Most people think of patios as a space reserved for the summer weather. With the right equipment, however, it’s slowly becoming a usable space that can extend into the fall for climates that receive a harsh winter, and into the winter for those with moderate temperatures. For those that can continue with their patio living past summer, the following outdoor living trends for winter should be considered. 

Color Blocking

In areas that do not receive snow, winter can still produce a bleak landscape with leaves fallen from trees, and dreary rainy weather. Luckily, the trend of color blocking combats the otherwise bleak atmosphere. By pairing neutral coloured cushions with bright pillows you liven up the space and the best part is that any slimline heater can blend into any design. It will keep the colour blocking exactly where you want it, while warming up yourself and your guests.

Gold or Bronze Accents

If you’re not quite committed to color blocking your patio, then perhaps you’ll consider the trend of bronze or gold accents. Typically this style is chosen for lighting fixtures ... even your outdoor heating lamp can become bronze! If you decide to follow this trend, then it’s best to keep the rest of your decor subtle so that the bronze or gold accents are striking pieces.

Fire pits

On a cool winter night, a fire pit adds flare to the patio. The installation of fire pits in outdoor spaces has continued to be popular. This is because the gentle glow, quiet crackle, and subtle warmth, creates a pleasant atmosphere and extends the usability of the patio. While in the summer the heat from the fire is not necessary,  it’s important to consider how the heat from the fireplace won’t necessarily heat all guests evenly in the winter. That’s why it’s best to be paired with a heater such as the eRAD Radiant Heat Panel to ensure that all guests are kept comfortable while gazing into the flame and socializing.

Lights

Many overlook the importance of adding lights to their patio since they are most often used in the summer when the daylight lasts well into the evening. For the winter time, however, lighting becomes even more necessary for increasing the use and safety of the space. While various lighting styles have been explored, the common trend for this year has been pendant lighting as it allows for versatile lighting of the space and provides visual interest.

Reconsideration of Exterior Finishes

Part of the outdoor living experience is having a space that extends beyond your home, yet feels like an ordinary room found within a home. With the new options on the market such as moisture-resistant metal, composite siding, and wood veneer cladding, you can create your exterior room to integrate even smoother with your home.

When browsing various siding types, it's important to remember that you need to choose a siding that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Although not essential, it's also beneficial to choose one that is low maintenance - so you can spend more time enjoying your space. 

Even with including fire pits, heaters, and lights, extending the patio season beyond summer may still not be possible for those in climates that experience heavy snowfall. By following certain trends, however, you will be able to still increase the longevity of the space beyond summer - which is something I think we can all agree on desiring right about now. 

Cover photo: Flickr