If you don’t want to look back on this summer with serious FOMO, it’s time to give your outdoor space a little love. Below, three designers share their favorite patio decor ideas for around $300.
If you have outdoor patio furniture, but need a vibe: Accessorize!
Chicago-based interior designer and stylist Kyle Schuneman recommends small and playful additions to make your patio feel fresh without a total overhaul. Start by grounding the space with an outdoor rug. “This will immediately dress up your space and is a much cheaper option than trying to fix up a patio floor or deck,” he says. “Keep it neutral with a simple pattern so it can work with what you already have.”
Next, add an outdoor pouf or two. Not only are they great for putting your feet up and for extra seating, Schuneman says, “they also add pattern and color to make things pop.”
For a final touch, reimagine your mismatched pots. “Spray paint them a few different shades of the same color for a rich, layered effect.” Schuneman suggests creams, taupes, or grays.
Shopping list:
5’3 x 8’ Jill Zarin Costa Rica Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $89 at Rugs.com
Safford Square Woven Indoor/Outdoor Pouf, $212 for 2 at Wayfair.com
Krylon COLORMaxx Matte Paint & Primer in Sand Dollar, $5 at Michael’s
Colorshot Premium Satin Spray Paint in Skinny Dip, $10 at Michael’s
Total: $316
Not all of us have sprawling backyards or scenic vistas. If you’re working with a less-than-charming setup surrounded by mostly walls or hardscape, design blogger Erin Francois has a simple solution: Use plants to transform your patio. “You can create a big, impactful focal point with a simple and affordable trellis,” she suggests.
If you’re handy, check out Francois’s easy DIY made of cedar garden stakes on her blog. Otherwise, there are plenty of affordable ready-made options out there.
Next, it’s time to add greenery. You’ll want to pick trailing and crawling varieties like ivy, jasmine, roses and wisteria. Pick 1-2 plants per trellis in terra cotta planters underneath and be sure to guide the vines up into the wood squares to get things started.
Pro tip: If your budget is tight, Francois suggests looking for terra cotta pots and planters on Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing Groups, and secondhand stores. “The unifying material and color palette will create a cohesive look, and the varying designs will bring so much character!”
Shopping list:
Nderim Wood Lattice Panel Trellis, $99 at Wayfair
2.5 qt. Star Jasmine Live Vine Plant with White Fragrant Blooms, $48 for two at The Home Depot
2.5 Gal. Amethyst Falls Wisteria Live Vine Plant, $45 at The Home Depot
Concrete Fluted Outdoor Planter in Terra Cotta — Small, $50 at Pottery Barn
Ecopots Round Pot – 12″, $45 at Bloomscape
Total: $287
If you want to keep the fun going after sunset: Install overhead lighting.
There was one thing on every designer’s list for a charming patio: lighting. “Lighting is as important outside as it is inside and makes things cozy at night,” says Schuneman. There are plenty of options to choose from, but Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage likes installing overhead lighting to add sparkle to your outdoor space. “They let the party continue after dark,” she says.
Depending on your current setup, you may already have everything in place to string the lights—wood posts to screw in a few hooks or a tree to use as a solid wrapping point. If not, you’ll have to purchase a set of poles specific to the ground your patio is sporting. Either way, you’ll want to invest in a couple of mounting kits and some weatherproof lights.
