6 Ways to Decorate Your Patio or Backyard for Summer

Are you dreaming of sunning by the pool, margarita in-hand? Ready or not, Summer is here! Birds have headed home, gas prices are steadily climbing, and warm weather wardrobes are just waiting to explode from closets everywhere. There’s no better time than right now to decorate your porch, patio, or backyard. Maybe you’re feeling inclined to opt for a stay-cation this summer. If so, turn your backyard into a relaxing sanctuary for you and your family. Toss out your old white plastic patio furniture, and make your backyard a place you can be proud of. Then, invite your friends, family, and neighbors over for a little Summer vacation barbeque. Bring on the hot dogs… Hebrew National, of course!

1. The All-Mighty Hammock

Hammocks are the perfect way to kick back and relax, read a book, take a nap, or just enjoy watching the kids play outside. Sway in the breeze while lounging in the ultimate hammock from Sunbrella. If you don’t have trees for easy hanging, this hammock is perfect for you. Plus, the waterproof fabric is comfortable, and won’t leave strange criss-crossing marks on your legs.

 

2. Porch Shades

Blinds.com offers the most popular and top-rated porch shades in time for Summer. Protect your furniture and your skin from harsh Summer sun by installing waterproof shades on the outside of your home. They’re contemporary and modern, and their popularity has increased exponentially in the past 6 months alone. They’re available in woven fabrics and waterproofed woods.

 

 

3. Grow Your Own Topiaries

Creating your own topiary is a fun summer project (think Chia Pet, but no weird-looking potato head with grass growing from it), and  online vendors make it easy to find shapes, animals, and structures that appeal to you. I love this little Boston Terrier from Topiaries.com. They offer lots of live vines for you to purchase, as well as instructions on how to help your topiary thrive.

4. Fence Refreshers

Forget the myth that fences are only good for keeping out nosy neighbors. Now you can cheaply and easily add color and style to your old rickety fence. Don’t replace your warped wood fence with a new fence. Cover it up instead with a suspended garden! Hanging, painted flower pots filled with colorful flowers will instantly transform your backyard and give your backyard the “Wow!” factor.

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5. Artificial Turf Bar

With a little plywood and some old barstools, you can create a special space for sipping lemonade with the kiddies, or cocktails with the girls (or guys!).

 

6. A Little Paint, Some New Furniture…

Voila! This family transformed their patio from drab to fab VERY cheaply and easily by giving their old, warped fence a few coats of beautiful espresso stain, retiling the concrete with terra cotta, and tossing out the old plastic patio furniture. Opt for stainless steel or metal furniture with a sunny umbrella in a bright color or shade of white to make a small patio look bigger.

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Happy decorating,