For hosting parties, enjoying BBQs or relaxing in the fresh air, there is no better place at home than your outdoor space - particularly if this boasts a patio or decking area. For those of you living in a city, your patio may be the only outdoor space you have, which is why it's important to make the most out of it. Upgrading the space doesn't need to be a massive task, as you can even hire someone from a London Handyman service to help. Read on to discover the easy changes you can make to your patio to transform it into a beautiful and practical space.Outdoor seatingA tired wooden bench or tatty garden furniture can ruin the whole look of the patio, so it may be worth investing in some new outdoor seating. You can find weatherproof sofas or benches in most garden centres, budget stores and even some supermarkets.We spoke to Amanda from The Ginger Home, a home and lifestyle blog, for her advice on ways to upgrade your patio: "I would invest in a good quality outdoor dining or seating set, and a pretty drape umbrella or pergola for shade."Decide how you want to use your space and what functions it needs to serve. I wanted a shaded seating area as well as a sunbathing space on our south-facing deck. So, we built a cedar pergola with hanging swings for a cool place to sit and relax. The rest of the deck we left open for loungers to catch some sun. We didn't need a dining area as we have a space to sit and dine in our sunroom."Upgrading your outdoor seating will mean you always have a comfortable spot where you can relax outdoors, whether that involves sunbathing in summer, cosying up and reading in the fresh autumn air or even having a spot to enjoy your breakfast in the morning.Makeshift kitchenAs well as outdoor seating, it's also a great idea to create an area on your patio for a makeshift kitchen. Amanda from The Ginger Home adds: "An outdoor kitchen always makes entertaining easy, but if budget or space don't allow, a cute little barbeque area will work!"On warm summer evenings, it would be a shame to waste precious sun hours in the kitchen so, be sure to create an outdoor kitchen so you can create your delicious dishes whilst soaking in the good weather. Once completed, you can invite your friends and family over to enjoy some alfresco dining!Add heatingIt would be a shame to only use the patio for a few weeks per year, which is why you might want to consider investing in an outdoor heater. If the weather is dry, carry on enjoying your patio on a dry autumnal evening, with warming foods, blankets and a garden heater to keep you cosy.Amanda from The Ginger Home continues: "To extend the season of your outdoor living space consider adding a fireplace, heat lamp or my favourite new obsession - a firepit table! We have a gas stove in our sunroom, and we can use the space well into the fall and in the early spring as well."There are plenty of outdoor heaters to choose from, with electric ones being on the pricier end of the scale whereas firepit tables are an affordable alternative but can be equally as warming.Add lightingAfter the sun sets, you don't want to be left in complete darkness. A great way to light up space and create a picturesque environment is to hang outdoor fairy lights along the walls. Alternatively, you can add stake lights into potted plants or into the grass surrounding the patio.Make sure to choose weather-proof lighting to prevent any safety issues and to save money on batteries, opt for solar-powered lights. If you're hoping to host parties in this space, choose lights with some personality - such as ones in fun shapes or coloured lanterns. Outdoor mirrorsIf your patio or decking area is surrounded by a wall, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to add a weatherproof mirror. You can find a mirror to suit the aesthetic you're planning for your patio, whether that be with brightly coloured frames or shabby chic features. By adding mirrors to your patio you'll create the illusion of a larger space, which is great for those who have an enclosed city garden. In front of the mirrors, add some greenery with potted plants. The colours will reflect in the mirror and will give your patio a wonderful jungle look!The finishing touchesSo that your patio is ready for its big unveil, you need to think about the finishing touches, which can make all the difference to the final look.Amanda from The Ginger Home adds: "Don't forget all the pretty extras that make the space feel welcoming. An outdoor area rug, patio lights, throws and pillows and of course lots of greens. I love growing herbs and veggies in pots on the patio!"Upgrading your patio can make all the difference to your home, Amanda explains why it was worth her time and effort: "It has provided extra living space and made my home feel complete and welcoming. We don't have a large home, so having a functional outdoor space allows us to entertain more comfortably! And you can make a small budget stretch in an outdoor space."If you need help with making changes to your home, no matter how big or small, then we're happy to help! Contact us today. Image Credit: Amanda (The Ginger Home) image:
