Find Your Patio Personality

Spending time outside on a patio is a great way to relax and enjoy the fresh air, but with so many different types of outdoor spaces, how do you know which one is right for you?
Using these simple tips, find your patio personality and get inspired to create a space that reflects who you are and what you love.

Assess Your Needs and Preferences

Consider your lifestyle: Deciding what atmosphere you want to create is the first step. Your patio should reflect your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space.
Do you like to entertain?
An outdoor kitchen or bar and a long dining table instantly transforms your backyard into a perfect gathering spot.
Or do you prefer a more tranquil outdoor setting, somewhere to relax with a book or enjoy a coffee in the morning?
A cozy, secluded patio with a small bistro table, a pond filled with fish, and a fire pit surrounded by flowers can create a serene outdoor retreat.
For those who love to soak up the sun, a patio with a pool or hot tub may be the perfect choice.

Weatherproof: Choose outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements, such as a weather-resistant wicker or aluminum. Adding a pergola or outdoor umbrella can provide just the right amount of shade.

Bring your patio to life with plants:  Attract birds, butterflies and bees to your outdoor space with lush plants, flowers, and garden beds. They’re a great way to add colour to your outdoor space too!

Make the most of your large space: If you have a larger outdoor space, consider creating multiple patio areas serving different purposes. For example, you could have a dining area, lounging and even a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. You can use hardscaping materials such as stone, brick or concrete to create distinct spaces and add landscape lighting to enhance the ambiance.

Once you have a clear idea of how to use the space, you can start to think about the details and elements needed to make it perfect.

Choose a Theme and Colour Scheme

Combining colour and theme: Now for the really fun part – choosing a theme and colour scheme for your patio! Pick your theme as a general concept that guides your design choices. Rustic, tropical, and bohemian are some great existing styles help to get you inspired. Next up, start planning your matching colour scheme to create harmony and contrast. 
For a little pop of colour go for bright throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and potted plants. For something a bit more dramatic, try a monochrome look.

Don’t forget the lighting – hanging string lights or lanterns instantly adds a warm glow to your outdoor space, elevating it’s ambiance. 

Select Furniture

Choose the right furniture:  Measure the size of your space and choose furniture that fits your theme, colour choice and space appropriately. Make sure your patio furniture is comfortable, durable and functional as well! Depending on the area, you can opt for sofas, chairs, tables, benches, or hammocks.  

The way you plan to use your outdoor space is the first, and most important, step to finding your patio personality.  Whether you’re a social butterfly who loves entertaining or a nature lover who prefers a peaceful retreat, your patio style should compliment your needs.

Still trying to figure it out?
Take a quiz to find out your patio personality. HGTV has a quiz that can help you determine your patio personality. You can take the quiz here.

Ottawa’s Fireplace, BBQ & Patio Experts

The Fireplace Center and Patio Shop is your one-stop shop for all your indoor and outdoor essentials. With one of Canada’s largest showrooms, we have over 200 fireplaces on display.

With extensive knowledge in BBQs, heating and cooling, and patio furniture, you can trust our team to provide expert advice, quality assembly and installation. Get in touch with us today!