Choosing good colours and textures for your
They both play a significant role in creating a visually appealing, functional, and cohesive outdoor space:
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Colour
Adds vibrancy and character to a space, preventing it from looking monotonous. A carefully chosen palette can create focal points, draw attention to specific features, or guide the eye through the patio/garden. Colours influence emotions and ambience, they can be used to define zones, create seasonal appeal, and provide us with the opportunity to stamp our personality on the design. -
Texture
Adds depth and dimension to our outdoor areas. It creates layers and visual complexity, preventing the patio or garden from feeling flat. By combining smooth, rough, soft, and hard surfaces you will bring a tactile quality that enhances engagement with the space. Texture provides contrast, functionality, and interaction.
By using colour and texture in both interior and exterior design, you can set a mood, create zones, add personality, build contrast, and so much more...
For example, warm colours such as reds, oranges, and yellows will create a vibrant and inviting space, ideal for outdoor dining areas.
Cool colours such as blues, greens, purples on the other hand are more calming and serene, perfect for a relaxation zone with an outdoor sofa or laid back coffee table set.
Neutral tones such as whites, beiges, and greys offer a touch of timeless sophistication, creating a clean backdrop for you to create contrast with planting or garden furniture, etc.
You can use different colours or textures to demarcate areas for various functions, such as lounging, dining, or gardening.
Our colour and material choices reflect personal taste, whether it’s bold and vibrant or subtle and natural
Contrasting textures such as soft grass against rough stone, or glossy leaves against matte stonework will help to highlight individual elements and make the design more dynamic.
A good colour scheme and the right textures should work together in garden and patio design. They allow us to harmonise with nature and our homes.
You can use natural textures such as stone and wood alongside complementary colours to seamlessly integrate the patio with the wider garden.
Bright colours such as our terracotta cushions, for example, can accentuate the textured details of our intricate metal furniture.
The key is to build from a neutral backdrop such as a brick wall or slate tiled patio. Build in layers. If you want to introduce bold colours then balance them with softer textures to avoid overwhelming the senses.
In our experience, a mix of vibrant hues and muted textural elements is often what creates a well-rounded patio design.
That’s what we want to discuss in this article, suggest a few patio ideas that can help get you thinking what might work in your space.
Look at how you can successfully introduce colour and texture into your outside space, and more specifically how you can add colour and texture to your garden furniture set.
Why should you add colour and texture to your patio?
Adding colour and texture to your patio can transform it from a simple outdoor space into a vibrant and inviting extension of your home.
Here are the key reasons why the Lazy Susan design team think you should add colour and texture to your outdoor design scheme:
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To add aesthetic appeal
A plain patio can look dull and uninviting. Incorporating vibrant colours and varied textures will breathe life into the space. Colour and texture allow you to express your style, whether that’s modern minimalism, classical elegance, rustic charm, or a little Mediterranean chic. -
To create a focal point
Bold colours or contrasting textures can draw the eye and make your patio the centrepiece of your outdoor living area. A beautifully designed patio can make the outdoor dining area the place that draws you all outside and gather with guests. -
To create zones on your patio
You can use different textures and colours to create distinct areas for dining, lounging, or entertaining on your patio. What we refer to as “zoning”. A patterned rug, colourful furniture cushions, or textured planters can delineate these spaces effectively. -
To set the mood
Different colours and textures evoke different moods. Whether you're aiming for an oasis of calm, a lively garden party spot, or a playful retreat, it is colour that can improve mood and ambience. -
To add comfort
If you want to create a cosy atmosphere, then warm colours and soft textures will make your patio feel more inviting and comfortable. Think about what will encourage you to spend more time outdoors. -
To improve functionality
Texture provides practical benefits too, such as slip resistance on flooring or comfortable seating surfaces. Many textured materials, such as certain types of pavers or patio furniture materials, require minimal upkeep. Anything that is less maintenance and more quality time gets a big thumbs from us. -
To add durability
Some textured materials, like stamped concrete or the cast aluminium we use across our range, are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. -
To connect with nature
Colours inspired by nature (such as soft greens, browns, and yellows) can help blend the patio seamlessly with the rest of your garden. Textures like stone, wood, and rattan create a tactile connection to the outdoors that blur the lines. -
To personalise your outside space
Adding your own unique splash of colour and texture will allow you the opportunity to express your individual style and create a space that truly reflects your tastes.
How to add colour and texture to your patio
As we mentioned above, our best tip when looking to introduce colour and texture is to always start with a good base and build from there.
Choose 2 or 3 primary colours for the patio and garden that create a consistent theme, then complement them with natural textures like wood, stone, and planting.
For example, you can plant a variety of leaf shapes (spiky, rounded, trailing) to build textural diversity. Mix flowering plants in base colours with bright flowering blooms and foliage with intricate patterns or textures to build contrast and interest.
You can combine hard textures (such as concrete and metal) with soft ones (garden cushions and ferns). Use different types of patio flooring (such as pebbles with porcelain tiles and decking) to differentiate different areas.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patio accessories. Vibrant outdoor rugs, textured planters, or patterned throw pillows can easily introduce colour and texture, and you can switch them up seasonally to create a fresh look.
Some of our favourite ways to introduce colour and texture into a
1. Paint
It is amazing what a lick of paint can do to transform a space inside and outside the home.
Use weatherproof paints on walls and fencing to add a pop of colour, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. You can choose a bold colour to make a statement or a more muted tone for a subtle touch.
2. Patio Materials
A well-designed patio starts with the right surface material. You could consider colourful outdoor tiles, painted concrete, or rustic tactile decking.
Different materials convey distinct styles. Natural stone like flagstone or bluestone creates a rustic, timeless look, while sleek porcelain tiles offer a modern, contemporary feel. Concrete pavers can mimic various materials and offer versatility in style.
3. Patio Furniture
Your furniture choice can be part of the base colour scheme or designed to stand out. Our metal range will provide a more modern texture with a classical look.
You can create a neutral base with our slate grey or antique bronze or make things pop with our sophisticated white finish. Then soften the hardness while adding depth with our range of colourful cushions and coordinating parasols.
4. Outdoor Fabrics
One of the simplest but most effective ways to introduce colour and texture on a patio is with garden furniture cushions, outdoor rugs, curtains, and throws.
You can opt for bold patterns or complementary colours to make seating areas pop. Outdoor rugs add both colour and a cosy texture underfoot. Parasols can create a colourful focal point and frame a patio dining set.
5. Planting
For colour add pots and planters filled with colourful blooms like geraniums, petunias, or marigolds. Choose containers in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours to complement your patio design scheme.
Build texture with different types of foliage such as coleus or heuchera. Create a living wall with plants of varying hues and textures to build a green backdrop.
Plants like pampas grass or fountain grass will add movement and a soft texture. Succulents with their unique shapes and textures contrast beautifully with traditional plants. Layer it all up by mixing tall, spiky plants with soft, cascading ones for extra dimension.
6. Patio Decor
Finish the look with complementary seasonal decor. Lanterns and string lights will add a warm whimsical glow when the sun sets.
Colourful ceramics or artistic metalwork can add personality. When hosting opt for tableware in vibrant colours to create a statement that welcomes friends and family.
Use textured wall hangings or woven baskets as decor. Tabletop features such as a floral or lighting centrepiece create an interesting focal point.
Our final thoughts…
By carefully choosing the right colour scheme and blending it with varied textures, you can create a personalised and dynamic patio and garden space that showcases your taste and compliment your home and garden style.
Choose a cohesive palette, such as coastal blues or earthy neutrals, for example, to avoid visual clutter. Use layers such as mixing smooth surfaces with rough textures to add contrast.
The key to a design that works and doesn’t feel forced is to find a balance.
Ensure that the colours you chose and the textures you use are distributed evenly across your patio area to maintain harmony.
Colour and texture are what make a patio or garden inviting and memorable. A space where you will enjoy spending precious quality time with friends and family.
They can also bring a practical element to your patio design by improving functionality, enhancing usability, and supporting biodiversity.
A well-designed space with harmonious colours and textures will give you a sense of comfort, joy, and belonging.
By thoughtfully integrating the right colour scheme and textures, you can transform your outdoor space into a visually stunning and multi-dimensional environment that delights the senses.
If you have our garden furniture on your patio, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
