Spring Patio Fix-Ups: Earn Rave Reviews for Your Patio's Entrance
Consider innovative doors, charming gates or even just potted plants to cue a stylish entry point for your patio
Laura Gaskill
May 8, 2013
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
If you've been working on getting your patio in shape, show it off in the best possible way by choosing the right entrance. This mini guide is designed to get the inspiration flowing, so you can get started building the patio of your dreams.
From sleek, modern walls of glass to charming French doors, secret garden gates and more, there is bound to be something here that captures your imagination.
From sleek, modern walls of glass to charming French doors, secret garden gates and more, there is bound to be something here that captures your imagination.
Open your kitchen to the outdoors. Take a cue from this space and use custom folding glass doors, like this wooden bifold version, to open up your kitchen to the patio. It will make for better flow during parties and provide easy access to supplies when you're dining al fresco.
Consider the new glass doors that fold up, slide in and disappear. If a wide-open space is what you are after, check out companies that offer innovative new products perfect for indoor-outdoor living, like NanaWall. Choose from models that fold up accordion-style, slide into recessed wall pockets and more.
Define an outdoor zone with planters. If your patio is located away from the house, you can still create an entrance using a pair of large planters. Hefty pots, planters or urns will draw the eye in and mark the entrance to your patio. Steps, a low stone wall and shrubs are other options.
Get the secret to grouping plants in a pot
Get the secret to grouping plants in a pot
Build a secret garden gate. Make your garden patio a secluded destination by surrounding it with a trellis or fencing, climbing plants and a welcoming garden gate.
See more of this house in Liberty, Ohio
See more of this house in Liberty, Ohio
Try French doors for a classic look. French doors are ideal for urban patios and adding character to small spaces. And really, what could possibly be more charming than a set of French doors flung open to let in a soft breeze?
Multiply the charm with a row of French doors. If you have a long wall adjacent to your patio, consider putting in not one but two, three or more sets of French doors to open up the space. Here conventional French doors open a studio converted from a garage to a brick patio in Seattle.
See more of this remodeled bungalow and backyard "studiolo"
See more of this remodeled bungalow and backyard "studiolo"
Add flexibility with screens. Having a screened porch next to a patio is a godsend in areas where bugs are an issue. That way you can enjoy the outdoors but retreat in a flash when the mosquitoes come out.
Tour this surprise-filled house in the Hamptons
Tour this surprise-filled house in the Hamptons
Conserve space with sliding doors. On a patio where every inch counts, sliding glass doors are often the best choice. Consider choosing framing for your sliding glass doors that accents the architecture.
Step inside this rooftop addition in Toronto
Step inside this rooftop addition in Toronto
Open up a corner. Take indoor-outdoor living to the next level by bringing a wall of glass doors right around a corner. When the doors are all open, the boundary between interior and exterior is blurred in a wonderfully mellow way.
Improve indoor-outdoor flow with multiple entrances. Some of the best-loved patios of Houzz feature not just one fabulous entry but two or more. If you currently have one entrance (say, sliding glass doors from the living room), consider adding a second (French doors off the kitchen, for instance) for maximum impact.
Tell us: What is your current patio door setup, and how do you dream of changing it? What would your ultimate indoor-outdoor living space look like?
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