Ideas for a Prettier Patio

Southern Living, Sep 2004 by Warren, Rebecca G

Borrow these suggestions to make your outdoor space extra cozy this season.

Relocating to the Lone Star State gave the Gerard family the opportunity to create their dream patio, complete with arched openings that enclose the space, a warm color scheme, and a brick fireplace. "We moved to Dallas from California, where outdoor fireplaces are really popular," says Jamie Gerard. "We knew , we were going to put in one when we built our house." The outdoor spot is most enchanting on crisp fall evenings when family and friends can relax by the fire. Let the Gerards' patio inspire you.

Get a Glow

The fireplace is the star of this patio. It is constructed with an uncommon, thin brick called Roman brick and raised above floor level for maximum impact. The mantel and bench seat are made of cast stone. If you don't have an outdoor fireplace, create a cozy atmosphere by lighting several pillar candles inside jars or lanterns. The key is to cluster them together. You could also place a chiminea in an empty corner.

Put More on the Floor

While vacationing in Mexico, Jamie noticed that painted tiles were often used on risers in staircases and on the floor space beneath stairways. When she began planning their patio, she decided to arrange tiles in the shape of a rug and have an artisan paint them.

If you have a concrete floor on your patio, you could achieve the same look by painting a rectangular shape in the center, using masking tape as your guide.

Warm Up Your Colors

Tranquil blues, greens, and terra-cotta on fabrics and tiles balance the richer tones of brick around the fireplace and mahogany doors. You can bring autumn tones to your patio with amber-colored candles, orange and yellow pillows, or a leaf-green throw tossed on the furniture.

REBECCA G. WARREN

IDEAS FOR A PRETTIER PATIO

Page 128: Architecture by Patrick Ford, Rogers-Ford, Dallas, (214) 871-9388; fabric is "Perennials," available at David Sutherland, Inc., Dallas, www.davidsutherlandinc.com.