In these uncertain times, there’s no way to know exactly what the future will look like. One thing we can guarantee? You’ll probably be spending more time at home than usual in the coming months. On the bright side, the South Shore is going to be warmer which means spending time outside will finally be an option!

After you finish your spring cleaning, you may notice that your patio space could use some sprucing and fixing up. After all, the New England winters are hard and it’s taken a lot of energy just to adjust to social distancing and the stress of a global pandemic. Making a cozy patio space probably hasn’t been the first thing on your to-do list.

But your patio may be the coziest and safest place to invite small groups of family and close friends to gather this summer. If there’s one thing we’ll all need during the re-entry period, it’s definitely going to be a place to relax and settle in while the fireflies dance and the stars come out. Here are some ideas for spicing up your patio space so you can settle into spending more quality time with the people you love.

1. Replace any old rotting deck boards and sand and re-stain your deck if it’s looking shabby. You can get this project done in an afternoon and it will prevent you or your guests from the unlucky surprise of falling through the deck or getting a splinter.
2.  Replace your old moldy or faded cushions and pillows. There’s no need to buy all new deck furniture, but the cushions are important! Try buying statement colors instead of earth tones so your patio really pops against the greens and browns of the landscape.
3. Add visual interest and save ground space with plants that climb fences or walls and hang from hooks. When you go to the plant store, you can talk with salespeople to find out which plants bloom at different times to ensure that your patio is colorful all summer long.
4. Lay down an outdoor rug. If you don’t have time or energy to sand and re-stain this year, this is an excellent way to cover up surfaces that still need love or could just use a little more pop. Outdoor rugs are made of materials that withstand rain and moisture, so you can leave them there through any type of weather.
5. Create shade and privacy with a pergola. These wooden archways are the perfect addition for a sunny yard. Plus, they are an excellent support system for climbing vines.
6. Incorporate fountains to provide a soothing aesthetic. Fountains can be an expensive addition, but they don’t need to be. There are small fountain kits at many landscaping stores and they take up minimal space while adding a relaxing soundscape to your patio.
7. Adding a firepit can provide entertainment and warmth on those cooler nights.
8. String lights, lanterns, or torches will brighten the mood of even the most basic outdoor space.
9. An arched trellis could be the perfect entryway to your patio. It will guide guests into the area and is another great place for those climbing plants.
10. Feeling handy? There are lots of plans for building deck furniture with pallets. You can check out these instructions for a bar, a daybed, and a wall.

Related to making loved ones feel just that by creating an inviting hang-out space, get other ideas about how to support other South Shore businesses and neighbors here. As always, South Shore Roofing is here to help you improve the outdoor aesthetics of your home with a new roof or a roof repair. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or a virtual estimate. We can help you get started on your next project today!