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Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Patio for Spring

April 23, 2024
Brookfield Residential Home featuring an indoor outdoor dining patio in Southern California

Spring has sprung, and that means patio season is upon us! As the sun starts to peek through the clouds and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your patio for the spring season.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newbie to the world of alfresco living, we’re here to provide you with tips, inspiration, and practical advice to help you create the patio of your dreams—while staying in budget!

1. Clean and Declutter

Man pressure washing a backyard patio

It’s called “spring cleaning” for a reason! Give your patio, including any surrounding walls or fences, a good sweep to knock down cobwebs and gather the last fall leaves. Next, hose down and scrub your outdoor furniture, and wash the cushions and pillows to give them a fresh start to the new season.

Use a pressure washer with detergent to remove caked-on dirt and grime from your patio or deck. Clean with slow movements of the wand and let the cleaning solution work into the area before you rinse with water. Always start with a lower pressure if you’re not sure how the pressure could affect your surfaces.

Once you have a clean slate, it’s easier to assess your outdoor furniture and décor and decide what can be reused and what no longer serves its purpose.

Want to prepare your whole home for warmer weather? We’ve put together the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist, which covers everything from general tidying up to nitty-gritty appliance clean outs.

2. Add Plants and Flowers

Modern lounge sofa in a garden filled with vibrant spring flowers

If winter weather has taken its toll on your greenery, spring is the perfect time to start anew. Picture this: lush greenery cascading from hanging baskets, vibrant blooms catching your eye with their cheerful hues, and the sweet scent of fresh herbs drifting through the air.

If you love having fresh and healthy produce right outside your door, create a small backyard garden. Choose containers in a variety of sizes to keep it visually interesting and plant herbs and veggies designed to thrive in compact pots, like peppers, greens, and kale.

Adding spring flowers is a beautiful way to embrace the new season and add color to your outdoor space. Consider planting a mix of seasonal flowers like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths in flower beds around your patio. You can also add hanging baskets filled with vibrant petunias or geraniums to add height and texture to your outdoor space.

Elevating your outdoor space with plants enhances its aesthetic appeal and connects you with nature in a way that recharges the soul.

3. Rearrange Your Patio Furniture

Backyard patio in Norwich in Traditional Homes Collection at Elyson in Katy TX

Norwich Floor Plan, Traditional Homes Collection, Elyson Community, Katy, Texas

A well-thought-out backyard should have designated zones that serve a purpose. The goal is to create areas that are distinct but cohesive: somewhere to eat, somewhere to relax, and somewhere to play.

Spring is the perfect time to step back and rethink your layout. Create an outdoor floor plan to map out the ideal way your backyard would look, feel, and flow. Focus on what that zone needs to function—your relaxation spot should be in a quiet corner. Your conversation area should draw your guests in and encourage them to stay awhile. The play zone should have plenty of room for your games.

Simple moves can change your backyard space's flow and function without breaking your budget.

If you haven’t found the perfect outdoor furniture yet, check out our blog on The Most Durable Patio Furniture, which will help you find the best materials for your outdoor space.

4. Refresh Your Cushions

Terra Plan 3 outdoor room at The Landing by Brookfield Residential in Tustin CA

Residence 3 Floor Plan, Terra Collection, The Landing at Tustin Legacy Community, Tustin, California

The easiest way to make your outdoor furniture look new again is to make the cushions new (or at least look new). If you’ve had your outdoor cushions for a few years, chances are they’re looking a little worn.

Not to worry! You don’t have to blow your budget by starting over. Depending on their state, you may be able to power wash and spot-clean your cushions to give them new life. If they’re more than a little tired, try outdoor cushion covers. They slip on over your existing cushions, allowing you to save money on a complete replacement, and you can play with bold colors and fun patterns to capture the fresh vibes of spring.

For a quick fix, add a few new pillows instead of replacing them all. After all, you can never have too many throw pillows, and your space will feel instantly fresh—without breaking the bank.

5. Change Your Outdoor Rug

Dakota outdoor room at Highland Sage by Brookfield Residential in Avondale AZ

Dakota Floor Plan, Highland Sage Collection, Alamar Community, Avondale, Arizona

Just as they do indoors, rugs can significantly impact your outdoor living area. If your outdoor rug is starting to show signs of sun damage or general wear and tear, it may be time for an update. It’s a simple but impactful change that instantly revitalizes your outdoor space.

A new rug can inject personality and style into your patio, serving as a focal point that ties together your outdoor space. As an added bonus, it provides a comfortable and inviting surface for bare feet, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining outdoors.

Even if that’s the only thing you change, your space will feel distinctly different from previous seasons. Outdoor rugs are an easy way to update the overall tone of your area and bring in your favorite colors or try a bold new pattern.

6. Add Decorative Accents

Green, yellow and brown birdhouse hanging from tree branch

Even if you love your patio the way it is, you can still spruce it up for spring! Adding fun decorative accents brings charm and personality into your outdoor space without the need for major changes.

If you already have outdoor string lights, hang lanterns from your trees or place them on your tables to create a whimsical ambiance in the evenings. Illuminate a garden path with trendy lit outdoor stones and choose solar-powered options for eco-friendly illumination.

Lean into your playful side, adding quirky elements like a fairy door or whimsical face for your trees, gnomes or statues for your garden, or one-of-a-kind outdoor artwork for your patio walls or fences.

Adding a birdhouse or bird feeder enhances your outdoor space's aesthetic appeal while inviting birds' joyful presence right outside your door. It’s a simple yet rewarding way to connect with wildlife and create a tranquil atmosphere for you to enjoy.

7. Throw Some Shade

One of the most budget-friendly ways to beat the heat is with a patio umbrella. It’s the perfect finishing touch to provide shade and comfort to guests whenever you gather outdoors. Before you run out to the nearest big box store and buy the first umbrella you find, check out our Complete Guide to Patio Umbrellas for tips on finding the perfect functional and stylish solution.

Backyard patio in the Traditional Homes Collection at Easton Park in Austin TX

Traditional Homes Collection, Easton Park Community, Austin, Texas

If you’re willing to invest a bit more money, install a canopy or pergola to provide shade and protection from the sun. They’ll have more coverage, which makes them ideal for larger areas like dining or conversation zones. Their permanent or semi-permanent installation means you don’t have to worry about storing them away in bad weather, and they’re typically more durable and stable than an umbrella.

8. Use the Good China

Close-up of a set dining table with bowls, plates, glasses, and silverware outdoors

Nothing screams spring quite like a garden party. Make your patio gatherings feel more special by ditching flimsy, disposable plastic or paper plates in favor of prettier dishware. Not only is it more eco-friendly, but it adds a touch of sophistication to your dining experience.

High-quality outdoor dishware is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and is less prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking. Materials like melamine or acrylic are incredibly durable and can be found in a wide range of colors and designs, making them the ideal solution for stylish outdoor dining.

9. Include Soft, Gentle Sounds

Outdoor lounge and water feature at Haciendas Residence 3 by Brookfield Residential in Chula Vista CA

Residence 3 Floor Plan, Haciendas Collection, The Village of Escaya Community, Chula Vista, California

When a backyard has been planned correctly, it’ll play off the senses. It’ll look beautiful and inviting; flowers bring subtle fragrance; soft fabrics make everything comfortable. Don’t leave out an important sense: hearing.

Auditory features, like a babbling fountain or wind chimes, contribute to a relaxing backyard vibe by adding soothing sounds and creating a harmonious atmosphere.

A fountain's gentle, rhythmic water flow can calm the mind and body. It mimics the sounds of a babbling brook, a gentle waterfall, or a natural spring, creating an immersive experience that enhances the overall relaxation of your outdoor space.

The gentle tinkling produced by wind chimes can be a gentle reminder to be more present and mindful. As the wind moves through them, the melodic tones can capture your attention and help you focus on the present moment.

10. Enhance with Fun Accessories

Giant Connect Four; concept of lawn games

Your backyard space should be multi-functional: relaxing and tranquil but also fun. With the growing trend of outdoor kitchens and living rooms, backyard parties have been given a new life, and there’s no better time to brush off your hosting skills than spring.

No matter the age of your guests, everyone always seems ready for outdoor games. Lawn games like cornhole, giant connect four, ladder ball, bocce, and giant Jenga are great ways to spark friendly competition and camaraderie.

If kids are on your guest list, make them feel included. Designate a “kids' table” covered with white butcher paper and crayons so they can draw until their hearts are content; set up a chalk drawing station or plug in a bubble machine. The fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down; stock up on flashlights for a game of nighttime tag while the parents sip some wine and savor the evening.

Goodwin patio and outdoor space at Kissing Tree by Brookfield Residential in San Marcos TX

Goodwin Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas

Sprucing up your patio for spring is a fun and rewarding project made even better when you don’t have to break the bank. By following these easy tips, you can transform your patio into a beautiful and inviting outdoor retreat perfect for enjoying the spring season.

Check out our outdoor entertaining tips to ensure your home becomes the designated hangout this season. When you're ready to learn more, explore where we build and connect with our sales team. We’ll be expecting you!

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