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Is your patio just an open ground that lies neglected through out the year? Do you want your children to spend more time in the patio, so that they can grow close to nature, deriving much of their mental nourishment from it? Nothing comes out of nothing, nothing ever could… if you want your family to spend every second of their free time in the patio (leaving the house neat and tidy, that will be bonus point) you have to decorate it in such a way that they are automatically attracted towards it.

Buying expensive patio umbrellas and other fixtures may not serve your purpose. Why not select a theme and then try to develop the patio around it? It may take some time, but in the end, you will have a grand patio, some thing you can justifiably be proud of. Go slow. Try some of the following themes, but remember, developing the patio around a theme involves hard work, meticulous planning and willingness to go to any length.
• You can try to incorporate a tropical theme unless of course you live in the polar region.
• Asian theme based on China and Japan looks good.
• If you are inventive enough and fond of activities like sailing and fishing, try a nautical theme.

For furniture, opt for all weather wicker furniture or bamboo furniture. The centerpiece on your table can be made out of banana leaves with bowls of tropical fruit in it. Look to locations such as Bali and Hawaii for inspiration. When it comes to tropical themed patios, it’s all about being light and airy. Take advantage of natural lighting by adding mirrors such as oval wicker framed mirrors that are only a few dollars and it is also an easy find. To protect people from sunlight, use patio umbrellas in yellow or white. Apart from tiki torches, you can also use pineapple outdoor lighting to really set the scene. From lights to even lamps, use those that symbolize tropical plants and fruits. These are relatively easy to get as it can be found in thrift stores and even dollar stores.

Tiki patio umbrellas go well with tropical theme. You can put raffia like umbrella cover over it to get an authentic tropical look. Tlki torches can take care of your lighting arrangement. Alternately, you can try pineapple outdoor lighting system. Shaped like full-grown pineapples, this lighting system can be used as path light or can be mounted on the wall. Rummage through the dollar or thrift stores to see what suitable knickknacks you find for your tropical themed patio. Try to find suitable centerpiece for your centre table. See if you can find platters shaped like tropical leaves like banana. You can then add some artificial tropical fruits on it. Decorate the adjoining walls with oval mirrors framed in wicker. Rattan baskets and pots too will go well with tropical sensitivity. However, there is nothing like lush green tropical plants to create the right atmosphere.

The Asian theme too needs Asiatic plants to create the right impression. However, plants need certain climate and soil to grow properly. If you live outside that zone, you may find it difficult to grow these plants. Consult your nearest horticulture centre and try to find what suitable plants you can grow in your patio. Try to develop a small Zen garden for your patio. I do not mean the big ones that you see at hotels or spas, but a miniature version of it will do very well. Bonsais too will add to the atmosphere. It is after all an eastern art. Actually, an Asian patio is more tranquil version of the tropical set up and that is why you should choose the color scheme accordingly. Moreover, avoid clutter. Utilize minimum input to gain maximum output. Decorate the adjoining walls with pictures of oriental elements like dragons, Chinese or Japanese calligraphy etc. Try to include water bodies like fountains, miniature version of lily pond in your theme. Incorporate some oriental statues as well.

Now for our nautical patio decoration tips. If the idea of quiet coastal harbors, nautical adventures and the open sea entice you then a nautical themed patio is your heart’s calling. When it comes to a nautical theme, it’s also easy getting elements and items just like the tropical theme. Now if you are living near the beach- that is where you should head to in order t get your décor items and for inspiration. When is comes to furniture, consider using teak furnishings or even cedar outdoor furniture. Since this setting is created, now its time to decorate all around it. Use accessories that are connected to fishing, water activities, boating, marine life and the sea. Head over to the beach to collect nature’s items such as seashells, colored rocks and drift wood. If you have items such as a ship in a bottle, a ships wheel and other collectibles, use this to decorate your patio. For your tables’ centerpiece, use driftwood in the center and surrounded by tea candles and seashells.The coastal set up or the nautical theme must naturally include objects related to sea. Try to plant trees that generally grow near the beach in your area. The patio cushions for your all weather wicker chairs can have marine life prints on them. Of course, you can have teak or cedar furniture instead of wicker. Try to display your beach collections prominently in one corner. The patio accessories must be connected to the beach or to the marine life. They can even be associated with activities like boating and fishing. Fascinatingly shaped driftwood makes beautiful curios for your nautical patio. You cannot have a theme based patio overnight. Have patience and slowly build up your collections and if you keep after it you will soon have a patio that you can justifiably be proud of.

Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using patio heater, patio umbrellas, outdoor cushions, patio heaters, patio lighting and so on to create exquisitely beautiful layout. His articles and work for offset umbrellas and so on are widely distributed and is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com.

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