In Australia, summer is coming, and people are looking for ways to prepare their patio for summer season. When it’s summer people, love to stay outdoors to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Not only is summer the best time to enjoy the outdoors, but it is also an excellent time to improve your outdoor living space. Here are five ways you can improve your patios to prepare for the summer.

Install a Shade Structure

The number one thing you should do to your patio is to install a shade structure. There are many options you can choose from as a shade structure. Choose the one that can provide what you need.

Here are the top three shade structures that are best for your patio.

Shade Sail

A shade sail is the most popular shade structure today. It is the most used shade by many homeowners in Australia in protecting their patios and other outdoor living areas. The shade sail can provide you not only with the protection you need but also with the aesthetics that you are aiming for.

A shade sail can be used with any patio theme. You can also choose different shapes from triangular to square or even rectangular. It is also easy to install, where you can purchase a DIY shade sail and install it on your own.

Outdoor Umbrella

Another great shade that you should consider installing on your patio is an outdoor umbrella. It gives a luxurious vibe like what you experience in high-class cafes and five-star resorts.

If you are looking for a movable shade structure, an outdoor umbrella is your best bet. It is also the most viable shade solution for homes prone to experiencing extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and strong winds. With an outdoor umbrella, you can easily store it in a safe place anytime it is necessary.

Patio Awning

If your patio is located at the side of your house, a patio awning is something you should check out. An awning is a shade structure attached to the side of your house and extends to the patio.

A patio awning can be fixed or retractable, depending on what you prefer. A retractable awning can be pricey, but it can provide versatility.

All these shade structure options are good, making it hard to choose which one to install on your patio to prepare it for the summer. Stick to your theme or listen to what your instinct is telling you. You should also consider the location and the style of your home when choosing a shade structure.

Clean It Up

Grab a scrub and clean up your patio. Use a floor cleaner to get rid of the dirt and stain on your patio floor. Your floor might have some moulds and mildews or even algae stains that build up during the rainy season. You do not want your patio to look musty when you host a summertime barbecue party.

Ensure that your patio looks clean all around. You should also clean your patio furniture and accessories. Wash them up and scrub them to make them look neat and clean.

Paint Your Patio

Fresh paint can do a lot in preparing your patio for the upcoming summer. It will make your outdoor space look fresh and inviting. Expect that the colour on your patio fades over time which is why repainting it should be one of the things you do in preparing it for the summer.

Paint it with a new colour to bring out a new vibe. You can create a colour plan for your patio each year according to the new trend for the respective year. It is also best to choose a light colour to paint on your patio to provide a clean look and create a spacious illusion.

Whatever colour you have in mind can be painted on your patio as long as it does not contrast with the colour of your entire house.

Add a Rug

A rug can add style to your patio floor. If curtains can add beauty to your window, rugs can also beautify your simple patio floor. When picking a rug for your patio, you will encounter vast options such as size, colour, design and patterns.

Choose a rug that fits the theme you want to go to to ensure that it complements all the other decors and accessories you add to your patio. You can search online for a design and colour that fits your style and use it as a reference when buying the actual piece.

You can use more than one rug on your patio for summer. Mix and match colours, sizes and patterns for best results. Try to purchase multiple rugs to change it depending on your mood or to the occasion.

If you are planning to add throw pillows on your outdoor couch, you might also want to consider the style, pattern and colour of the pillows when choosing a rug. All the accessories in your patio should complement one another.

Choose a Theme

Whether you already have a theme in place or do not, you might want to consider thinking of a specific theme that you will follow in designing your patio for summer. You can recreate your existing theme and improve the design, or you can choose a new one.

One of the popular themes for patios is the boho style. The reason behind this is that the boho style patio is a very distinct style that fits an outdoor space very well. It has earth tone colours but does not limit you in using other vibrant colours as well.

You can also choose to design your patio in a modern and edgy look. If your house structure is more modern minimalist, opting for an edgy and futuristic patio can best compliment your house design.

Start Prepping Your Patio for Summer

There are only a few weeks away before the summer officially starts in Australia. Start preparing your patio for summer season with an outdoor house party held in your newly improved patio.