When you’re looking to add an outdoor dining space to your garden, you can often feel completely overwhelmed with choice. Because there really are a lot of options to consider. Not only do you have to pick out the perfect furniture, but you also have the accessories, plants and even the patio style to think about too. To help you hone in on the right design for you, you might want to consider a few very different options. When you’re looking online, you can often be inundated with styles that all look and feel the same. But if you want something that feels completely your own, here are five to think about.

Small & Simple

If you only have a small outside space, you might want to keep your dining area as cute and compact as possible. And you totally can. You don’t have to go big and brash and ruin the rest of your garden. Instead, you can create a small patio area, even if it’s super narrow, add a chair or two, and a French style bistro dining set along with a few potted plants and you’ve got the perfect alfresco area to enjoy all summer long.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Classically Influenced

Regardless of the space you have, you might want to go for something classic. A traditional patio area can look completely charming in any backyard. Old cobbled stones make for incredible patio areas, and lots of vegetation can give off a rustic vibe. If you’ve always wanted to make your outside dining space feel like it was taken from your favorite vacation spot, with a classic look, you can.

Hamptons Style

If you want to go for a super chic summer look with your outside dining space, why not think about styling the area based on your favorite Hamptons beach house? Here, the look and feel of the patio should be very light, bright and airy. Blues, white, grays and neutrals are always good options to go with. With a minimal yet still stylish vibe, and the odd nautical element or two, your outside space will give you the relaxed air you’ve been hoping for.

Water Inspired

Sometimes, a tranquil eating space is exactly what you need. If you love to feel apart of nature, enjoy a glass of wine as the sunsets, or even read outside, you might like the idea of having a few water features around your patio. While the flooring choice itself may not matter, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose fountains or features that make you feel calm, relaxed and facilitate an easy evening.

A Space For Entertaining

Or maybe you want your patio area to be all about entertaining? When you love to have people over and let out your inner social butterfly, you’re definitely going to love outdoor entertaining. Your focus here should be on the flow of your furniture layout, having enough seating or relaxation areas, and of course – the food and drinks areas. A grilling area and bar could really make your dining space the talk of the town.

We all want to make our homes look their best. We put our design minds on and make each room the way we want it. But, there’s one part of our homes too many of us forget. Most of us put all our efforts into making what’s between our walls work. But, what about your outside space? Decor doesn’t stop at the door. Turn your designing hand to your garden to ensure you can be proud of your house as a whole!

[Photo courtesy of 김 대정/pexels.com]

Get Creative with Flowers

No garden is complete without flowers. If you have a flair for creating, you can have a lot of fun designing your flower beds. If you’re not familiar with gardening, you may be tempted to stick to safe designs. Don’t do it! You just need to put some thought into the way you’re planting things. Flowers look beautiful no matter what, so you can’t go far wrong. Think about where you would like your flower beds to be. You don’t have to stick to the traditional options! Think, too, about how you’re planting. Do you want to work on a color scheme, or would you prefer the colors mixed?

To Patio or Not to Patio

Flowers aside, consider what you’re going to do with the rest of your space. If you’re not keen on the idea of plain grass garden, a patio might be for you. Bear in mind that a patio could make a small garden seem smaller. Plus, it would take over your greenery altogether! If you have ample space to play with, though, a patio could be an amazing design feature. If you’re unsure what a patio can do for you, take a look at some examples to help you decide. If you’re worried about covering your grass, remember you can enhance your patio with potted plants!

[Photo courtesy of Terje Sollie/pexels.com]

Don’t Forget the Furniture

Now we’re on familiar footing. Like the rooms in your house, your garden needs furniture! What you buy depends on what you’re going to be using the space for. If you plan to eat outside, invest in a table and chair set to suit your needs. If not, you might just want to buy a sofa or lawn chairs. And, the furniture choices don’t end there, either. You could add to the atmosphere by purchasing a log burner. Or, you could go all out and treat yourself to a hot tub. Again, this is best for a larger garden. If you want to put your design skills to good use, design your own hot tub.This option also has the benefit of ensuring your choice fits in with your garden. Don’t forget, too, to stock up on some lighting for your outside space! That way, you can enjoy your garden well into the evening!

These are just a few of the ways you can turn your designing hand to your garden. The trick is to not feel overwhelmed. There’s nothing to it. Think of it as a house without a roof!