Where Can You Find Great Patio Design Ideas?

One of the best things about working as a patio contractor is knowing that every project is going to be different. Certainly, lots of patio design jobs involve installing features like pools and outdoor kitchens, but every home – and every homeowner’s vision – is unique.
 
Potential customers usually have lots of ideas in their minds by the time I meet them. In fact, you’re more likely to have too many patio design inspirations rather than too few. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to identify the best ones, or that there aren’t a handful of possibilities you’ve never even considered.
 
There are plenty of places to find patio design concepts to work from. In today’s post I want to share five of my favorites so you can design the outdoor space of your dreams this year.

Inspiration #1: Friends’ and Relatives’ Homes

 
Naturally, the best way to figure out how you want to use your patio is to see how your friends, neighbors, and relatives are using theirs. You have undoubtedly seen some backyards that you have enjoyed. What in particular made them fun, useful, or interesting?
 
You don’t only have to draw on recent experience. You can think back to other times in your life, or even places like hotels and resorts. Customers often tell us that they want to create a space where they can feel like they have the ability go on vacation without ever leaving home. What could you add to your outdoor space that would leave you feeling the same way?

Inspiration #2: Patio Design Contractor Websites

 
When in doubt, see what the pros are doing. By looking through patio contracting websites you can find a great deal of inspiration. That’s especially true if you look close to home. Not only will the climate and seasons match your own needs, but you’ll be able to see which projects the vendors in your area are most proud of.
 
I do need to offer one word of caution, however. It’s unfortunate, but some new patio contractors will “borrow” pictures from competitors or stock photo sites. That’s not a problem if you’re just looking for ideas, but it means you shouldn’t hire someone based on website visuals.

Inspiration #3: Supplier Portfolios

 
Once you start looking into features like swimming pools, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens, you’ll discover that there are a handful of companies who make the very best products. It’s helpful to know a bit about them so you can ensure that your patio contractor is setting you up with appliances that will be reliable for years to come. It also means you have another place to draw inspiration from.
 
If you take the time to see how other people have integrated these features into their own patios, you can better imagine the improvements that need to be made to your own space.

Inspiration #4: Landscaping Books and Magazines

 
Although they aren’t as common as they used to be, there are plenty of printed materials out there for someone who is thinking about renovating their backyard. The best of these include large books with stunning photos and glossy magazines devoted to the industry.
 
It goes without saying that these publications will be stuffed with ads, and possibly touched-up photos as well. Still, they can help you get a sense of what your perfect outdoor area might look and feel like. And of course, printed materials are easy to store and share.

Inspiration #5: Social Media Posts

 
These days people post everything they are proud of on social media. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that homeowners, patio contractors, and landscapers are all sharing images of their work on sites like Instagram.
 
By following the right accounts, you can pick up on new trends and ideas. Plus, you can save or bookmark posts with interesting ideas to review them later (either on your own or with the help of a designer). Some of what you see on social media might not be practical or realistic, but the most important thing you can do early in the process is find inspiration and enthusiasm. The bigger your collection of ideas becomes, the easier it will be to think about how all the pieces might fit together.

Creating Your Patio Design Collection

 
The best way to look through these various resources isn’t to immediately home in on the perfect look or features. Instead, it’s to start building a collection of ideas. From there you can ask questions like:
 

• Which of these concepts is most appealing to me?
• Do the ideas fit with the way I intend to use my backyard or outdoor space?
• How well do the various features and appliances work together?
• Will using any of them impact my budget or other plans?

 
You might eventually work with your patio contractor to whittle down your list of design ideas, or to add new concepts. But having a sense of what you want to accomplish won’t just motivate you to get started, but can also be important when it comes to choosing the right team.

That brings me to a final important detail.

Bringing Your Dream Patio to Life

 
Finding the right inspiration is the first step toward creating an outdoor space you can love and enjoy for years to come. But your vision can’t become a reality unless you have the right patio contractor on your side.

If you’re looking for a team of professionals who can help, I would encourage you to look through some of the recent articles we have posted. There you’ll find lots of insider tips on setting a budget, hiring the right patio contractor for the job, and avoiding common landscaping project mistakes.

Or, if you’re looking for a patio contractor in the Saugus, Massachusetts, area then you might be able to hire myself and my experienced team to help. Contact us today to schedule a free quote and home visit so you can get the answers and insights you need.