decide on the choice of materials. Select paving that works well in the location, suits your budget, but is also as environmentally sustainable as possible. 

Permeable paving options for cottage backyard ideas include brick, stone, pavers and gravel. Aim to avoid imported stone, and where possible scour salvage yards and re-use cobbles, bricks and even concrete pavers. Pavers can be made from recycled materials and reclaimed and traditional surfaces are particularly suitable for a cottage style. 

'To keep a patio soft in terms of its impact on the earth, think about which stones you use. Reclaimed and local will have the least impact and carbon footprint. Stone takes thousands of years to be created, and will last a long time too,' explains garden designer Marian Boswall .

Mixed materials add interest and break up a large area, although think through the design carefully so it doesn’t look too haphazard. Flat areas for seating could use flagstones, whereas pathways and surrounding borders could use various sized stones, for example.

'When it comes to creating a sustainable patio, aim for materials that have been sourced or manufactured within the country; there will be concrete paving ranges that replicate the look and feel of imported natural stone,' explains Chris Griffiths, head of product sustainability at Marshalls .

'Pay attention to drainage, too, particularly if you live in an area at risk of flooding. A permeable surface will sustainably deal with rainwater, and there are drainage option that blend subtly into the paving, without compromising the overall look,' he adds. 

2. Soften the look of paving with planting

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

Planting among the paving is an excellent cottage patio idea that is is aesthetically pleasing, perfect for a cottage style naturalistic planting design, and environmentally friendly.  

Great choices include some favorite cottage garden plants, such as erigeron, thyme, aubretia, dianthus, chamomile, saxifraga, Alchemilla mollis, succulents and mondo grass. Dig out any weeds and add in some compost if needed before planting.

'I like to plant between the paving slabs. Either take out old jointing or a slab or two, or lay new paving stones with gaps between joints. Planting small mosses and herbs adds biodiversity as a sustainable garden idea and beauty and helps water seep slowly back to the earth when it rains,' says Marian Boswall.

3. Accessorize with pots

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Container gardening ideas offer the possibility of a moveable display that can highlight the seasons or even put you in a holiday mood. 

Whether an eclectic mix of pots or a carefully orchestrated scene, as cottage patio ideas, potted displays they allow you to express yourself in a way that you can adapt, allowing you to change the look in an instant.  

Seasonal annuals can be added to more permanent evergreen shrubs, you can echo the colors of the house for cohesive co-ordinated combinations, be harmonious with your palette, or go for bright, eclectic energy with your plant choices. 

4. Repurpose and recycle

(Image credit: Leigh clapp)

Have fun finding interesting reclaimed pieces to use as cottage patio ideas, from seating to decorative detailing. 

Scour local salvage yards or community websites. Dressing your outdoor area in a  unique way with handcrafted or homemade up-cycling will add individual personality to the space, while also saving items from going to landfill. 

Timber offcuts or pallets could be re-used for seating or to form a vertical garden, old crates can hold containers, and there are always lots of galvanized items, such as old coppers and troughs for use as characterful planters.

5. Add a pergola for shade and privacy

(Image credit: Zinc Textiles)

Pergola ideas are a simple addition to your backyard and provide a beautiful alternative to more substantial garden buildings. ‘Pergolas, clad with climbing plants, create a cozy and private space, finish off with outdoor heating and garden lighting’ says garden designer Charlotte Rowe .

The frame will provide a structure for climbing plants to scramble over, offering shade and filling the air with a sweet smell when they bloom.

Consider if you want shade year-round with evergreen climbers, such as star jasmine, climbing euonymus, potato vine and passionflower, or just for the heat of summer with deciduous options, from clematis to climbing roses.  For privacy, back the area with large-leafed variegated ivy or other evergreens and fringe the area with frothy perennials and colorful annuals. 

Set up a wooden table and chairs underneath the pergola for a beautiful al fresco dining space, and complement with table linen inspired by the prints of the Mediterranean to give your cottage patio idea that vacation-feeling at home.

6. Choose a large table for entertaining

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

This summer is one for celebration and reunions, so make sure everyone has a seat at the table; using patio cover ideas is a great way to ensure parties aren't interrupted by bad weather.  

A long rectangular table or a round table will maximize the available space on a cottage patio and ensure everyone can socialize together. 

Teak is one of the best outdoor furniture materials for cottage patios as it weathers beautifully, reflecting the aged patina of your home. Plus, it is really durable so doesn't need to be stored in a shed or garage once summer is over – ideal for a cottage where space is often at a premium. However, if your cottage patio has cover, using antique furniture like the table above, creates character.

7. Position seating to make the most of stunning views 

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

When it comes to choosing garden furniture for a small cottage patio, the design determines the style of a small space. 

‘Wrought iron garden furniture will be less clunky so won’t impose on your space and will create a more decorative and attractive courtyard,’ says Susie Watson of Susie Watson Designs  

'Accessorize with colorful garden cushions in a variety of hues to brighten up the space,' she adds.

8. Plant edibles among ornamentals

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Edibles don’t just belong in your vegetable garden ideas. Incorporate them among your cottage patio ideas and enjoy their beauty as well as the ease of harvesting, for a seating or dining area with a difference. 

Look for compact varieties of edible crops to grow for vegetable garden container ideas, include climbers trained up supports, and try low growing patio edging with wild strawberries or ribbons of thyme to use the space creatively. 

'Help yourself' takes on a whole new meaning with homegrown organic garnishes to hand, especially if you place the garden right outside the patio door, so you can grab a handful of whatever you need while cooking. 

9. Sink the patio

(Image credit: Leigh clapp)

In more exposed locations, or where you seek a little privacy, a sunken patio lined by low walls still allows you to gaze over views, while also being protected from the wind.

This design by Ian Kitson follows the contours of the surrounding borrowed landscape, with the serpentine walls echoed by sinuous planting blending into the countryside. 

Planting is simple to accentuate the design with neatly clipped waves of buxus hedging and repeated ribbons of bright crimson penstemon, drought-tolerant planting such as purple salvias and accents from spires of phlomis.

10. Enjoy the patio into the evening with a firepit

(Image credit: Morso)

Even the warmest days can bring with them cool evenings. As the sun drops, light up a backyard fire pit to keep the party going well into the night. 

Place a fire pit at the heart, then surround it with colorful cane seating and plenty of water resistant outdoor rugs and cushions to create a cozy spot for evening relaxation.

11. Create a private dining space on your cottage patio

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Take advantage of an exterior wall – or garden wall – to create a secluded dining space. Pair white walls with pale flooring to create a bright sun-trap that will be a delight in spring-time and all through the summer. 

'It is important with small garden ideas to simplify the material and plant palette to create a cohesive scheme,' says garden designer Adolfo Harrison . Opt for a combination of seating styles to create a relaxed look.

12. Choose a secluded spot

(Image credit: Leigh clapp)

Position a cottage patio in a secluded spot hidden away from the wider garden – a secret place for a meal, or to sit and read a favorite novel with a cup of tea. 

Immerse yourself in a touch of wildness with self-sown flowers popping up, vines entwining supports, eclectic pots, and encircling shrubs, for a secret patio feel. 

Plants such as Alchemilla mollis, erigeron and Sisyrinchium striatum will find their way into crannies. Wafting ornamental grasses and perennials are lovely enclosing the space to create your garden escape. A curved bed part way round the patio could form a living framework that divides the space.

13. Use festoon lighting to create a romantic ambience for your cottage patio

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

Prolong al fresco summer evenings for as long as possible by illuminating your garden with festoon lighting. 

'The right designs can transform an outdoor space,' says Tina Maony director of design furniture store Go Modern . 'And advances in technology have created a much wider choice.'

Opt for outdoor lighting ideas with a warm white ambient glow to create a magical twilight atmosphere that is ideal for illuminating parties and barbecues.

14. Add a pop of color

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Brighten your cottage patio with painted structures and detailing. Try some color psychology, such as green and earthy tones for eco-friendliness, orange and yellow to stimulate appetite, bright tones to boost the mood, or tranquil, harmonious cool and calming tones for a space to relax in.

'Preparation is key when painting to ensure the longevity of outdoor structures and furniture. These things are likely to face all conditions throughout a year. For wooden items it is vital to fill cracks, holes and other imperfections using wood filler,' says Michael Rolland, MD of The Paint Shed . 

Make sure you know how to paint furniture before you start.

Sand and prepare the surface and choose the right type of paint. ‘Not checking the weather before painting is a common mistake. You may think that painting in full sun will speed up the process, unfortunately the faster the sun dries the paint the more mistakes there will be, such as drag marks and dried drips. Overcast and warm is ideal,’ adds Michael. 

15. Create an outdoor kitchen for al fresco entertaining

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Increasingly we are maximizing the potential of our gardens, using them as extensions of the living space to recreate that holiday feeling. Outdoor kitchen ideas have become a must-have design feature and the trend for cooking outdoors has seen the rise of pizza ovens and even outdoor kitchens being incorporated into more and more homes.  

Create a cottage patio reminiscent of the sun-baked cities of Italy by painting walls with rich terracotta and iron reds and pair with patterned tiles and chunky wooden furniture to complete the look.

16. Add a swing seat to your cottage patio 

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Gardening is all about taking a moment to pause; to stop and smell the roses, as well as the jasmine, buddleia and honeysuckle. Adding a bench, or a swing seat, into your garden gives you the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the spectacle. 

A seat like this, painted to blend in with the planting, will fit seamlessly with a cottage garden and is perfect for a cottage patio area. Its frame design means it can be planted with climbers to create an oasis of colorful and fragrant blooms, while also adding much needed garden shade.

17. Add a water feature for a serene space

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Nothing evokes calm and tranquility quite like the sound of trickling water. Introducing a water feature as a cottage patio idea will not only add texture and visual interest to your garden, but will also contribute to the air of serenity, creating a restful environment that is sure to delight. 

This could be a series of small ponds in place of some of the pavers, a larger single pond or an engineered rill designed by a specialist.

To fully enjoy the mirror-like qualities of the ever-changing reflections don’t over plant the surrounding area.

18. Create a decked cottage patio

(Image credit: Max Attenborough)

Adding deck ideas to your garden opens it up to a whole host of design opportunities. A softer alternative to paving, it harmonises with trees and planting to create the perfect space for al fresco dining or relaxing, and it can be raised for better views. 

Opting for unstained wood means it will age gracefully over time, blending into the garden aesthetic and complementing your cottage home. 

19.

 Add privacy with planting and screening

(Image credit: Future/Clive Nichols)

Are you wondering how to make your cottage patio more private? Planting and other garden screening ideas are a brilliant way to do so. 

Opt for tall willowy plants, which will create a peaceful shelter both from the window and from the rest of your garden. Growing them in pots means you also have the flexibility to move them, when needed. 

Another way to increase privacy is to build a pergola over your patio area and grow climbing plants over it – roses and clematis are all great choices that will also smell delicious when in bloom.

If your garden has several levels consider building a wall to enclose your patio which will both make it feel more private and prevent onlookers. 

(Image credit: Indigenous)

Turn any corner of your garden into a chic pot to host a summer reception with a rustic bar table and stools. Their compact size and natural aesthetic makes the perfect fit for a wide variety of gardens, and they will age beautifully if left outside.  

How can I make my patio more attractive?

Dressing your cottage patio will immediately enhance the look. This includes using soft furnishings, such as cushions and a cosy throw, some favorite decorative pieces to draw the eye, unusual vases brimming with flowers, and seasonal color with plants in containers.

(Image credit: Future)

How do I make my cottage patio feel cozy?

Make your cottage patio feel cozy by use soft furnishings and accessories. Large, colorful outdoor cushions spread across sofa-style garden furniture, with a couple of blankets to hand for when the evenings get cold.

If you have a dining area on your patio lay an outdoor rug under your table. ‘It makes the space feel considered and comfortable, and keeps evening chills off your feet’ says Tasha Green, director of outdoor soft furnishing specialist Weaver Green .

A firepit also goes a long way to making the space feel warm and cozy. Position in the heart of your entertaining space so that everyone can feel the benefit of the flickering flames.  

How do you make a small cottage patio look bigger?

Make your small cottage patio look bigger with careful planting and by adding a mirror. 

A small and inexpensive addition to the garden, a mirror can revolutionise the space, flooding shady corners with sunlight and making it look instantly larger. Pick a design which is shaped like a window to create the illusion of hidden areas, giving your garden a magical air.

If your cottage patio is small, then make the most of all the available space. Think vertically, planting up fences and walls to transform your small cottage patio into a botanical oasis. 

How can I update my patio cheaply?

There are lots of budget ideas to update your patio cheaply. 

Some quick and easy ideas include sowing flower seeds in cracks, looking out for unusual items to recycle and up cycle, and unleashing your inner artist by painting garden furniture and structures using leftover paint pots.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

With contributions from

Cottage garden patio ideas: 11 beautiful ways to create a flower-filled seating space

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Looking to add a touch of romance to your plot? These cottage garden patio ideas are for you. With a few styling tips and a ton of flowers, it's easy to create a whimsical spot full of old English charm.

You may have seen our cottage garden ideas already and been inspired to try some out for yourself. But, as the epicentre of many a garden, we wanted to shine the spotlight on cottage-style patios, too. There are just so many lovely things you can do to transform a dull patch of paving into a really rather magical space.

The beauty of cottage gardens is that they're relaxed, almost higgledy-piggledy. You will seldom find the pared-back, hard surfaces which you might see in a more contemporary space – no gloss, chrome, or light-up water features, for example. You probably won't find palms or other exotic plants either. Instead, think billowing borders of soft planting, and more traditional materials.

Garden designer Tracy Foster of Tracy Foster Garden Design says 'One of the most wonderful things about the cottage garden style of gardening is that it was born out of the need to do things cheaply and simply. Materials for paths and walls look better if they are reclaimed and reused which can be a great money saver as well as being much less wasteful and better for the environment. '

So, beautiful and affordable – it's a win-win! From surrounding your outdoor seating area in clambering roses and giant urns, to adding a beautiful bird bath or two – read on for all the inspiration you need to create the cottage garden patio of dreams.

1. Create an enchanting canopy

This gorgeous set-up is the perfect spot to entertain

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Many people love to use their patio to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal outdoors. Well, how's this for a magical alfresco space?

Whether you're entertaining or enjoying a cuppa for one, this gorgeous pergola provides a perfect retreat. The vibrant foliage overhead not only creates a sheltered, intimate vibe, but will also provide cool shade in the summer. Why not recreate the look by growing some of the best cottage garden plants up and over your pergola?

Soft roses in pastel hues border the space, elevating the view even further and, as we can imagine, filling the air with delicious scent. Decorate your table with jam jars of freshly cut flowers and tea lights, and add an array of pretty placemats fo finish the scene.

2. Add an antique urn for traditional charm

Add antique features to your patio's corners

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Keep a lookout for second hand terracotta containers – like this antique urn for example. It adds an old-time charm to a garden and provides a lovely focal point when popped at the corner of your patio. 

Don't worry about keeping it pristine – moss and weathering will only add to its character. Then, surround with purple globes of alliums for a beautiful display. 

3. Go for a more natural, overgrown vibe

Let nature do its thing

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

We love how this sweet country cottage is almost hidden by greenery! Tucked beneath rambling roses and ivy, it's the perfect fairytale setting. Softly shaped hedges surround huge swathes of planting, whilst an old red-brick patio takes centre stage.  

As we mentioned above, don't be afraid to welcome a touch of the wild by allowing nature to do its thing. Here, a mound of moss and lichen provides a living carpet for the outdoor seating set-up. And, the rusted patination to the quaint chairs and table transport us straight to Frances Hodgson Burnett's Secret Garden.

4. Try a beautiful bistro set

Try a timeless bistro set in pastel hues. Garden designed by Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design

(Image credit: Rosemary Coldstream MSGD)

A bistro set is always a lovely addition to the garden. Simple, timeless, affordable, and available in a whole host of colours – they work just beautifully on a cottage garden patio.

The delicate, pale hue of this set lifts the space and complements the surrounding Hostas, Erigeron, and Scabiosa perfectly. The best bistro sets are often foldable too, so a great choice for smaller plots. 

Take a look at these stylish seating ideas inspired by Monty Don's garden, for more classic country charm.

5. Allow it to grow wild

For an overgrown look straight out of a fairytale, let nature run riot

(Image credit: Allan Pollok Morris/Future)

We told you not to keep things neat! Cottage garden style is all about the plants and as you can see, sometimes, more simply is more. 

Try planting the perennial Alchemilla mollis into any nooks and crannies of your patio, as seen here. With gently scalloped leaves and vibrant lime-green flowers in the summer, it's a lovely, low-maintenance plant. Plus, it looks stunning after rainfall, as droplets of water cling to its foliage like jewels.

The wild look is balanced by the soft topiary behind. Again, nothing too formal – but it gives the garden a considered, rather than abandoned, feel.

6. Fill containers with annuals

Make miniature meadow-gardens in pots

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

These two large pots frame the entrance to the patio and make a striking feature in themselves. They are full of pale-mauve pincushion flowers – an annual meadow-flower that's a favourite of butterflies – amongst other purple-hued beauties.

Keeping a selected colour palette is a great way to bring a sense of cohesion to a cottage garden style space. Although, of course, a more eclectic approach is totally fine, too – whatever suits your style!

There's more inspiration in our patio gardening ideas feature. 

7. Add a stone bird bath for a rustic look

Keep your feathered-friends happy

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

To elevate your patio, why not add a bird bath? A classic stone version such as this will weather beautifully over time and provides a charming focal point. 

What's more, it will offer a retreat for any visiting featured friends. And is there anything more delightful then watching garden birds chirp and flit merrily nearby? You might like to take a look at our other advice on how to attract birds to your garden, too.

8. Line your patio steps with flowers

Line your steps with Salvias

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

If your plot is on a slope, then you may have steps leading to (or away from) your patio. They can be easily worked into your cottage garden style with the addition of plants. 

You may have already picked your favourites, but these ones are Saliva 'Hot Lips'. A favourite amongst many gardeners, their eye-catching white and red blooms sit along elegant stems. They look lovely planted en masse.

Head over to our garden steps ideas for more ways to make them a feature of your space. 

Small statues can add a delightful surprise

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

One for children and adults alike – why not decorate your patio with a stone statue or two? This smartly-standing whippet is a delight amongst the surrounding Astrantias. 

What's more, it will continue to add interest and character to your plot when the flowers die back come winter. You could also try positioning two, either side of a pathway, for a classic, countryside feel.

10. Adorn your walls with roses

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Sweetly-scented roses are a must-have for any cottage-style garden, so make sure you bring them to the patio, too. Just take a look at these beautiful roses to introduce scent and colour to your garden for inspiration. You can display miniature kinds in pots, larger types in nearby borders, or why not introduce a climber or two?

As the RHS advise, both climbing and shrub varieties can do well when trained up walls, pillars or archways. We love David Austen's 'Gertrude Jekyll' for bright pink blooms with incredible scent, which can be used as a short climber.

11. Add rustic wooden shelves

Bring function and style onto your patio with a rustic shelving unit

(Image credit: Colin Poole/Future)

These A-line shelves have a rustic charm that works well on a cottage garden patio. Covered in pots, lanterns and outdoor ornaments, it's a great way to add an extra dose of style to your space.

With its natural wooden finish, it blends in with the rest of the theme perfectly. You could also use it to string up bunting for a vintage feel, or even festoon lights to up the ambience further.

What materials shall I use for a cottage garden patio?

This window is beautifully framed with cottage garden style planting

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

For a cottage garden patio, embrace reclaimed, traditional materials. 'Examples that spring to mind are brick edges, simple gravel paths, crazy paving with self seeded herbs and flowers growing in the cracks, herringbone brick paths, and simple stepping stones running through the planting,' says garden designer Tracy Foster of Tracy Foster Garden Design.

'The look also lends itself well to narrow paths and flowing curves, which is great if you would like a change from the prevailing hard lines of recent design trends,' she adds.  

'Anything that looks handcrafted or homemade will fit in well, especially if it's made of local material in a regional style. Woven willow obelisks, cleft chestnut fencing, woven willow or hazel hurdles, and dry stone or mellow brick walls are suitable choices.'

The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then. She's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator – plants are her passion.

Patio in the country - installation instructions. Real photos of finished patios in the recreation area on plot

At present, the dacha has ceased to be exclusively a source of additional income in the form of vegetables and fruits. Most modern summer residents use suburban areas for cultural recreation and unity with nature. Increasingly, lovers of outdoor recreation decorate their sites with alpine slides and neat lawns, artsy pergolas and cozy gazebos. Recently, the patio area has become very fashionable. nine0003

What is a patio? A cozy place to relax in the courtyard or in the garden; under a canopy or open sky; with a small coffee table for intimate conversations or a meeting place for a noisy company. There is a huge variety of patio types in the landscape of suburban areas.

Brief content of the article:

Good location

It is very important to choose the right place to create a recreation area where both households and guests will feel comfortable. nine0003

The most common location is against the wall of the house. Best of all, if there is a door in this wall, you will not have to overcome the distance with treats for guests or hide from the weather. This version of the patio is the classic and most common.


But just as popular are garden patios shaded by spreading fruit trees with a small pond or pretty fountain. If there is no way to hide from prying eyes in the shade of the garden, you can build an artificial fence in the form of a screen. nine0003

Before deciding for yourself what should be the ideal place for relaxing in the country, you will have to look through any catalog of beautiful patios. It may not be possible to stop at any specific option, but several ideas will merge together, thus getting a unique project.

But even if you cannot come to a certain decision on your own, it is never too late to seek the help of specialists.


Patio steps

We decided on a place to create a cozy corner, we need to think over the dimensions. The dimensions of the patio for a summer residence depend primarily on the direct purpose. Namely, whether it will be a corner for two or for noisy gatherings of large companies, or maybe it will be your personal secluded place.

Foundation

One of the most important steps in building a patio is covering the area. As the basis, you can choose different materials:

Regardless of which pavement option you choose, you must complete the following steps to prepare the site for laying the base:

Proceed with laying the flooring. It is important to remember that tiles or natural stone should be laid closely so that each element fits snugly against the previous one. nine0003

When constructing the base for the patio, it is also necessary to provide for rainwater runoff, which is most practical to direct towards the garden or flower bed.

Canopy

A patio with a canopy will make your seating area even more cozy, protecting you from the scorching sun or sudden bad weather. The canopy can be made stationary, for example, from translucent polycarbonate. It is practical and modern material, besides it is very durable. nine0003

An interesting variant of thin wooden slats arranged either in a parallel way or in a grid way, creating an interesting play of light and shadows. The canopy can be made portable, for example, from a stretch awning or an umbrella.

Lighting

It's easy to make your patio a functional place to hang out at any time of the day. It is enough to place decorative lamps or garden torches around the perimeter. Lighting fixtures can also act as decoration. nine0003

Patio furniture

How to make your patio as functional as possible? The choice of furniture is of great importance, first of all, for the direct purpose of the patio - for relaxation. The main rule to follow when choosing patio furniture is its scarcity and practicality.

Patio furniture should be made of moisture resistant materials, especially if you decide to make it stationary. Not the best choice would be upholstered furniture in light colors, as it is extremely easily soiled. After all, the patio is a corner for relaxation, and not for constant washing and cleaning. nine0003

It is not recommended to clutter up a cozy corner with bulky tables and sofas. Give preference to light wicker chairs and coffee tables.

Wrought iron furniture will also look organic, and if you decorate it with bright pillows, then it is not at all usual. A cozy place for relaxation will also not do without a comfortable deck chair or swing.

If you are a fan of friendly gatherings in the open air, you need to consider the accommodation of the number of guests that you most often have. In this case, the brazier will be an integral part of the patio, and it does not matter whether it is stationary or portable, the main thing is that it fits into the overall concept of the patio. nine0003

Creation of comfort

Few would dispute the fact that one of the main conditions for a comfortable stay is privacy. It’s not very pleasant to feel prying eyes on you during relaxation. A lattice or openwork partition, entwined with weaving roses or clematis, can become a protective and at the same time decorative design.

An excellent hedge can be a group of evergreen shrubs. In addition, conifers will add bright colors to your site all year round. Landscaping a patio is a very important stage of decor. After all, a suburban area is a corner of nature that you create with your own hands. Photos of the patio in the country are striking in the variety of landscape design ideas. nine0003

Ornamental plants in multi-level mixborders or intricate flowerpots look spectacular. With the help of planting pockets, you can combine the garden and the patio area, planting annuals or bulbous plants in them, preferably.

By opting for fragrant rosemary or lavender, you can fill the countryside atmosphere with fragrant notes. Exotic orange or lemon trees in outdoor pots will bring the Mediterranean spirit to your home. nine0003

If the patio adjoins the wall, then it can be decorated with unusual pots with colorful begonias or nasturtiums. Climbing plants will also perfectly decorate an unsightly adjoining wall or emphasize the unusual design of an arch or pergola.

The design of the patio perfectly fits an artificial pond or fountain. Of course, it is not so easy to make a fountain on your own, because it is necessary to lay communications: supply and discharge of water. To create such a decor, it is better to invite a specialist. nine0003

It's not that hard to deal with a small pond. It is enough just to dig a small container into the ground, fill it with water and decorate at your discretion. Unusual sculptures illuminated by garden lights will create a mysterious fairy-tale atmosphere.

Do not strive to create pretentious and ostentatious beauty in practice that is not comfortable and useless. When creating a patio in your summer cottage, remember that you are creating a cozy patio primarily for yourself and your loved ones, and not for the sake of surprising your neighbors. nine0003

Photo of the patio in the country house

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Post published: 03.11

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Patio in the country: description and original ideas

For many years, summer residents used suburban areas exclusively for growing vegetables and fruits - as weekend work areas and summer labor camps. In the last decade, views on the use of summer cottages have changed a lot: beautiful lawns, exquisite pergolas, gazebos and garden swings have appeared there. The aesthetics of relaxation harmoniously intertwined with the working aesthetics of the garden, and in some places completely replaced it. nine0002
Cozy patio

Today, creation of a cozy patio in the country house is of particular interest, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the world and receive guests.

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What is a patio

A patio is a small, paved open-air courtyard adjacent to a house. The beautiful name patio is borrowed from Spanish, and the art of decorating courtyards goes back to antiquity and the Middle Ages, when such areas amazed with their splendor and wealth: fountains and waterfalls, cages with songbirds and expensive vases, carpets and pillows. nine0003


Accessories for the patio

Nowadays, the patio is considered as an element of landscape design, which allows you to equip your cottage acres with an original style and unique idea for a corner of comfort and relaxation.


A cozy corner for relaxation

It is quite possible to create a patio on a suburban area with your own hands. The main thing is to decide why you need such a corner in the country. Depending on the purpose, and the size, and materials, and costs will be completely different - from "nothing at all" to a solid investment. nine0003

Miscellaneous - different and patio

Classic patio location - directly at the back of the house. If it has a door, convenience increases many times over: you can easily and quickly take out and bring in ready-made dishes and dishes, and, if necessary, remove the furniture.


Classic patio

A cozy corner right at the front door is convenient for single summer residents or elderly relatives living in the country with you. Beautiful flower arrangements are pleasing to the eye, and the proximity of the door will allow you to quickly get inside the house if necessary. nine0003


Beautiful flower arrangements for decorating the patio

If there is no possibility (or desire) to tie the patio to the wall of the house, it can be arranged in any convenient place, protected from prying eyes by specially erected stationary fences made of wood or plastic. Durable paving, properly selected furniture and accessories will make the patio a full-fledged additional room in which the family will be happy to spend all their free time


Patio with fixed railing

The railing does not have to be rectangular. Just such unusual outlines and smooth curves can make your patio the highlight of the whole cottage.


Original patio railing

Alternatively, you can place your patio on a purpose-built area right in the middle of your garden to create a charming spot for rest and relaxation.


Purpose built patio

For friendly meetings, which sometimes drag on long after midnight, the patio can be placed anywhere in the suburban area by building a shed.


Patio under a canopy

Proper lighting is a prerequisite for a comfortable rest in the evening and at night, and just under the canopy it is convenient to place lamps.


Patio for two

A place for such a patio can be chosen in a remote corner of the garden, where neither a curious look from the outside nor annoying noise can reach. To do this, it is enough to find or free 2-4 square meters of the site, make a cover and place a table with two chairs or armchairs. nine0003


Patio for two

In such a place it will be nice to retire for a heart-to-heart talk.

Patio as a place to socialize

For family or friends, you need to find a bigger place. And if visual privacy is preferable for a patio for two, then just the opening view would be the best option for relaxing in a company.


Patio as a place of communication

It can be a beautiful lawn, a picturesque landscape, an artificial pond or a pool. nine0003

Ideas for decorating a patio

A patio, like a summer cottage itself, is the realization of the tastes of its owner. Someone loves an abundance of decor, and someone does not tolerate even a minimum of "unnecessary nonsense." The patio accepts any design elements, the main thing is that you feel comfortable and cozy in your patio.

How to decorate a patio in a country house

Climbing plants and flowerpots with ampelous plants will make your patio elegant and joyful. They can be placed both on a horizontal floor and on vertical partitions. And the color scheme is easy to choose for every taste. nine0003


Decorate your patio with potted flowers

Unusual wall décor looks original with floor vases and garden figurines. Thus, you can arrange a patio in a national or retro style, give it a fabulous or exotic flavor.


Vases and garden figurines for patio decor

The sophistication and charm of summer are carried by arches and pergolas entwined with greenery and flowers. And decorative pillows on benches and chairs will add home comfort and peace. nine0003


Throw pillows will add cosiness

The brazier will perfectly fit into the patio. It doesn't matter if it's stationary or portable. The main thing is that it is consistent with the style you have conceived. You will see - the presence of a barbecue will immediately turn your patio into a favorite gathering place for family and friends.


Patio with barbecue

Increasingly, garden patios include garden swings. This is a great idea, allowing you to retire to read a book or, with your eyes closed, indulge in dreams under a light, measured sway. nine0003


Garden swing

Arranging a patio - endless scope for creativity and flight of fancy, everything will be in place: a flower bed, a stream, a waterfall, a rock garden and an alpine slide, a pond and garden figurines, romantic solar-powered lamps. Well-chosen elements of landscape design will give your patio an extra charm and charm.

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