Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/csK5XPO87lI We all need a place to unwind, to relax and just chill. And there is no better place for that than your patio. Fresh air and the sun are there to keep you company and help you blow off some steam. And if you have the opportunity, why not make it better. Sure, you can always renovate, replace the old with the new, refresh the entire patio. However, we suggest something more than just pure maintenance. Why not add some things to your patio, why not experiment, and just see how comfortable you can get? Below you can find some outstanding patio additions that will make you practically want to live outside 24/7.

1. Set up an outdoor kitchen

Barbecues are an awesome addition to any backyard. Who doesn’t like to just get a couple of friends over on a nice summer day and fry up a couple of burgers or sausages? However, burgers get boring quickly. So why not take this a step further and cook something a bit different. This is where outdoor kitchens come in. They are definitely not easy to install, but they can be a beautiful addition to your backyard and general everyday life. Cooking outside, even if it’s for a regular dinner, is a nice change of pace. And of course, it’s awesome if you’re making a party outside. You can start the entire thing early, and won’t have to retreat to the kitchen while everybody else is having fun.

2. A living room outside

  Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/8NivhWR8hRU An interesting idea people do is set up a patio as a living room. Why not have all the comforts of your interior home set outside. For example, having a nice sofa outside, with a shelf full of your favourite books, all combined with being outside. Add some extra comfy chairs, maybe a coffee table, and relax. We advise you get some kind of pergola or roof over you, to protect you from the elements.

3. Mosaics of flowers and stone

Now, there is nothing really original about adding some flowers to your patio. And while that is definitely not a bad thing, we do suggest you maybe try something new. Namely, why not create art and mosaics with your flowers. Plant them in such a way as to make a mosaic. Plant flowers of contrasting colours that clash with one another. Make a grid, or a symbol, with your flower beds. You can combine this with another mosaic, made from tiles. For example, get some high-quality natural stone tiles, maybe some other type of materials as well, and combine them into a mosaic that will surround and pave your patio. Think of any design you want, maybe even try to make images and artwork from it. There is no reason not to be a bit imaginative with tiling. Try to be as creative as you can.

4. Install a nice fireplace

  Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/home-decor-real-estate-3593732/ Imagine just sitting down with your loved ones around a fire, enjoying the warmth and sharing stories. Or maybe just spend some time alone, reading or meditating near a fire on a chilly night. No other light but the one form the fire, no other sound but the crackling of the flames. Pretty Zen, right? However, sitting up a fire every time you want one is a bit of a chore. Having your own fireplace makes things much easier, however. Getting a nice fireplace (goes great with the open living room concept) will give you that toasty feeling of comfort whenever you want. Fire pits are a great choice as well. Just get a good contractor you trust, and have him handle the entire project (according to your design of course).

5. Waterworks

Have you ever thought about adding a fountain to your patio? The soothing sound of flowing water is perfect, as can be its beauty when you see the sunlight shimmer of the water. Or maybe a nice gazebo, or perhaps a koi pond?  The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

A patio is a beautiful addition to any home. However, why just stick to a regular setup that everybody has? Why not, instead, get your imagination going and really add something special. Things like installing a fireplace or a firepit will keep you warm on any cool night. An outdoor kitchen is perfect for special events, and for everyday life as well. Think about making it more beautiful if you can, by creating an original garden and special tile mosaics.   Author Bio: Hannah Thomas is a gardening and home décor enthusiast. Garden is the place where she feels most comfortable, that’s why there are always a lot of books and empty coffee cups on the back porch.  Always learning, exploring and smiling.