A Bounty of Stone Patio Ideas That are Quintessentially Vintage

"It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life." ― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

What could be best than a stone patio and a cup of tea with gentle cool breeze that relaxes you in the evenings...

Stone patios can be constructed in various forms, styles and designs. One of the most common ideas that is used in the construction of stone patios, is the use of stone tiles. Stone tiles are simply laid down in a specific pattern, and are then fixed with the help of cement concrete. Here are a few patio designs that you can adopt as per your taste.

While making a stone patio, choosing the right color and material is very important. The very design of stones that are used can enhance the entire look of the patio. Here are a few designs that you can consider while planning the patio...

In case you already have a patio and have no plans of building a new one, then adding a few elements to the patio can increase its "wow" factor! The following accessories are cost-effective solutions to glamorize your patio.

Bird Feeders

Add that extra essence of nature to your patio by incorporating a bird feeder. Vertical feeders, also known as tube feeders, are available, that can accommodate nearly three to six birds at a time. These can be hung from roof-tops or can be pole mounted. Their only drawback is the accessibility when the level of seeds goes down. House-shaped feeders, also known as wood hopper feeders, are custom-made ones and are preferred over the tube ones, because these provide protection from rain and snow. Also, you just need to open the top of the feeder to refill it!There are many stylish designs that you can choose from. But, remember to place it at an accessible location so that you can clean it regularly. Sit back and enjoy birdwatching!

Fireplace

Do you always wish to spend some relaxing and quiet time with your partner? Your patio is the best place to do so. If you install a fireplace here, it will not only brighten up the patio but will also add that extra bit of romance to it! Go ahead, choose from the lovely designs that are available in the market. Try using an electric fireplace instead of the traditional wooden ones, and save fuel. Though the masonry/radiant fireplace is best suited for indoors, you can experiment by using it in the open by incorporating a glass door to it. This will help the wood to burn longer, thus, keeping the romance alive for an equally long time!

Chairs

Lazing around is the best pastime that most of us prefer over any other. So, how about enjoying the same outdoors, in the open air? Get yourself a cool couch, place it in your patio and enjoy being lazy! You can incorporate a table so that you can enjoy your meals on the patio as well. You can enjoy your evening drinks by adding a barrel table and few wooden stools in the patio. How about adding a wicker couch to the patio and getting cozy with your partner? :)

Flowers/Plants

For those who don't have a garden in their house, planting a few flowering plants will cover up for its absence. Make your patio colorful by planting flowering plants of different colors and types. If your place is big enough to accommodate a garden, then add flowering plants to your collection of plants. Still not satisfied with number of flowering plants that your patio has? Get yourself a chic flower stand that matches with the patio furniture and place more plants on it! Also, you can install some poles and hang the plants from them.

Gazebo, Fences & Trellis

Build a gazebo over your patio, and you can use this beautiful space all year round. The roofed structure will provide protection during rains and snow. Trellises are open structures that act as a support for your climbers. You can use these as entrances to your patio, and give it a park-like feel. Also, if you are a gardening enthusiast, plant a few flowering climbers near the trellis. After a few months, your trellis will be covered with sweet smelling flowers! Generally, patios do not have a boundary or a wall. In such cases, adding a chic fence will act as a boundary and also double up as a glam quotient! If your patio covers a larger surface area and is located at a distance from your house, then build a wooden gazebo to give it a forest house look.

Lamps

Add some lighting to your patio by installing some beautiful lamps! You can go in for the vintage variety or for the Tiffany lamps. Remember the old-fashioned candle lanterns that were used centuries ago? You can buy these from antique shops and hang them from poles or from roof tops. This will give a rustic look to your patio. Adjust the light according to your taste and have a cozy evening. Candlelight dinners are a passé... try out lamplight dinners!

Umbrella

Accessorize your patio by adding a garden umbrella to it. Umbrella made up of different frame material are available in the market. You can go for the modern-looking, trendy aluminum framed umbrellas or you can select the exotic, rustic wooden framed umbrellas. Umbrellas made up of wood and metal mix frames are also available. You can enjoy the natural beauty, and also have your meals and drinks without having to bother about the weather. Nothing better than sipping a hot cup of coffee while enjoying a downpour, isn't it?

Hammocks

Most of us would like to take our afternoon naps during holidays. For a comfortable sleep, install a spreader hammock and tie it to two poles in your patio. However, if you don't have enough space to incorporate a permanent hammock, you can go in for travel hammocks or the standalone ones. Get yourself a hammock in the patio and enjoy your nap outdoors amidst the fresh air and chirping of birds. Also, the feeling of gazing at the stars lying on a hammock at night, is incomparable!

Swings

Bring back the memories of your childhood by incorporating a garden swing in your patio. If you have a swimming pool alongside the patio, then place the swing at the boundary of your patio and the swimming pool! You can go in for swings made of different materials like the wooden swings, cane swings or metal swings. Also, if there is space limitation then you can opt for single-seaters over the normal double seater ones. Garden swings are also a great hit with kids.

You can make use of your patio in more ways than one. How about building an outdoor kitchen or a party place on your patio? A small yet well-done patio, not only adds to the beauty and decor of your outdoors, but also doubles up as the venue for innumerable parties and gatherings.

(Buzzle)