Enhance Your Backyard Patio With These Landscaping Decor Ideas

An outdoor living area is an extension of your home. Between family time and entertaining, the great outdoors is a space worthy of the same level of design as your indoor spaces. Whatever the size of your property and whatever your budget, you can create a space that brings a smile to your face every time you step outdoors.

To create an outdoor space that’s as unique as you are, you need to think beyond materials and design. The space needs to be infused with personal touches that reflect your personality and interests. You can enhance your outdoor space with these outdoor art ideas that will transform your experience - and that of your guests - into something extraordinary.

Start with the Outdoor Art You Have

A great philosophy is to start with what you already have. One of the best ways to create the perfect outdoor oasis for you is to start with your indoor decorating style. Some indoor art pieces could, with some precautions, be used outdoors.

For example, if there’s a particular piece of canvas art that you just can’t bear to part with but don’t have space for indoors, you could weatherproof it using Mod Podge or other protective coatings (avoid polyurethane, which will yellow your artwork) and hang it somewhere out of direct sunlight, where it will add a pop of color and interest to your patio.

Pottery is a wonderful way to add an artistic touch to your outdoor space. Large urns could be used to give your space a luxury spa-like feel. Painted flower pots add color even when flowers are past their bloom.

Functional Outdoor “Art”

A privacy fence, pergola, retaining wall, or even the patio itself is an opportunity to showcase art, or become art in itself.

Standard privacy fencing could be embellished with metal art, painted murals, or painted pottery. The fence itself could become a work of art too: carved wood, laser cut screens, masonry with artistic designs, or a water wall (a water feature where water cascades down a vertical opaque glass or metal panel) are a few ways to make a bold statement and create a focal point out of an otherwise purely functional element.

A pergola could be fashioned using carved columns, or embellished with custom laser cut metal screens. And instead of a traditional square or rectangular pergola, you could go for a bold statement with a metal-and-wood curved roof design, a chic take on the classic Quonset hut.

If you’re building a retaining wall, consider incorporating a water feature into it. Several Roman faucets spread along the length of the wall give your landscape a luxury touch, especially once they develop a weathered patina. Add a carved statue (whether real marble or resin) and a classic vine-draped pergola for a wonderful Mediterranean touch.

Niches built into retaining walls are also a great way to display smaller pieces of art and found objects. Just be sure to weatherproof wood or metal to preserve its looks.

On the patio, adding artistic inlays could be a way to bring the focus to the immediate space. Whatever your paving materials, you could add artistic flair with brick using laying patterns such as curves, spirals, or fans. Even a simple herringbone pattern set as a sort of outdoor “area rug” is a more subtle artistic touch that makes for a stunning space.

Outdoor Lighting

Who says that chandeliers are for indoor use only? Outdoor-rated chandeliers or candelabras (which are safe to use under a solid roof such as a porch, gazebo, or pavilion) give a wonderfully romantic feel to your dining or lounge areas.

The luminous quality of outdoor lanterns adds a playfully festive atmosphere to your patio. Lanterns can be metal, plastic, or even paper (these will need to go indoors after a party) and come in a huge variety of colors and styles to match any décor.

Rain Chains

Rain chains are beautiful alternatives to gutter downspouts and add a musical quality to your outdoor space. Enjoy the soothing sound of water trickling gently along a brass, copper, or aluminum surface. Rain chains can be found in a variety of styles to complement any décor. Styles include rain cups and link rain chains. These functional art pieces also serve the important function of draining rain water away from the home, to an attractive catch basin or glazed pot..

Outdoor Living Textiles

Floor pillows, poufs, outdoor rugs, throw pillows, outdoor curtains, and blankets can also be considered works of art that contribute to a colorful Bohemian vibe that’s all about creating an intimate space to relax with friends and family.