When the Northeast weather keeps warming up, the patio often becomes one of the most-used spaces in the home. Whether you’re dining, relaxing, or entertaining friends and family, it serves as an important gathering place for your social activities.
If your patio needs structural repairs or you want to update its look to something more modern, it might be time for a renovation! In this post, we will discuss 10 backyard patio renovation ideas that will give your space a modern look and enhance its functionality.
1: Built-In Firepit
A firepit is a great way to extend the use of your patio into the cooler months or enjoy a relaxing summer night. It also adds a luxurious touch and can serve as a focal point for your outdoor space. The stone materials around the patio’s built-in firepit can also prevent any embers or hot coals from burning your grass or plant life.
2: An Outdoor Patio Bar
If you love to entertain, an outdoor patio bar can be a great addition to your space. It provides a place for your guests to mingle and enjoy drinks while enjoying the sunlight and fresh air. You can also install a TV so you can watch your favorite shows, games, or movies.
Depending on how you would want to use your patio bar, you can install features beyond a stone countertop, such as:
- A mini-fridge to keep your drinks fresh
- A grill to cook up your favorite dishes
- A sink for quick cleaning
- A kegerator to enjoy your favorite beer on tap
- Drink wells to store your spirits outdoors
3: Built-in Stone Seating
If you have a spacious patio, you may want to consider adding built-in patio seating. This can provide a place for your guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about bringing chairs or sitting on the ground. You can also add cushions or pillows to make it more comfortable.
Stone seating is also extremely popular near an inground pool or hot tub. If you are wet after taking a dip, you can dry off without worrying about soaking a cloth cushion or chair.
4: Stone Privacy Walls
If you live in a populated area or your patio is close to your neighbor’s house, you may want to consider extending your patio’s boundaries upward with privacy walls. This can provide you with a place to relax and enjoy your outdoor space without feeling like you are on display.
Stone privacy walls can be constructed with the same materials as your patio floor to maintain a consistent aesthetic. If you want to include some extra personality with your walls, you could add design features like planters or a fountain to enhance the space.
5: Large Gazebo
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your patio, consider adding a large gazebo. This can provide shade on hot days and can be decorated with lights or plants to create a beautiful focal point. They also act as an excellent overhead covering for a bar or outdoor living room.
6: Landscape Lighting
Bring your patio to life at night by adding landscape lighting. This can provide a warm and inviting glow in the evening hours and can be used to highlight features like built-in seating, privacy walls, or water features.
Landscape lighting can be installed in many forms. These range from built-in lights in the stonework to freestanding short and tall lamps. To get some ideas for lighting configurations, ask a professional for their recommendation.
7: Tiered Patio Levels
If your patio is situated on a slope or you want to create different areas for entertaining, consider adding tiered patio levels. This can create additional space for outdoor dining or lounge areas. It can also help break up a large patio into smaller, more intimate spaces.
8: Waterfalls or Fountains
The subtle sound of moving water can enhance the relaxing atmosphere of your patio as well as mask any ambient noise from the street. Waterfalls and fountains come in many different styles and materials, so you can find one that fits the aesthetic of your patio.
9: A Mini-Pond
Love the calming sound of moving water but want a more natural feature? You may want to consider adding a mini-pond to your patio. This can transform your space into a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors while surrounded by nature.
10: A Covered-Uncovered Hybrid Patio
If you want the comforts of both indoors and outdoors, divide your patio into a space that is half-covered and half-uncovered. It will feel like you have two separate places to relax in one!
A patio cover can also provide additional protection for your patio furniture or outdoor kitchen. Enjoy the open skies on a sunny day or relax and watch the rainfall and stay dry in the covered section.
Start Your Own Patio Renovation Project Today
At Gallivan Corporation, we provide landscape design and installation services to our neighbors in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. If you are looking to reimagine your patio, call Gallivan for a patio installer. Contact us today for a free quote.