The Perfect Patio

The best part about living in Texas, in my opinion, is the ability to live outdoors year round. Over the next few weeks here at She is Dallas, we are going to be sharing some beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.   Hopefully, it will   inspire you to create an outdoor space your family can enjoy. Today we are looking at patios.   Most of us have them, but likely aren’t using them to their full potential!

Creating a beautiful patio space:

1. Maximize what you have:   I love this patio {top photo} because it is a common size, but because of the clever use of space it functions as much larger.   There is plenty of space to share morning coffee or a twilight bedtime story.
2. Create an outdoor dining room:   If you have a covered space, treat it like an indoor room.   This fireplace is the perfect backdrop for a dining room.   Whether it is a casual picnic or more formal dinner, roasting s’mores for dessert will be natural!
3. Organize space by function:   Creating separate “rooms” with various functions helps break up the massive undertaking of using space.   I like how this covered back patio is raised from the yard which creates a feeling of indoor living even outside.
4. Maximize your view:   Think about what you want to see when you are relaxing while you space plan.   An afternoon with a good book fits perfectly with these two bright red chaise lounges.
5. Create an outdoor living room:   Setting up outdoor spaces with familiar furniture pieces like couches, coffee tables and end tables have increased in popularity over the last few years.   You can find almost anything you are looking for in an outdoor “model” which will withstand the weather.   I love this shady living area.   It would be the perfect entertaining space.
6. Embrace your environment:   This house is set on an open space with traditional Texas landscaping.   I love how the covered back porch continues that flavor with neutral furnishings with texture and potted cacti.

Need more inspiration? I love to flip through catalogs like Pottery Barn, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware.   They have great designers that position their wares on gorgeous environments.   It is their job to make you think, “I wish that was my backyard”!   We also love the ideas over at Houzz and Apartment Therapy. It is hopeless!   My house doesn’t have a good outdoor space! The good news is that all the houses in the photos above are for sale in the DFW area.   They are listed by Mark Nolan who is a real estate expert based in Dallas-Fort Worth.   He can be contacted by phone:   817-371-4872 or via email:   Ma*******@em***.com.   To get full house tours of the homes pictured above, you can stop by his DFW home virtual tour website. She is Dallas is working with Mark Nolan promoting all the beautiful houses he has for sale.   Watch next week for our article about Outdoor Spaces that Work for Families.