3 Delightful DIY Tricks to Perk Up Your PatioBy RichsHome, July 13, 2015Does your patio need a mid-summer makeover?It’s easier than you might imagine to add dramatic flair to your outdoor space. In this article, we’ll introduce you to three essential building blocks for a patio perk-up.Building Block #1: ShadePatio umbrellas create a shady oasis and add privacy to your outdoor space. Plus, they inject an interesting vertical element to your horizontal patio furniture grouping.We recommend a cantilever umbrella by Treasure Garden. These large, multi-position umbrellas shade an entire dining area, chat group, spa, or grill area (when the grill is not lit).They come in many shapes and sizes:Square: 10’ and 8.5’Octagon: 13’, 11’, 10’Rectangle: 10’ x 13’ Easy to move and repositionBecause the pole is offset, rather than in the middle of the umbrella, cantilevers are versatile. Many of them tilt and swing; you can easily rotate the umbrella to shade your dining area, and alternately, your lounge area.DIY TipNever fill an umbrella base with water, as water evaporates. On a windy day, your umbrella may tip over and get damaged – or damage your other outdoor furnishings.**If Rich’s delivers and sets up your umbrella, we’ll fill the base with sand.Umbrella Shopping TipTo get complete coverage of the area you want to shade, measure the area you plan to shade, and ask us which size umbrella will shade that amount of space.Building Block #2: ColorAs you’re planning your patio makeover, select a color scheme. Neutral or brownish tones are always popular, but dramatic contrasts are also on-trend.DIY TipEnhance your color scheme by coordinating container plantings with furniture cushions, pillows, or umbrella colors.For example, pump up a red and black color scheme with brilliant red geraniums or tall, red, tapered planters. Mix up the heights of the containers, as well as plant and leaf sizes.Patio Furniture Shopping TipWe invite you to browse Rich’s showrooms, where our displays will show you creative ways to mix-and-match furnishings with umbrellas, artwork, outdoor rugs, plantings, water features, and dishware.Related ArticleRavello Outdoor Furniture by Tropitone: Stylish, Sturdy, SpaciousBuilding Block #3: FireFire tables, in which fire media is built into the middle of a dining- or bar-height table, are the “hottest” trend in outdoor furnishings. They're attractive and the flames provide a welcoming ambiance and warmth.With 120 shapes and colors of fire glass to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect color combination to enhance the décor of your outdoor room.Fire Table Shopping TipMeasure the space in which you plan to put your table, and decide whether the space is best suited to a round, square, rectangular, or expanding table.Related ArticleFire Tables for Dining: the Hottest Trend in Fire PitsBonus Decorating IdeasHere's a video that shows the versatility of the Cambria deep seating collection.Additional inspiration for patio perk-ups can be found at Better Homes and Gardens.Rich's features a huge selection of outdoor furniture, fire pits, and patio umbrellas. Stop by any of Rich’s 5 showrooms in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Tacoma, Tukwila, or Silverdale. Rich's is now on Instagram!We have a brand new Instagram page. Hope you'll follow us.Like Rich’s on FacebookHome heating tips, grilling recipes, and more on Rich's Facebook page. Encourage your Facebook friends to join us, too.Follow Rich's on PinterestLoads of delicious food and drink recipes, plus inspiration for outdoor living on Rich's Pinterest boards. Subscribe to Rich's BlogSubscribe to our blog via your feed reader or receive our latest posts in your e-mail Inbox. Simply click “Subscribe to this blog’s feed” or fill out the form located in the right-hand sidebar of our blog.Recent Articles See All Rich's New Tigard, Oregon Store: A Chat with Manager Rick Campbell General Articles Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:February 1, 2023 Meet Tigard, Oregon store manager, Rick Campbell, who has been in the hot tub/patio/BBQ business more than 25 years in the Portland metro area. 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