If you were longing for a better patio as you enjoyed spending time outdoors this summer, you may be wondering about the latest trends and timeless elements of patio design. To inspire your patio renovation, consider these 5 patio designs for your new outdoor living space in Highland Park and Winnetka, IL.
Related: 5 Patio Pavers for Your Ranch Style Backyard Remodel in Highland Park and Northbrook IL Areas
Natural Surroundings
As much as we want to spend time in nature, many patios are somewhat removed from it with a large expanse of lawn (which, in many cases, is chemically treated and heavily watered). A modern trend is moving toward bringing nature closer by reducing the size of the lawn, and expanding the size of native plant beds as well as the patio. Modern patios could be one large patio surrounded by greenery; or, a series of interconnected patios that are smaller in size and designed for different activities, much like indoor rooms are designed for different activities.
Shady Spaces
Making your patio more comfortable in any weather involves a permanent shelter structure where you can escape the sun and inclement weather. First, decide whether you’ll get more use from a pergola (an open-sided, open-roofed structure which offers shelter from the sun) or a pavilion (which has open sides and a solid roof and can shelter you from rain or even snow). Both structures can cover a small part of the patio such as a seating area; or, they can be larger structures that cover the majority of the patio. Either way, you’ll have an elegant and timeless space to enjoy fresh air while staying comfortable.
Adding a fire feature such as a gas-fueled fire table or an outdoor fireplace (along one side of the shelter structure) turns the space into a cozy outdoor living room that could very well see a lot of use throughout the year.
A Custom Outdoor Kitchen
However you like to cook and entertain, it’s important to have an outdoor kitchen that suits your needs. It could be a simple L-shaped grill station with bar seating. Or, it could be a full gourmet kitchen filled with weatherproof appliances that suit your cooking style.
Placing the outdoor kitchen centrally gives it prominence - a clear signal that cooking and entertaining are huge priorities for you. Placing it off to the side is a more relaxed option where the outdoor kitchen isn’t the central hub of outdoor living, but a nice-to-have feature.
A Place By the Fire
To make the most of your patio throughout the year, warmth is essential. An outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or fire table are all excellent choices (and there’s no reason to have to choose just one). You could have an outdoor fireplace along one side of your outdoor shelter, stand-alone in a corner of the patio, or integrated into a retaining wall. You could also have a fire table next to the outdoor kitchen, for a dazzling dining experience; and while a fire table won’t put out the heat of a fireplace or fire pit, it does make for cozy dinners on chilly days and could replace a traditional dining table. Instead of a fireplace, a fire pit could be a central focal point on the patio, or tucked away in a corner for an intimate fireside space perfect for quiet evenings with friends.
Large Format Pavers
Modern design trends favor clean lines and minimalist ornamentation. Large format patio pavers are perfect for modern designs. They are a great choice for both large patios and tiny spaces. They allow the individual characteristics of each paver to come out, and make spaces feel more spacious and sophisticated.
