The One Place Everyone Forgets To Look For Patio Design Inspiration

Being outdoors is good for the soul, as a 2010 study by the American Chemical Society proved when it determined that even a small exposure to activity in nature showed positive effects on the well-being of the participants. Therefore, it is no surprise that an increased mood is one of the huge benefits of adding a patio to your outdoor space so you can enjoy this nature-inspired boost every time you walk out the door. Why not take this positive influence of nature a step further by using it as the inspiration for your patio design?

When planning the look, it is tempting to use a trendy color palette for your patio, so a nature-inspired aesthetic is often forgotten in the excitement to follow the latest popular patio trends. Instead, create a mood-boosting natural oasis right at home by incorporating organic materials, an earth-tone color palette, greenery, and perhaps even a water feature. Your down-to-earth patio atmosphere will look incredible and make you feel great to boot!

When making material and furniture selections for your patio design, let nature guide your decision-making process. Use organic materials like natural stone, wood, and woven grass materials as the main elements of the aesthetic. Consider adding a bluestone patio floor, limestone retaining wall, or freeform stone garden bed edging. Cedar and teak are natural wood species that hold up well to the elements, so incorporate a cedar pergola or teak patio furniture. Bamboo, rattan, jute, and other woven grass textures are perfect for privacy screens, outdoor rugs, and furniture. With tons of textural variation but a common thread in their roots to nature, these organic materials create a dynamic yet serene foundation for a patio design.

In addition to choosing thoughtful natural materials and textures, create a cohesive overall color palette by using tones straight out of the outdoor environment. These humble hues contain neutrals that range from whites, creams, and tans to dark bronze and black, as well as organic colors like sage, forest, navy, sky blue, mustard, muted yellow, rust, and terracotta. By layering these timeless, earthy shades in your patio design, you will set a calm, intentional vibe that brings you closer to nature.

Once your patio is built, bring the outdoor environment into your space with finishing touches straight out of nature. Incorporating greenery in pots, planter boxes, hanging planters, and window boxes will surround you in the natural environment. Consider creating a living wall or trellis system to grow greenery on vertical surfaces or train a vine (like grapes or non-invasive Wisteria) onto an overhead pergola for shade and visual interest that envelopes the space. By surrounding your patio in greenery, the effect will blur the lines between the patio living space and the outdoors to achieve a feeling of true, serene immersion.

Finally, consider adding a water feature to the patio, whether a small fountain or nearby pond, as the same 2010 study proving the mood-boosting qualities of nature also confirmed that the positive effects were greater when water was present. A birdbath fountain will attract your avian friends and allow the flowing water to create a tranquil atmosphere, while a one-of-a-kind wall fountain can be showcased as a piece of outdoor artwork, creating visual interest and ideally suited for many different design styles. Ditching timely trends and opting instead to look to the often overlooked inspiration of nature for your patio design will ensure you have an aesthetically pleasing, time-tested, and good-for-the-soul outdoor space to enjoy in your very own yard.