Make Your Patio a Perfect Retreat

Create your own private sanctuary by planting hedges and using fences or walls.

-- Create a curved pathway leading to your patio so you only get a glimpse of it from the yard.

-- Use bright colors, such as orange, red, and yellow, to draw attention to flowers instead of your patio.

-- Plant a tree near your patio so you can relax under the tree's leafy canopy.

Add interest, even if all you have are plain concrete pavers, by playing with geometric shapes.

-- A mixture of paver shapes and sizes in an irregular layout adds drama.

-- The gateway effect created by two wide pillars makes the patio feel larger by creating distinct spaces.

-- Placing furniture on the lawn integrates the lawn into the patio area -- creating a more spacious feel.

Create a high-end modern feel by ultizing contemporary style.

-- Stair-stepped planters hold architectural grasses.

-- A water feature echoes the planters' shapes, repeating the theme.

-- A gravel patio helps break up the white-painted concrete blocks.

• Learn about great ornamental grasses.

Cottage gardens have classic appeal; create the look by using old materials and soft, romantic plants.

-- A retaining wall made from old landscape timbers gives the space an intimate feel.

-- Hydrangeas and violas are perfect plants for partly shaded cottage gardens.

-- The weathered bench offers a comfortable place to sit and rest.

• Learn more about cottage style.

Add elegance and sophistication to your patio by giving your guests -- and yourself -- a stunning focal point.

-- A well-designed formal garden creates a perfect backdrop.

-- A fountain creates pleasant background sounds.

-- Surround the patio with fragrant flowers, such as roses, for even more sensory appeal.

-- A small tree, such as the dogwood here, adds shade and extra interest.

• Click here to learn more about best small trees for your landscape.

Make your patio your favorite place to get away by including features that fit your lifestyle.

-- An outdoor hot tub is a perfect way to relax after a long day.

-- Nothing says inviting like sitting around a fire pit with good stories and s'mores.

-- A soft outdoor rug allows you to kick off your shoes.

• Check out this fun s'mores recipe.

Give your yard an old-world feel with materials such as flagstone and whitewashed lattice, which have timeless appeal.

-- A simple pergola embraces the patio, offering privacy and protection.

-- Adirondack furniture goes with just about everything -- and is comfortable to boot.

-- The latticework that wraps around the patio creates privacy but allows summer breezes, which keeps the patio from getting too hot.

Create a botanical-garden experience without acres of space and complicated plantings by concentrating your favorite flowers around the edges of your patio.

-- Lush plantings give it a middle-of-the-garden feel.

-- A vine-covered pergola adds protection from the weather.

-- Simple flagstones add an irregular edge and blend the patio into the yard.

• Click here for our collection of free garden plans.

Ensure you use your patio by placing it where you can get to it easily.

-- This patio is extra convenient as it's sited just off the home's front porch.

-- A mix of materials, including river rock, square pavers, and gravel, create extra interest.

-- A wall of ornamental grasses blocks the view of the house, making the patio feel more secluded.

Give your patio a well-thought-out look by coordinating the colors of your accessories with your plantings.

-- A bright patio umbrella picks up the colors of the impatiens planted around it.

-- A golden-toned bistro set pulls out the yellow tones of the stone and planters.

-- Purple coleus in the background helps the colors pop out.

• Click here to learn more about using color effectively.

Make your patio feel extra private by incorporating several view-blocking techniques.

-- A simple canopy shades the patio furniture.

-- A virtual wall of planters at the back of the patio creates a soothing edge.

-- A stucco wall around the patio makes it feel even more enclosed and intimate.

Create a one-of-a-kind look by incorporating artistic elements into your patio

-- A beautiful wrought-iron gate welcomes you into the patio.

-- Mosaic tilework on the fountain makes it a great focal point.

-- Evergreen hedges and stone walls surround the patio, block distractions, and create privacy.

Create an ultra-comfortable space by adding the same comforts you enjoy in your living room.

-- Outdoor furniture with plush cushions provides a great place to relax.

-- A vine-covered pergola casts shade and provides protection from rain.

-- A stylish lantern suspended from the pergola adds extra light at night.

• Click here for more pergola ideas.

Make your patio a private sanctuary where you can relax in peace by employing simple design elements.

-- Bamboo panels are an inexpensive way to create privacy.

-- Natural materials, including gravel and stone, lend a peaceful feel.

-- Combining materials, from mondo grass as a groundcover to the gravel and stones, creates interest.

• Click here for more on making your yard more private.

Enjoy serenity even if your patio is in your front yard by reducing street noise.

-- A fountain creates pleasant background sounds.

-- The fountain's bold design takes attention away from the seating area.

-- A low boxwood hedge encloses the patio, creating intimacy without blocking the front of the house.

-- Two stairs create visual relief and deal with a slight slope.

Highlight your personality -- and artistic style -- by painting a design on the floor of your patio.

-- Bright colors and fun patterns are a great way to enliven a concrete patio.

-- Want more color? Paint your patio furniture, too.

• Check out these fun garden-furniture makeover ideas.