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Are you a proud owner of a beautiful garden but not using it to its full potential? Your garden can easily become a magical place to relax, cook, socialise and exercise. Luckily, sometimes all it takes is a few good ideas to get you started. Create a patio that you will really love spending time in.

In this article, we want to give you a few key design tips to help you create an inviting and cosy patio. It can even make your garden the new star attraction of the neighbourhood. But also a place where you can dream away to amazing journeys you look forward to.

1. lay the foundation for the work

Planning and preparation are key to making it happen. Really clear and thorough planning is the secret to a successful patio that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. One of the first aspects you should consider is the primary purpose of your patio and garden. Most likely, you will need seating and dining areas. Often you will also need a barbecue area or perhaps a full outdoor kitchen?

The overall design of the garden should suit the number of people you usually receive, and be child- and/or pet-friendly if relevant. To really enjoy your garden, you should take into account various factors that affect your garden. These include shade, privacy, views, wind, and whether there are places with lots of insects.

2. Invest in good-looking outdoor furniture

The foundation of a truly lovely and inviting patio is comfortable outdoor furniture. Make sure they both fit the style you want, this could be a little country style, more modern furniture or southern European style. They should be made of weatherproof fabric and have enough seating for the number of people needed.

On the patio, you may want a dining area, a lounge area and, if there is room, one or more sunbeds. Make sure the patio can accommodate the size and number of furniture you want to avoid overcrowding. There should be air between the different pieces of furniture to give the right feel. Otherwise, you may have to change your plans.

You can make the most of your lounge furniture and surroundings by positioning it to give you and your guests the best view, such as the sunset or anything else that might attract your visitors. The dining area should be conveniently placed to make the journey from the kitchen as short and easy as possible.

In the garden itself, you can place a bench or a small café along the walkway or near some kind of gardening activity. Alternatively, you can place the furniture in more obscure locations to create a small private retreat in your own garden.

3. Don't forget about lighting

Just like inside the house, outdoor lighting has both a practical and an atmospheric function. You should at least make sure to integrate lighting around the patio, but lighting along garden paths also helps to create a beautiful dynamic and feel. To create the perfect atmosphere, you can use a combination of lanterns, lighting chains and sconces.

You can also consider integrating a fireplace or a fire table as part of the lounge area to create the perfect scene to gather your guests and have interesting conversations well into the night. The warmth of the fire also sets a great mood and helps to provide some warmth as well.

4. Don't forget about protection against the weather.

For your outdoor environment to be comfortable, you need to take into account changing weather conditions. It is difficult to fully enjoy a garden if it is too hot or too windy to sit outside. If you have the space, a pergola can provide shade while creating an inviting space for dining and entertaining. Alternatively, you can opt for a parasol or a shade sail, both of which are a more flexible and less immersive solution.

You should also design your outdoor environment to provide natural protection from the wind. Even in summer, it can feel quite chilly. Consider installing shelter at the edge of the patio or placing plants strategically to protect against the wind and create a more private space.

5. Customise your patio according to your preferences

For many people, it's important that the garden feels like its own little green oasis. Therefore, you also need to plan your landscaping. Think about whether you prefer a more open concept or whether you want to create small separate sections of the garden that allow for greater privacy and a more structured garden design.

Remember to choose plants that are easy to maintain and plants that thrive in different seasons. This way, your garden will remain inviting throughout the year. Also remember that plants attract bees and other pollinators. Therefore, make sure you don't place them right next to the dining area. If you have a pool or a natural water source nearby, make sure to take full advantage of it when designing your outdoor area.

Make the area your oasis

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the satisfaction of you and the people you'll be sharing your patio with. Make sure to include elements that you like and cherish to make the area extra special. Good luck!

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