Living Large on Small Patios | Partners Real Estate News LINK
MAY 16, 2016 WE LOVE HGTV.COM
Living Large on Small Patios
Our friends at HGTV share…
Even when it’s humble, a patio’s where you’ll want to spend as much time as possible in nice weather. We’ll show you how top designers make even the smallest patios special.
Optimize Your Small Outdoor Space
Plan accordingly and your small outdoor space will yield enjoyable, natural living.
If you’re among the millions of homeowners downsizing to a smaller house or condominium, your exterior space will likely shrink, too.
In most cases, having fewer square feet simply requires prioritizing your favorite outdoor choices, so you don’t crowd a site.
Decide what to include by focusing on elements that will provide the greatest pleasure and use, as well as fit your climate, property’s orientation, topography and budget.
Start With a Plan
Balance the layout. Proportion how much hardscape you need for dining or sitting, versus softscape, which contributes to color and softness but requires more maintenance, says landscape architect Stephen H. Wlodarczyk of Botanical Decorators.
Choose color wisely. Limit your palette in a small space to a few choices, and remember that white offers advantages for contrast. A white, silver or gray “moonlight” palette is easier to spot at dusk and night than green and other dark colors, says landscape designer Jean Marsh, owner of Jean Marsh Design.
Layer lighting. Light your outdoor spaces as you do indoor rooms for aesthetic and functional needs. Outdoor lighting offers other advantages: You enjoy your yard from the indoors, at night, and deter burglars. Numerous LED options are energy efficient and conceal unattractive wiring and are barely visible themselves.
Add storage. Include a place to stash outdoor cushions, bikes, tools and hoses.
Read more from our friends at HGTV.
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