Porch and Patio Makeover Tips

It doesn’t take much to make your porch or patio ready for sunny days and warm nights.

CLEAN

First, take off all your furniture and any decorations. Put them aside and sweep, sweep, sweep. Next comes the deep clean. The best part about cleaning an outdoor space is you can get a little messy. Break out the hose to get off the larger, looser dirt and grime. And if it’s really caked on, go with a pressure washer. Finally, do a once over with warm, soapy water.
 
BONUS TIP: Don’t forget the details! Window screens, window sills, and door frames, for instance, can all get dirty, especially after Wisconsin winters. 
 

FURNITURE

Furniture is often the focal point of any porch or patio, so an upgrade will make the whole space feel new. And if you don’t feel like spending an arm and a leg revamping an area you only use seasonally, don’t worry. These days, stylish and affordable all-weather pieces are easier than ever to find.
 
BONUS TIP: And if you’re looking to spend closer to zero, head to rummage sales and research DIY options. You’re bound to find something you love.

COLOR

The most bang for your decorative buck comes in colorful gallons of paint. A fresh coat of paint can give old porches a second life. Even new porches will look completely different with a simple palette change. Bright colors are in, but if you aren’t feeling so bold, neutral tones aren’t going out of style any time soon.
 
BONUS TIP: You can always go wild with patterned pillows and vibrant accents.
 

LIGHTING

Whether you’re using rustic lamps, filament bulbs, or stringing lights all over the place, you’re creating an ambience and a mood. Make sure your lighting choices reflect the style you’re going for. Small and cozy calls for dim and warm. Larger and modern might need whiter, brighter lights. Inconsistency in lighting and style will create unbalance that will make even the most beautiful porches and patios just seem off.
 
BONUS TIP: Eco friendly LED bulbs are more affordable than ever and save money and energy in the long run.
 
If a new home with a wonderful outdoor space is what you’ve always wanted, check out our floor plans to find easy access to patios and porches. And if you’ve already found the backyard of your dreams, and need the dream house to match, find out how you can build on your lot.