Easy weekend DIY patio design ideas to bolster your home

by Jan Kennemer 06/29/2025

patio with four chais and table

Patios are often referred to as extensions of the home. It’s an excellent place to build an outdoor kitchen, entertain around an outdoor fireplace or just generally lounge about on a breezy day. 

However, there may be a few other ways you can give your patio the ultimate facelift without lifting too many fingers.

Here are a few excellent patio ideas to spruce up your outdoor space to get the most out of your home’s extension.

Inexpensive patio decorating ideas

Use painted flower pots to give your backyard extra vibrancy. You can find affordable flower pots at your local home goods stores and some thrift shops. Use acrylic paints in your favorite colors to really make your painted pots pop. 

Another affordable DIY project is creating a small, paved patio walkway. A cement or stone patio pathway can add an elegant yet earthy vibe to your backyard space. 

Give outdoor furniture a try

Do you have well-loved plastic outdoor furnishings? Don’t throw it out! Give your outdoor patio furniture a makeover by spray-painting them. For example, if you have an older wooden outdoor bench, try exterior wood paint to bring it new life. 

Floating garden beds

If you have a small pond, floating gardens make for delightful backyard decor. While this is a more advanced DIY endeavor, it tends to bring tranquility and added relaxation to your backyard space.

Key materials for this project include: bamboo, a bed of leaves, soil and seeds. Once you have created your bamboo raft, add your soil and plant the seeds. The garden’s aesthetic is sure to delight and relax as your rafts float gently in the water.

Your outdoor patio is an extension of your home. Outdoor spaces can be fun, cozy and a great place of relaxation.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.