Patio Design and Patio Furniture - The Use of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is a place where the eye naturally comes to rest. In a well-designed patio there is always a planned focal point, such as a large dining set, perhaps with a well-selected umbrella. But a patio's focal point could also be another interesting object or landscape feature.

Examples of landscape features that can be a patio's focal point are an interesting pathway leading from the patio to an area beyond, a flower garden, a mature tree, or a dramatic view of the back lawn.

However, an outdoor dining table with chairs is often a natural focal point because of its size. If you intend to have a large outdoor dining set, there are several things to keep in mind.

Be conscious of the style of the table and chairs and try to keep styles the same. If you have a very rustic patio, then a contemporary table and chairs may not go well together. It is usually a good idea to maintain the same decor style.

Select the colors of the furniture and cushions with care. Visualize the furniture in the location where they will be used. The colors should be similar or complimentary to the surrounding area.

An umbrella is a good addition if it is appropriate. An umbrella in an area already covered may look odd. However, umbrellas usually work well in screened-in areas that are still exposed to direct sunlight. If you buy an umbrella separately from the table and chairs, make very sure the colors and patterns go well with each other as well as the surroundings.

A pair of chaise lounges with an umbrella could also be an interesting focal point. The umbrella would have its own stand. Of course, the cushions on the chaise lounges and the umbrella material would have to either match or be complimentary with each other.

A statue, fountain, or other ornament can be used as a focal point. However several things should be kept in mind. If using a statue, the statue and its size must be in keeping with its surroundings, the style of the house, and the decor of the patio. A large statue of the god Jupiter would probably not look well on a patio with, for example, western decor. But a statue of Venus in a traditional English garden setting would be a pleasing addition. A graceful statue would bring an air of serenity.

Size is important as you would not want to overpower the surrounding garden features with a statue that is too large. One of the most agreeable placements for a nicely sized statue within a garden setting is placement by a wall, such as a red brick wall, especially where there are plants, including climbing plants. Never place a statue in isolation, but in an area where it can become part of its surroundings.

These are but a few examples of possible focal points in a patio or garden setting. There are many other possibilities. The important thing is to include the focal point naturally within the patio or garden environment so that it blends in and be in harmony with its surroundings.

Aleister Holmes is a contributing writer to Better Patio Furniture website at http://www.better-patio-furniture.com/.

---

Garden Makeover On A Budget

There's been a huge increase in the popularity of garden... Read More

Teak Furniture - A Cut Above The Rest

As you shop around for outdoor furniture, you will notice... Read More

Turn Your Patio Into A Voluminous Vegetable Garden

My first apartment was a second-story condo in an urban... Read More

Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?

What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More

Trust Your Plants - They Know How To Grow!

I've done a lot of container gardening over the years,... Read More

Building Liner Ponds

Surprisingly enough, it is usually in mid-summer that many gardeners... Read More

How To Prune Your Roses For Stunning Results

Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More

Skip The Pesticide And Use Natural Alternatives

For best health, it is important to keep your environment... Read More

Hot-Weather Fish Feeding Facts

Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More

Landscaping Design - The Primary Principles

Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or... Read More

Aluminium And Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, greenhouses are... Read More

The Heralded Teak Furniture Manufacturer: Kingsley-Bate

With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has... Read More

Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More

Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping

Naturalized bulbs look beautiful in a wooded setting. You can... Read More

Metal Garden Furniture

Since Victorian times metal garden furniture has become a popular... Read More

Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOEEEHas summer come in with a bang!Heat waves everywhere.And where... Read More

Tranquility in Your Own Back Yard

A garden fountain can add beauty and serenity to you... Read More

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are... Read More

Organic Gardening

"Organic gardening is not just the avoidance of chemicals, in... Read More

Fake Grass

The history of artificial or fake grass is to say... Read More

Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home.... Read More

How To Check If Cut Flowers Are Fresh

Fresh flowers should feel crisp or firm. Before you buy,... Read More

5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Cant Live Without

Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a... Read More

The Incredible Daylily

Some people have referred to daylilies as the poor man's... Read More

Feed the Birds

Elaborate and decorative or simple and functional, birdhouses and birdfeeders... Read More

Beauty After life - Plants For Drying - Grasses

Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More

Make The Most From Your Vegetable Garden

All your hard work has paid off, and now you... Read More

Teak Umbrella : Add the Final Touch to Your Patio

Okay, so you have agonized for weeks and finally went... Read More

Dog Days of Summer

Here are a few tips to keep your garden and... Read More

Hummingbirds ? Attracting Those Little Flying Powerhouses

It's early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

How to Find and Work With a Porch Swing Contractor To Install the Porch Swing of Your Dreams

You've found a great Porch Swing and you know exactly... Read More

Feng Shui in the Garden

"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More