Every patio space can use a little shake-up from time to time. And now that we're seeing consistently warmer weather, there's no better time than now to start considering your options for turning your outdoor space into somewhere you'll never want to leave.

Wash Thoroughly

Before adding any new furniture, plants, or accessories, make sure your patio concrete is as blemish-free as possible. Start by using a high-flow nozzle on your hose to pressure wash any dirt from the surface. Use a degreaser and deck brush to remove more difficult stains. Once stains are removed, apply a sealant with a paint roller to protect against future staining — always start in the middle of the space and work your way out toward the edges.

Start a Container Garden

This is a lot simpler than it sounds, even for someone completely new to gardening. If you're a beginner, choose plants and flowers rather than germinating seeds, which can be more time-consuming. Self-draining containers are usually the best choice, and don't be afraid to go bold with patterns or colors. In Ohio, flowers like lantana, angelonia, pink salvia, impatiens, and heliotrope are easy to grow. You can also grow vegetables like salad greens, beets, carrots, and peppers, or herbs like basil, garlic, lavender, and mint.

Add Colorful Outdoor Furniture

There are countless options on the market for outdoor furniture patterns and colors. Before buying, consider the colors that already surround your patio — your home's exterior, the plants nearby — and choose colors and shapes that are flattering to your surroundings. Once you've decided on a palette, consider whether you'll bring color through cushions and pillows or through the furniture material itself. Wicker and metal pieces now come in many trendy and seasonal colors. An outdoor rug in a bright primary or soft tropical color can also brighten up the area considerably.

Lighting

There are countless options when it comes to lighting your outdoor patio space. String lights, torches, candles, landscaping lights, and gas lanterns can all add special charm. Before deciding on a light source, consider factors like budget and multipurpose functionality. Candles and torches require ongoing monetary upkeep but can also help keep pests at bay, while some other lighting options may actually attract bugs. Natural gas-powered lanterns are known for providing soft, ambient lighting and can be one of the cheapest outdoor lighting sources on the market today. Weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a final decision.

Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen

This option is perhaps the most costly, but it completely transforms a patio into a functional entertainment area. An outdoor cooking space is great for spending time with guests while cooking your favorite foods, and it can dramatically increase the value of your home. Once you've decided on the area and size, you'll choose materials and portability. Some materials stain more easily than others, and while some may come in a preferred shade, the drawback may be that they crack more easily. When planning, budget anywhere between $300 and $2,000 or more — the number tends to grow with custom-built options.

Whatever combination of ways you choose to breathe new life into your patio, with a little time and effort you can easily turn it into a place you'll never want to leave!