How Thoughtful Landscaping Can Transform a Basic Patio Into a Stylish Retreat

Discover how thoughtful landscaping can turn a basic patio into a stylish retreat using smart layouts, plants, textures, and lighting for outdoor comfort.

Want to know how to transform a basic patio into a stylish outdoor retreat?

Look no further.

Patios are simple, outdoor areas found at just about every home. You've got one. Maybe two. We bet they're pretty plain, though. Just slabs of concrete covered by a table and some chairs.

There's good news…

Imagine transforming that same slab of concrete into the most enjoyable space in your home. Not to mention increasing your property value while you're at it. All it takes is landscape design.

And it doesn't have to be expensive.

In this article we'll cover:

• The power of landscape design

• Landscape design elements that take your patio to next level

• Budget-friendly patio transformations

• Planning your patio makeover

How Landscape Design Will Change Your Patio

Believe it or not, landscaping design is a big reason why some patios look incredible while others feel like a missed opportunity.

Landscape design is the process of organizing every outdoor feature around your home. We're talking plants, pathways, lighting, structures, hardscaping — you name it.

But when is done correctly… Magic happens.

Check out your patio right now. Probably covered by some boring lawn and framed by an unsightly fence, right? Now imagine that same patio… surrounded by lush planting, textured hardscaping, and beautiful lighting. It goes from blah to boutique hotel overnight.

But it's not just about making your patio look pretty.

Consider this, 97% of realtors believe curb appeal is important when selling a home. Landscape design is the number one way to upgrade curb appeal. That makes landscaping the best investment you can make to your home if you're looking to sell. In fact, you can expect to recover 100% of your landscape makeover costs at sale.

Don't plan on selling any time soon? No problem. Well designed outdoor living spaces are a huge bonus for entertaining and spending time with family.

If you're like most homeowners and could use some professional guidance, scheduling a free landscaping consultation is the first step to creating a landscape design that will elevate your backyard from basic to beautiful.

The Big 3 Landscape Design Elements That'll Transform Your Patio

You won't accidentally stumble across the perfect patio. Instead, there are a handful of key landscaping design elements that do all the heavy lifting.

Incorporate these three essentials and watch your backyard patio transform before your very eyes.

Plants, plants and more plants.

Let's start with the most obvious. Plants.

Listen, we get it. You buy a couple plants here and there and kind of just throw them around your yard hoping for the best. Problem is, that's going to leave your patio looking messy and incomplete.

Planting doesn't have to be difficult though. Once you understand the basics, you'll be patios pro in no time.

Start by layering in tall and medium planting at the back of your patio. We recommend ornamental grasses and large shrubs. Add low growing ground cover or colourful flowers to the front.

Some other tips:

• Pick plants that are native to your region. They'll be easier to care for.

• Variety is key. Mix tall grasses with low leafy plants and add a splash of colour with flowering plants too.

• Don't forget seasons. Pick plants that offer beauty year round so your patio looks great in every season.

Congratulations. You just leveled up your patio game.

Don't forget the hardscaping.

Want to know what separates an alright patio from a great one?

Hardscaping.

Hardscaping is the term landscapers use to describe non-living elements of a landscape. That includes stone borders and walkways, decorative retaining walls, gravel beds…the list goes on.

Install enough badass hardscaping and suddenly that plain patio you started with feels expensive. Trust us, the right details say "professional designer" without saying a word.

Here are some of our favourite patio hardscaping features.

• Large stone borders around planting beds

• Paver pathway leading up to the patio

• Addition of raised garden beds

Tip: Hardscaping is pretty much hands-off once it's installed.

Upgrade the lighting.

Ok, hear us out…

What's the last thing you think about when sitting on your patio? If you said lighting, congratulations on paying attention to details most homeowners ignore.

Outdoor lighting is one of the most inexpensive patio changes you can make yet it adds serious wow factor. Especially after the sun goes down.

Don't have outdoor lighting? Add some. It doesn't need to be fancy or expensive either.

Just follow these tips:

• Illuminate pathways and steps for safety.

• String some warm white lights for ambiance.

• Make sure you can actually use the space by adding enough light to enjoy your patio at night.

Want to level up your lighting game? Combine several types of lighting. Try path lights along walkways, uplighting on nearby trees, and string lights above your patio. Three types of light = layers which = instant mood setter.

3 Budget Friendly Patio Transformations

Want to wow guests without spending tons of money?

Good news. You absolutely can.

Start with these simple patio upgrades.

• Fire pit, water feature, or statement planter. Create a focal point and patios instantly have a place to look.

• Zones, zones, zones. Break up your patio space into dining and lounge areas. Use planters, furniture arrangements, and decorations to separate the areas.

• Add some vertical interest. Get creative and use trellises with climbing flowers or foliage and hanging baskets to create height. Don't have floor space to waste? Build up instead.

Houzz shows that 51% of homeowners renovate outdoor areas to improve aesthetics. Okay, truth… we could have guessed that too. After all, who doesn't want a gorgeous yard and patio?

Patios that are properly designed can also increase your home value by 8-10%.

Remember: Chairs, tables, rugs, and accents matter too. Treat your patio like another room in the house and design accordingly.

Patios Are Possibilities With the Right Game Plan.

So you're ready to stop hiding behind that boring ole patio and make something awesome.

Great! Let's create a game plan before jumping headfirst into this thing.

Here's what to do.

1. Take inventory. What do you have now?

2. Identify problem areas. Is there enough shade? Privacy? Interest?

3. Set a budget. You can do this. We promise.

4. Make a list of changes that fit your budget. Remember…don't try to do it all. Start with big-ticket items that fix your pain points.

5. Implement changes that have the most impact. If your patio has no privacy. Add a privacy fence. Problem solved.

Bonus tip: Not sure where to start? Focus on 2-3 areas that will have the biggest impact. Again, do you have privacy? Take care of that first.

Most folks underestimate how much plants, decor, and furniture can change the way a patio feels. Not to mention privacy elements like tall hedges, screens, and pergolas. All of these things can transform your patio from community lounge to your own personal oasis.

Wrap Up

Your patio doesn't have to stay boring forever.

With a little landscape design know-how, your backyard patio can go from blah to billion dollar budget in no time. With more than 80% of US households participating in lawn and garden activities each year…it's never been easier to get started.

Start small, think big, and remember these three tips:

• Invest in landscaping design. It changes everything.

• Use plants, pizazzy hardscaping, and lighting to your advantage.

• Start with these 3 backyard patio transformations and watch your curb appeal explode.

Now get outside and have some fun with that patio makeover!