6 Patio Upgrades That Feel Expensive—But Designers Say They’re Totally Affordable

You don’t need to re-landscape the entire backyard or install a luxury outdoor kitchen to make over your patio, according to designers. We asked professionals to share a handful of easy changes you can implement to transform your outdoor space in time for summer.

Paint or Stain

Elaine Santos, principal of Elaine Santos Design, recommends a fresh color on the floor or deck to completely shift the mood. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can even paint the patio pavers and then add a stenciled design.

Before you do anything, make sure you properly prepare the surface for painting or staining by cleaning thoroughly with a stiff brush or power washer. Make any necessary repairs: for a patio, you can fill in cracks with a concrete patching compound. And sand down any particularly rough areas or jagged points so you have a smooth and level substrate to work with. You’ll want to make sure the surface is completely dry before applying paint or stain.

Santos advises that you make sure you’re using a weather-resistant formula and test color patches in natural light before committing to the new tint.

Along the same lines, instead of changing the color or shade of the floor, consider spray painting patio furniture you already have to give it new life, Sarah Bronstein, founder of Sukkha Interior Design, says. She recommends a fun pop of color in a matte finish.

String Up Some Lights

Nothing gives a warm ambiance other than string lights, according to Bronstein. And there are different styles to choose from: Frosted or clear spherical or bulbs, large or small globes, pendant-style dropped bulbs, and more. Whichever you decide to go with, make sure the product is outdoor-rated.

Santos adds that it’s best to opt for heavy-duty outdoor-rated strands and choose warm-white light temperature. (Cooler white light will kill the mood as it’ll evoke a sterile medical environment.)

She suggests that you first map out where you want to hang them with painter’s tape to help with positioning and measuring out lengths. Also, note that if you don’t have any structural elements to attach them to, there are plenty of post-based options available.

Soften Things Up

Layer textiles, such as pillows and throws, to soften things up and give outdoor seating a fresh, new, and comfy look, both designers recommend. Just like on the living room sofa, sometimes it takes just a few colorful or patterned pillows to make a visual impact.

Santos suggests even hanging an indoor/outdoor curtain.

“The goal is to create a lived-in atmosphere that feels like a natural extension of your interiors,” she says.

Remember that textiles need not only be water repellent but also UV resistant to keep their colors from fading.

Go Green

You can never go wrong with some greenery on a bare patio or deck. Consider furnishing the patio with potted plants at different heights to build levels and create visual interest.

“Mix herbs, grasses, and flowering plants for texture, and add fragrant species to activate another one of our key senses,” Santos recommends.

There are also different styles of planters, from raised rectangular metallic or wood plant stands to standard ceramic pots. Also, think about adding a larger potted tree or a planted trellis.

Light a Fire

Fire—even from a lantern candle—is always a great way to add some ambiance on a summer evening. And while you may not be able to invest in an outdoor fireplace, you can certainly find a fire pit on a budget. You can even DIY it with inexpensive or repurposed materials, from brick and cinder blocks to stones.

You’ll need to create a new designated area on one side of the patio or build a raised fire pit on the existing patio. There are different precautions for building on the ground versus a patio, so be sure to research these thoroughly before getting started. If you’re very DIY savvy, consider building a fire-pit table using a gas burner.

Add a Rug

The designers agree that a new outdoor rug can be both affordable and impactful.

“It adds color and texture, and just really ties the space together and elevates it,” Bronstein says.

Just like indoor rugs, the outdoor variety comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs. If you’re keen on shopping for one but want some help, check out our latest outdoor rug reviews here.