Sublime Summer Space Savers: 6 Perfect Petite Patios

With the start of summer just around the corner folks are being bombarded with tips and ideas for their backyards. Most of us love spending the warmer months outdoors – but what do you do if you have really limited outdoor space? Sure, you’d hang a chandelier bird feeder with pride and invite all your friends to join you on your new extra large outdoor sofa, but just you don’t have room. Fear not. We’ve found six fun and easy ideas for your petite patios that’ll have you saying, “space schmace”. Check ‘em out below and get ready for summer.

Rugged Beauty – We’ve all accepted the idea of outdoor furniture being more than simply plastic chairs, right? Well, we’re encouraging homeowners to take this concept one step further and invest in outdoor rugs. They allow you to have more fun with your color scheme and create a cohesive look for your small space.

Playful Pallets – There’s lots to love when it comes to pallet furniture. It’s great for the environment, has such a fun and funky feel, and is fairly customizable. That last point has huge implications for your outdoor space. If you’ve got a little or uniquely shaped outdoor area, create furniture that’ll fit it perfectly.

Textured Treat – Add depth to your area without taking up too much room. Use blankets and pillows to create an inviting seating area, even though you don’t have space for a couch. The variety in fabrics and patterns will make things more luxurious.

Harmonious Hangout – You create the ideal space for hanging out when you make space for your stuff to hang. Maximizing vertical space can save you a lot in the long run.

Layered Love – Perfection is all in the details, and we’re loving this tiered herb garden. Not only do the herbs add gorgeous greenery to your balcony, they’ll make your cooking more delicious, and having them on a rack means you aren’t sacrificing too much space.

Beautiful Bed – Ok, we might never get up if we had this on our patio, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? Just because you don’t have room for large furniture, doesn’t mean you have to get only teeny tiny pieces. We love the idea of the “half day bed”. It’s a nice, big, comfy piece – it’s just not as large as its counterparts.

We hope these balconies have inspired you to tackle your small space and make the most out of your outdoor decor. For more tips and ideas, make sure to connect with @HomeShows on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Have a small space you’ve styled nicely? Share a snap with us! We’d love to see what you’ve created.

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Paul Lafrance's Do's & Dont's Of Deck Design

Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh-cut grass, the backyard barbecues, and the fabulous flowers! And with the snow slowly melting away, it's time to start thinking about that deck renovation you've been stewing over all winter long.

Getting started on a backyard redesign can seem a little daunting at first. That's why Paul Lafrance host of HGTV's Decked Out and Deck Wars, has shared a few Do's and Don'ts of deck design to help you prepare for your project.

Paul says that, when starting a backyard renovation, the first item on a homeowner's To Do list is to bring in a professional to help point your design in the right direction.

"Get a design done. Having a customized design from a reputable firm will not only ensure you have a space that represents you, but with a good design, you can gain more of a wow factor for less money."

Another definite Do is to watch your budget! Paul says that aside from hiring an expert, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your design without breaking the bank. You may even be able to re-vamp your existing deck!

"Often the structure of the deck may still be intact, and by adding upgraded deck boards you can improve the overall look on a smaller budget. Think quality of square footage over quantity - it's better to have a smaller, more inviting and functional space than a huge, sprawling space that has no creativity or defined use."

Patio buffs rejoice! Once you've settled on a layout, Paul says to do your homework when it comes to outdoor furnishings. Say goodbye to cheap-looking chairs.

"The outdoor living space world has changed. No longer do we have to tolerate plastic furniture and rusty charcoal barbecues. There are revolutionary products on the market today that are not only cost-effective, but when incorporated into a design, can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the interior of your home."

To bring together a great deck design, Paul tells homeowners to pick a unique focal point that will compliment their personal themes. He says that each of his clients have specific tastes that he will bring out in their decks' focal points.

"Everyone's focal point will be different; be it a decorative screens, water feature, fire feature, gazebo, pergola, vibrant garden, etc. The most important this is for that focal point to be just as dynamic from inside the house as it is outside the house."

Something to consider, which Paul says is often where homeowners go wrong when them=y attempt a DIY deck renovation, is that the view of the backyard is important from every angle.

"The most common mistake is that [homeowners] do not take the view of their backyard from inside the house into account. It is so important to align focal points of your design with the most dominant views of the outdoor spaces to draw you outside."

Now that you know where to start and what to avoid, it's your turn to put Paul's tips and tricks to use and make the magic happen in your own backyard!

For more expert advice, visit Paul at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. He's taking the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 1pm and 6pm. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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