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Simple Summer Styling for your Patio

Simple ideas to style your patio and create a beautiful backyard oasis for family and friends to enjoy all summer. Practical and affordable inspiration.

Who loves summertime?

ME…I do!

It’s my favorite time of year.

I just love spending time outside during the summer…even in steamy humid North Carolina.

I’d much rather be hot than cold.

Because if I’m hot I can jump in our pool. But when I’m cold I just can’t seem to get warm no matter what I do.

Creating an amazing welcoming backyard where we can hang out as a family or entertain our friends is at the top of my summer bucket list.

What about you?

Do you crave pretty outdoor spaces too?

view of patio in the summr with two seating areas one under pergola and one around firepit with flower and stringlights

Last year I shared how we created our outdoor patio space.

We created two seating areas to either sit under the shade of a pergola or around a cozy fire.

That way we get to choose depending on the time of day or the temperature outside.

overhead view of patio area with seating under pergola and seating around firepit

We didn’t change the layout of our patio this summer.

Actually, it looks pretty much the same with the structures and furniture placement.

However, I do love how simple it is to change up the look of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive into the simple ways to give your space a fresh feel this year…

Add Pretty Potted Flowers and Plants

outdoor patio seating area under pergola with flower pots surrounding sectional couch

For your convenience, I’ve included links to some items used in this post. These are affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

I’m not much of a gardener but I do love adding annuals to flower pots around my outdoor spaces.

Using different styles and sizes with the containers creates interest but using only black and galvanized planters keep a cohesive look on the patio.

For the past several summers I’ve planted SunPatiens variety of annual flowers to my large whiskey barrel style planters.

You can check them out here.

But this year I was a bit eager to plant flowers and when I went to our local garden center they didn’t have my new favorite SunPatiens yet in stock.

stone round firepit with four adirondack chairs and planters with summer flowers

Since I was a little early buying flowers this year I went with wave petunias since the garden center had them in stock the day I was shopping.

And I’m actually loving how much the red petunias have filled in the extra-large planter and even spill over the edges.

close up of lantern with candle and two small plants on either side in int front of 2 round coffee tables

Mixing in a couple of faux plants with my annual flowers helps style the space in front of the accent tables.

Adding faux plants means less watering and they won’t look droopy by the end of the summer.

Sounds like a win-win to me!

Create Ambience Outdoors with Candles and Lanterns

latern with wood beads hanging from top flowers in pots

What’s better than candlelight at night in your outdoor living room?

Adding several large lanterns both wood and metal finishes filled with battery-operated outdoor candles is an essential element in styling your patio.

And you can just throw a string of wooden beads around the lantern handle for some extra farmhouse-style charm.

The Importance of Cozy Seating with Comfy Pillows

seating area under pergola flowers surrounding sectional

Lots of fluffy comfortable throw pillows not only look pretty but also creates a place where you want to kick back and relax.

Is there anything better than laying back on a big comfy pillow and reading a book outside on a beautiful summer day?

I chose neutral pillow colors to keep with the serene vibe of the space.

The black and white pillows also give me the modern farmhouse feel that I love so much!

I recommend using pillows made specifically for the outdoors if you plan on leaving them out all the time.

But if you bring your pillows in at the end of each day then you can use any fabric.

Install Budget-Friendly String Lights

view of patio from top of pergola with lights

No outdoor space would be complete without string lights.

Am I right?

I mean seriously they just add so much to a backyard.

It’s such an inexpensive way to decorate your outdoor living area.

And if you don’t have a pergola to string your lights from don’t worry…there are so many ideas to add lighting.

You can build posts and string lights from the posts, hang lights around your deck railings or fence, or even string lights through the trees in your backyard.

I hope I gave you some simple and affordable ideas to create your backyard oasis!

What’s your favorite idea to create a simple patio space?

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact us or leave a comment below.

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