Many of us in the lower mainland think that fall is the best season of the year – from mid-September to the end of October temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal. Many of us associate patio living exclusively with summer. Plan to get the most out of your outdoor living space this fall with a patio makeover that allows you to enjoy the change of season in style.
Clean Up a Little
Move the patio furniture out of the way while you sweep or vacuum the area and move it back when the floor is clear of debris.
Wipe down the furniture with a soft cloth. Remove barbecue sauce and soda stains from furniture cushions.
Remove any items that you will not be using during the fall months.
Transition Your Patio Furniture
Replace the summer covers and cushions with ones that reflect the fall season – indulge in wine reds, bright oranges, deep yellows, and warm browns.
Re-purpose a trunk as a coffee table – store extra heated blankets or thick wool throws.
Amp up your patio’s autumnal warmth with rustic outdoor furniture pieces such as a teak drinks cart, wicker stools with hidden storage, an outdoor rattan armchair, or a folding Adirondack chair.
Add a Fire Pit
A fire pit is the perfect addition for making the patio an inviting space to entertain or hang out with the family as the sun goes down and the air becomes cooler. Gather round to make s’mores, tell stories, or just relax. But my patio is small, there’s not much room! No worries – fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, including tabletop versions and portable models. Regardless of the type, a fire pit will be the focal point of your backyard.
Don’t Forget Cozy Blankets
Place cozy heated blankets on each patio chair. Battery operated blankets designed for the outdoors will help you warm up and get the most out of your patio on those cooler autumn nights. Similar in function to an electric blanket, a heated blanket or throw designed specifically for the outdoors is battery operated, portable, and lightweight. Some brands of cordless blankets can provide warmth for up to eight hours on a single charge.
Roll out a Rug
If your patio doesn’t already have one, consider buying a rug in warm autumn colours for your patio fall makeover. A rug, whether indoors or part or an outdoor living space accomplishes four things. First, it defines the immediate area from the rest of the patio. Second, an area rug protects the patio from damage. Third, adding an outdoor rug gives the space more texture and style. And finally, the most important reason of all, a rug warms up your patio by trapping in the day’s heat.
Add Lots of Lighting
Extend your time out on the patio with the right type of lighting. General rule of thumb is bright lighting creates a festive mood while softer lighting is more conducive to a relaxing vibe.
Table lamps and lanterns are great for eating or reading by, or chatting with a friend.
Outdoor floor lamps provide task lighting with a further range.
Decorative outdoor lighting such as battery-operated candles and strings of fairy lights will quietly brighten any patio in a magical way.
