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As the days get longer and evenings stretch out beneath rosy-hued skies, most homeowners’ attention shifts from interior improvements to outdoor changes like garden patio designs.
Spring and summertime bring the opportunity to sit outdoors, dine and entertain with your loved ones in the fresh air. But is your garden up to scratch?
If the idea of hosting a barbeque or al-fresco drinks sends you into a panic rather than filling you with excitement, we have rounded up our need to know patio ideas and advice for anyone that wants to turn their garden into the place to be for their friends, family, children, children’s friends… You get the point.
This guide includes 11 easy need to know patio design tips that every homeowner should know before renovating their garden. Read on for the ultimate garden patio ideas and inspiration.
Garden Patio Design Tips
If you’re looking for garden patio ideas that will brighten up your garden space this year, whatever type of home you have and whatever size the outdoor space, there’s plenty to consider in this inspiring collection.
1. Consider different patterns of patio design
As with the best garden patio designs, your planting, furniture and patio layout should all work in harmony. When you’re researching the best patio paving slabs, it’s also important to understand the different formats of paving, and the laying patterns that each make available.
Some of the most popular paving slab patterns include:
- Single-size stack bonds (usually square paving slabs)
- Single-size offset "stretcher" bonds (usually rectangular single size slabs)
- Multi-size patterns (3-5 differ sizes in a mixed size ""contractor pack")
These are just a few of the trending paving slab patterns in the UK. If you require assistance and want to find out the best paving slab pattern for your garden design, get in touch with our paving specialists who will be able to help.
When deciding on your paving slab design, don’t forget about borders and edging to give your patio a coherent and complete finish. Borders and edging will allow you to visually signal distinct spaces and areas from one another (e.g. seating area versus the general patio). See our post on garden edging and border ideas for more inspiration.
2. Opt for natural stone patio designs for a timeless space
For a timeless, natural looking garden patio design, we recommend natural stone paving slabs which look great in all kinds of gardens across the UK. They’re guaranteed to provide visual interest, with each natural stone having its own character and unique appearance. Natural stone will also provide a variety of looks, whether it’s wet or dry, in bright sunshine or under heavy clouds.
If you are unsure of what type of paving to go for, you simply cannot go wrong with natural stone. It’s timeless, ages well throughout the years, and complements the majority of house designs or garden furniture.
Our natural stone paving range is available in different sizes and styles to suit all different types of homes, including Indian sandstone, limestone, slate and granite.
There are certain types natural stone that work with a wide variety of house styles such as Raj Blend, Kandla Grey and Abbey sawn limestone paving (pictured here). Its combination of sultry, cool grey and buttery hued slabs allows for you to switch up your planting and garden furniture, without having to worry about if it complements your garden patio design overall.
3. Consider wood-effect garden patio designs
Wooden garden patio designs are ideal for bringing an organic, natural appearance to your garden patio. Additionally, studies have shown that the appealing aesthetics of wood can even lead to lower blood pressure.
One of the advantages of wood-effect porcelain paving is that you get all the benefits of this advanced paving (waterproof, frost-resistant, slip-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, hard-wearing and strong) combined with the appearance of natural wood planking. Unlike timber decking that needs regular maintenance and care to protect the wood from damp and organic flora and fauna, porcelain is low-maintenance and doesn’t end up like an ice rink on frosty mornings!
For the strength and durability of porcelain paving with the natural beauty and warmth of timber, we recommend Wood Effect Paving for a wooden garden patio design. The wood fibres in these slabs alternate and blend with each other to create unique compositions and colour contrasts, providing the aesthetic appeal of wood with the longevity of porcelain.
4. Choose bold coloured patio ideas to stand out from your neighbours
Do you want your garden patio design to stand out from your neighbours? A sure fire way to achieve this is by using bold colour paving slabs.
Porcelain paving offers the greatest choice and range of colour options (because its patterns and colouring is printed). So if you need something eye-catching, porcelain paving can often offer something more striking. For one example, take a look at Antico Porcelain Paving in Granite, which provides a striking yet premium finish to any patio – with guaranteed wow factor for any house guests that step outside.
Porcelain paving is much more durable than other types of paving slabs available, which is why landscapers and pavers often recommend it to homeowners as the best available solution for their patio or terrace.
If you choose to go down this route with your patio ideas, remember that it’s all about balance. Ensure that your other aspects of garden design complement your chosen paving slabs. We recommend opting for neutral coloured furniture and polished, yet minimal planting when going for a statement coloured patio.
Don’t forget to incorporate ambient lighting to your design to create an intimate, cosy setting when the sun goes down.
5. Use mosaic paving slabs for a villa-inspired garden patio design
Perhaps your home design style is more eclectic and you want your garden patio design to steer off the beaten path with something a little shabby-chic? For a truly unique patio, we recommend incorporating mosaic paving slabs into your design, such as our Mosaic Arabica Concrete Paving Slabs.
You do not have to pave your entire patio with mosaic. However, creating a focal area with decorative slabs can create a garden patio design that’s reminiscent of holiday villas on breezy coasts.
6. Your garden patio should reflect your home’s personality
There’s so many different colours to go for when choosing your garden patio design. But it’s important that you choose styles that are a reflection of your home and family. The paving slabs, furniture and planting should echo your home’s unique personality.
If your home is warm and cosy in design, and the last thing you would want is cold grey modern paving slabs and contemporary garden patio design. Don’t go for patio ideas that the rest of your neighbourhood and friends have gone for. Instead, choose designs that feel natural to you, your personal style and home.
7. Create zones in your garden patio design
Having segmented sections to your outdoor space will create a multi-functional garden that your whole family can enjoy together.
It might sound obvious to some, but many homeowners can get carried away thinking that their entire garden must be paved. This is not always the best option!
To create a garden for your kids to play outside, choose a section to remain grassed. You know your children best, so think whether they need lots of space to practice their football skills or just enough to run around. Then create a dedicated paved area, large enough for the grownups to entertain and for your teenagers to sunbathe.
8. Use circular patio designs for focal points
Creating a circular layout to your garden patio design can provide a natural centrepiece and focal point to your outdoor space. Our circular paving provides the perfect basis for a barbeque area or firepit where your friends and family can gather in the summer evenings or brisk autumn afternoons.
9. Add pony and knee walling to create seating and points of interest
No matter the size of your garden, it’s important to make use of every corner of space with your patio ideas. Minimalist yet chic, small walling installations introduce varied heights to a garden patio and create dedicated spaces for cooking, dining, entertaining or playing.
Our Moodul walling in black acts as a contemporary modular building block and can be used to create built-in bespoke barbeque and cooking areas, firepits, stairs and walls in your garden patio design. The possibilities are endless!
10. Create garden paths using block paving
When considering patio ideas, don’t forget that a garden looks best when its paving slabs are interlinked. If you want to create separate areas in your patio design, using block paving to create garden paths can make sure that your patio ideas are not disjointed.
In the image above, you can see where we used Kadapha Black Limestone Blocks to create a trailing, whimsical garden path which connects the main patio to a rear bench area. Underpinned by rustic aggregates and surrounded by lush planting, this is the perfect example of how garden paths need not just be functional, but a statement in your garden patio design itself.
11. Don’t forget your driveway
Our final tip in garden patio design is to not forget your driveway. The biggest faux pas we see when homeowners are renovating their rear outdoor space is to neglect the front, despite the fact that it’s responsible for any first impression of your home!
Make sure that your patio ideas are consistent with your driveway, using complementing or matching colour driveway paving or cobblestone setts to make a lasting first impression and to make you feel at home before you’ve even reached the front door.
Design Your Dream Garden Patio Today
Your garden patio design is an essential consideration in gardens of all shapes and sizes, from city dwellings to the countryside. Whilst a lush grass lawn is great, your patio is your outdoor seating, dining and entertainment hub. Whether you prefer chic, modern ideas or more traditional looks, your garden patio design should reflect your family’s lifestyle and personality.
Shop our range of paving slabs and create your dream garden patio today, or, if you’re looking for some more inspiration, you may also find some of our other guides useful:
