- 126 reads
Designing an eco-friendly patio can be quite affordable, fun and inspiring. You can just implement a few creative ideas that will enhance the eco-friendliness and sustainability of your outdoor haven while also providing you with a great level of comfort. What’s more, there’s no better place to enjoy nature to the fullest than in a green outdoor haven.
Pave your lawn
You should start from the bottom up – the flooring. A lush lawn is certainly charming, but you need to use a lot of water to keep it healthy. Paving your lawn, or a part of it, will help you reduce your water consumption and bill. You can use durable paving stones for your patio flooring that are easy to maintain. There are plenty of intricate designs and patterns, so you can use your patio flooring as a statement, too. There are other eco-friendly paving solutions, so you can find one that meets your needs.
Use sustainable materials
Whether you’re renovating your current patio or you’re designing a new one from scratch, you should implement sustainable materials as much as possible. You can use salvaged or recycled wood for a beautiful, rustic look while bamboo will help you create a Zen patio atmosphere. Brick will complement the surrounding landscape with its reddish hue while natural stone can design a patio with a modern twist. Other interesting options include cob, rammed earth, straw bales, etc. Repurposing some old materials that are lying around your backyard is also a great way to cut your expenses and save the environment.
Give your old items an uplift
When it comes to furnishing your patio, you should consider going with old rather than new pieces. If you already have patio furniture, you should think of different ideas to reinvent it. You can just grab a bucket of VOC-free paint and give it a new look. You can do the same with some indoor furniture pieces and use them outdoors. This will extend the appeal of your interior and bring it outside for a warm, stylish patio ambience. Repurposing and experimenting with old pieces will also give your patio a truly unique character with a crafty twist.
Shade it properly
Shading your patio effectively is of the utmost importance for several reasons. It will protect your outdoor pieces from sun damage while also providing you with a comfortable atmosphere. In addition, using a proper solution will also shade a part of your home, which will reduce solar heat gain during summer and help you lower your energy consumption since you won’t use your cooling system as much. However, you need to use the right shading solution to achieve the best effect. You can browse for long-lasting shade sails online since they are a practical and effective choice. They will cover your entire patio, provide you with a great level of quality and durability and even enable you to easily adjust them to your space.
Install energy-saving lighting
There’s nothing more relaxing that turning those charming outdoor lights in the evening and enjoying your outdoor haven. Of course, this is yet another opportunity to green up your patio. You should install energy-efficient lighting solutions that will help you reduce your energy consumption, protect the environment and create a comfy outdoor sanctuary. Solar fixtures are one of the best options and you can use them to line your patio path. Switching to LED lights is another energy-saving solution that will keep your patio cosy and romantic. LEDs now come in different hues, so you can pick one that will help you create the most comfortable outdoor ambience.
Pick green textiles
Introducing different textiles to your patio will keep it both cosy and stylish. However, it’s important to use textiles made of natural fibres that will give your outdoor area an organic touch. For instance, if you want to add a chic outdoor area rug, you should focus on materials such as jute, hemp, sisal or bamboo. As for covers and throw pillows, you can use organic cotton, wool, hemp, linen and recycled materials. Since you’ll use them in your outdoor haven, they will fit in perfectly in the natural setting.
Grow local plants
You cannot have a soothing patio oasis without beautiful flowers, rich bushes and majestic trees. Planting them around your patio will provide you with shade and privacy, add a pop of colour and increase the air quality. However, when choosing different species, you should go with indigenous plants. They will help you reduce your water consumption since they are suitable for your local weather conditions and are easy to maintain.
Maintain your patio the green way
You need to maintain your patio and the surrounding area regularly to ensure the long-lasting quality of your furniture and other materials, health of your plants, etc. However, it’s important that you do it in an eco-friendly way. For instance, you shouldn’t use artificial fertilizers, but make your own compost. You should also avoid using conventional cleaning solutions because they contain a high level of toxins and chemicals. Instead, you should buy safe, green products or make your own cleaning solutions.
With these simple, eco-friendly ideas, you’ll be able to design a dream patio and contribute to the environment preservation.
