Practical (and welcoming!) ways to dress up your patio

Make your patio the go-to spot where everyone wants to hang out this
summer—the spot that everyone gathers and enjoys a delicious brat, each other’s company, and your beautiful patio décor. Use these ideas to make a beautiful outdoor space that you, and all your guests, enjoy all the days of summer (and fall!).

Add tile

A tiled patio is the finishing touch that sets your patio apart from the rest. When shopping for the perfect tile, tell your sales person that your tile is going outside so they can recommend the right porcelain tile for your patio.

Use furniture

The right furniture for your deck is the right color and coordinated so

it doesn’t look like a mishmash effort. Don’t pack your patio so tight that your guests can’t circulate or buy furniture that is too big for the size of your deck. Choose pieces that coordinate both in color and size—some pieces can even serve a dual purpose (such as a planter or storage and a bench).

Think tranquil

If you want to make your patio relaxing or cover up background noise, make your patio a calm oasis with a water feature. A waterfall or pond can be your answer; make sure the water is circulating to avoid stagnant water and the problems that come with it.

Add green

Planters full of flowers, an herb garden, or evergreens can make your patio look like an inviting garden—or at least make it look more inviting. As an added bonus, an herb garden or container garden can provide fresh food for your next grill out.

Cozy it up

Everyone loves a nightly campfire, and a built-in (or portable) campfire is one of Wisconsin’s favorite past times. Add a fire to your patio for a welcoming end to the night, and arrange your furniture for optimal comfort and coziness.

Add privacy

Make your grill outs (and any al fresco meals) a private affair with privacy screens. Instead of adding abrupt privacy screens, coordinate your screens so they look like a part of your outdoor patio décor. Use greenery or latticework to make your nights on the patio a private—and aesthetically pleasing—affair.