10 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio

Rather than dwell on what you don't have, it's best to focus on what you've got. And that's certainly true of a small patio. What you may lack in square footage, you can more than make up for in style. Here are just a handful of brilliant ideas to transform your patio from an afterthought into an oasis for springtime fun.

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8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio

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One advantage of a small space is that it doesn’t take much money or work to give it a major upgrade. Simply installing a fence and stringing up lights transforms what could have been a sad and bedraggled yard into a cozy, romantic hideaway.

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For a no-fuss fire pit that's easy on the eyes and easy to maintain, look no further. All you'll need is some concrete and large mixing bowls. Canisters of gel fuel supply the fire, so no wood is necessary, and you’ll have no ash clean-up after you’ve toasted marshmallows. You control the size by your choice of bowls for the mold. So, make it as small or large as you like.

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If you rent, you may think your dreams of a patio makeover are unattainable. Think again. This entire tropical retreat was created with paneling and furniture made from old pallets. Because nothing is mounted to the walls or floor, it can be disassembled and taken away whenever the residents leave. Reduce, reuse, recycle, RELAX.

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A pergola can turn a tiny, cold patio into a lush, outdoor extension of your home. And if you’re willing to do the labor yourself, you can save a bundle. The construction concepts are simple, but it will make a stunning impact—and a wonderful place to kick back and relax in the summer evenings.

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Bright, light colors will keep a patio cheery no matter its size. A one-time investment in painted furniture, and some perennials that will come back every year, will turn your tiny patio into an always welcoming place. Or if you tire of the color scheme, a can of paint and a free afternoon allows you to remake the space as often as you like.

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If your patio is not only tiny, but very close to your neighbors, you may want some privacy from time to time. A screen like this one can be yours for less than $50 and some light sweat equity. A canvas drop cloth, some paint, and a grommet kit are all you need.

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For an outdoor room that's cozy as well as functional, nothing beats an outdoor rug. But even for the smallest of patios, stylish, colorful rugs don't come cheap. However, with a ho-hum neutral rug and a little weather-resistant paint, you can DIY your own. Your imagination is your limit.

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When you don’t have a large backyard, you need to use your space extra-wisely. Luckily, even if you opt for a patio that eats up your arable land, you can always grow up—with wall planters or a living wall. A simple solution like this brings lots of nature into your tiny patio without forfeiting precious floor space to pots and planters.

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Consider your patio floor and walkway a blank canvas. Update it this summer with custom concrete pavers you make yourself. Choose different sized and shaped objects for molds to vary your design. Add color with stain or paint for extra visual pop. No matter how big or small, it can be your happy place.

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