Here's a quick win - give your patio a deep clean
1. Start With a Spring Clean
Not the most exciting place to start, but it’s crucial to take a moment to reset your outdoor space. Before you dive into shopping for new patio items, it’s essential to assess the area. Take stock of everything that needs attention—whether it’s items that require deep cleaning, repairing, things that need replacing, or any essentials that are missing. This evaluation will help you identify what you need to compile a comprehensive shopping list. By doing this now, before the summer rush begins, you can plan your budget and ensure that your patio is ready for enjoyment when the warmer weather arrives.
Time for an upgrade, or at least new cushions
2. Furniture Refresh
Are you finding that your budget needs to be allocated to other areas? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that making small adjustments to your outdoor space can lead to significant transformations without requiring a major financial commitment. Instead of a complete overhaul, think about making strategic updates that can refresh your patio’s look and feel.
Replacing your outdoor cushions can enhance the overall aesthetic while providing extra comfort. Choosing new colours can breathe new life into your existing furniture.
Enhance with plants
3. Plants, Plants, Plants
Plants have the incredible ability to transform a space, infusing it with life and vibrancy. When selecting plants, consider opting for flowering varieties that will make a striking impact through their vivid colours. These plants enhance the aesthetic appeal of your patio or garden and they create an atmosphere that can elevate your outdoor experience.
Some of our top summer favourites include dahlias, zinnias, and calendula. Dahlias, with their stunning blooms and diverse colours, can serve as a breathtaking focal point in your garden. Zinnias are another fantastic choice, offering a cheerful display with their bright, bold petals that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Calendula adds a charming touch with its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, which can also bring a delightful fragrance to your outdoor space.
By incorporating these flowering plants, you’ll enhance the visual appeal of your area and also create a dynamic environment that changes with the seasons. The strategic use of colour can unify your design, draw the eye, and make your outdoor space inviting. So go ahead and embrace the beauty of flowers to elevate your outdoor oasis!
Pictured: Argheri Forzo Pizza Oven from the Pizza Oven Store
4. Own a Grill or Pizza Oven?
As summer approaches, it’s essential to give your barbecue grill a thorough deep clean to prepare for the busy season ahead. After months of inactivity, your grill might have accumulated grease, residue, and dust, which can affect both its performance and the flavor of your food. Take the time to scrub the grates, clean out any ash or debris from the firebox, and wipe down the exterior to ensure it looks inviting and functions well. A well-maintained grill enhances your cooking experience but also contributes to delicious summer meals with friends and family.
This summer might also be the perfect opportunity to expand your outdoor cooking arsenal. If you’re passionate about grilling, consider incorporating new tools or equipment that can elevate your barbecuing game. One exciting addition we’re loving is the Argheri Forzo pizza oven. This innovative oven allows you to create restaurant-quality pizzas right in your backyard, adding a fun and delicious element to your summer gatherings.
Add ambiance with garden lighting. Pictured: Pois Floor Lamp
5. Light Up Your Backyard Patio
When the weather is warm and inviting, it can be difficult to tear yourself away from the outdoors, even after the sun sets. To make the most of those beautiful summer evenings, it’s essential to create an enchanting atmosphere that encourages you and your guests to linger outside longer. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring your space is well-lit and comfortable.
Stocking up on garden lights is a fantastic way to illuminate your outdoor area. Whether you opt for string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered options, effective lighting can create a cozy ambience that sets the perfect mood for evening gatherings. In addition, consider placing mozzie candles around your seating areas to help keep pesky bugs at bay. These candles offer a pleasant scent to create a welcoming environment where everyone can relax without the distraction of insects.
To take your outdoor experience to the next level, think about incorporating a fire pit or brazier into your setup. A fire pit serves as a stunning focal point while providing warmth and light, making it an ideal gathering spot for friends and family. Imagine sitting around the fire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows, as the flames dance and crackle in the background. Fire pits also extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the cooler evenings, ensuring that you can enjoy your patio or backyard long after the sun has gone down.
Pictured: Shadowspec Retreat Wall Mounted Umbrella
6. Shade Options
The worst thing about summer? Dealing with sunburn. As the sun shines bright and temperatures rise, it’s essential to prioritise shade for you and your family to stay protected from the harsh Australian sun. Before summer kicks into full gear, investing in a high-quality shade option is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe outdoor experience.
There are various patio shade solutions available to suit your needs. You might consider traditional options like awnings, which can provide ample coverage over your outdoor spaces. Umbrellas are another popular choice, ranging from portable models to larger, more permanent structures. For a sleek and modern solution, the Shadowspec Retreat Wall Mounted Umbrella is an excellent option. This stylish umbrella can be mounted on your patio wall, offering adjustable shade while maximizing your outdoor area. Its innovative design allows for easy opening and closing, making it convenient to use when the sun shifts throughout the day.
By selecting the right shade structure, you can reduce the risk of sun-related health issues such as sunburn, sunstroke, dehydration, and even long-term risks like skin cancer. Creating a shaded patio enhances your outdoor time and encourages you and your loved ones to enjoy the summer months without the worry of harmful UV exposure. With the proper shade in place, you can relax and make the most of your time outdoors, enjoying everything the season has to offer.
7. Share Great Food
Here at Shadowspec, when summer is at its peak, the last thing we want to do is confine ourselves indoors, labouring in the kitchen. Instead, we prefer to embrace the sunshine and the outdoors. Whether we’re hosting friends for a gathering or enjoying a simple meal with family, our goal is to keep things low effort yet high reward.
We stick to easy, fresh meals that highlight seasonal produce and can be quick to throw together. For instance, a vibrant tomato salad made with juicy, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil can serve as a refreshing side or light main dish. The same applies for protein, marinated chicken or grilled steak are perfect options that can be prepared ahead of time. A flavorful marinade adds depth, and when it’s time to eat, just toss it on the grill for a delicious & satisfying meal.
By focusing on these uncomplicated yet tasty dishes, we can enjoy the beauty of summer while sharing great food and wonderful company without the stress of extensive cooking.
Common Mistakes When Re-designing Outdoor Patios
1. Fail to plan, plan to fail – create a Pinterest board to collect ideas and refine your vision for your outdoor patio improvements.
2. Not shopping around to get the best deals. Being thorough with researching products and pricing allows you to fill your patio with the best items that you know will last.
3. Budget your improvements. Consider what items will last and be used the most for years to come. Buying good quality always pays off in the long run, search for options that have great warranties.
Pictured: Water Bowl from Crave Designs Australia
8. Water Source
In the heat of summer, adding features that provide both aesthetic appeal and a refreshing escape is essential. Incorporating elements like an outdoor shower, fountain, or sprinkler can enhance your outdoor space. These features create a soothing ambience with their gentle water sounds and offer a delightful way to cool off during those sweltering days.
For instance, a sparkling pool serves as a perfect centrepiece for summer gatherings, providing a refreshing spot for you and your guests to take a dip and enjoy the sun. An outdoor shower can be a great addition, allowing you to rinse off after a swim or enjoy a cool spray in the garden.
Fountains can bring a sense of tranquillity to your outdoor area, as the soft trickle of water creates a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation or entertaining. Meanwhile, a simple sprinkler can turn a hot afternoon into a fun water play session for kids and adults alike.
In addition, consider enhancing your outdoor water features with thoughtful accessories like the Crave Designs Australia water bowl. This stylish and functional piece adds visual interest to your space and provides a refreshing drinking station for pets, ensuring they stay hydrated while you enjoy your outdoor oasis.
9. Entertainment
Whether you're choosing a pool or outdoor games, having entertainment options available for guests and family is essential.
At Shadowspec, we love enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool, along with some fun games like
croquet and the
Go Sports splash hoop pro. These activities keep everyone engaged and create lasting memories during those warm summer days.
10. Last But Not Least: People
What’s a space worth if it’s not filled with your loved ones? Make sure to invite your family and friends over this summer to enjoy the space you’re spending so much time investing in.
Questions To Ask Before Updating Your Outdoor Patio
1. What is the purpose of the space?
Envision what activities take place on your patio and cultivate the space around that idea. This allows you to be purposeful as well as create a functional space.
2. What zones am I trying to create?
Depending on the size of your yard, you can zone your patio. Some zone ideas could be cooking, relaxing or playing.
3. Question ‘what type of ambiance am I going for?’
A place to relax? Gather with family?
Planning out the atmosphere you want to create will allow you to narrow your vision and make smart, informed buying decisions.
4. What colour scheme am I wanting to create?
Once you’ve answered the above questions, you can pick colours that align with the purpose of your space. Wanting a relaxing, peaceful area to recuperate in? Lean into soft colours. Wanting something that’s energising? Choose high impact contrasting colours.
5. How much time do I have to maintain this space?
If you are time-poor, consider purchasing items that do not need any maintenance and plants that require little watering or pruning.
Is your patio feeling too hot and sunny? Reach out to the experts for advice on how to address your shade concerns. If you’re considering a wall-mounted umbrella, check out the Shadowspec Retreat™ for an elegant and practical solution.
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