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Please Help! My Patio needs to be my families Happy Place!

10 years ago
We covered our patio and did a fire pit and pergola I need furniture in the corner and a rug and need suggestions. I have a 17 year old 6'3" autistic son and want this to be a happy place for him. All suggestions welcomed. Thank u

Comments (32)

  • 10 years ago
    Add some colorful potted plants
  • 10 years ago

    I LOVE your patio! It's a beautiful spot! I also LOVE patio swings. Maybe your son would enjoy swinging. It would give him an activity.

  • 10 years ago

    Agree with skipping the rug...I would put an outdoor sectional with a coffee table. Love your patio!!

  • 10 years ago
    What type of furniture in the corner? I afraid to get a sectional. Don't ask me why. If anyone could show me some examples that would help so much. I appreciate thins impute and yes I think a glider type swing would be great and will give him input:). Pictures please! I'm afraid of making costly mistakes..... My huge problem. Thx!
  • 10 years ago
    I believe that EVERY outdoor space would be way better with a hammock. They may still sell them in patio stores, but I suppose that buying one on-line will give you more options. I hang mine between two posts holding up my pergola, although you can certainly buy a frame. And btw, not all outdoor rugs are susceptible to mold. Many can be hosed off when they get dusty, and the ones that are made of recycled plastic bottles---Mad Mats is one manufacturer---are quite colorful and have lovely designs. Good luck! You have a great outdoor space.
  • 10 years ago
    Have you checked out furniture at Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, et al? Everything's on sale right now, though whatever you buy at one of those stores will still cost you big-time. World Market has adorable stuff, but much of it is no fun to sit on and a nightmare to assemble. Same with Pier One, although I do have one of their outdoor papasan chairs and I LOVE it. I honestly think that some of the most comfy outdoor chairs come from the cheapo places like Home Depot. My personal dream is to buy a couple of teak chaises, but they're very pricey. I'd never buy any type of patio seating without having personally tried it out.
  • 10 years ago
    A deep seated sectional with a table in the centre would fit perfectly in the corner and since it is covered, I would definitely choose an outdoor rug to soften the area. For your fire pit, I would suggest one of two styles, adirondack chairs or something with thick cushions for comfort. You can also allocate an area near your bbq for lounge chairs and umbrella, if you wish to just lay back, take a nap even.
    Beautiful space that will be enjoyed by all. Some ideas...?
  • 10 years ago
    The front gate catalog has some nice rugs. They are probably the most reasonably priced items in the catalog ! They also have beautiful outdoor furniture you can get ideas from, then source from Home Depot or Lowes.
  • 10 years ago

    Have a look at Frontgate since they have really beautiful stuff in so many styles. A bit pricey but it will last a lifetime. As for your son, maybe you could ask his teachers what would be a special spot for him. Would he like the sounds of a soothing fountain or koi pond? Doesn't need to be huge... Don't laugh but I swear big kids can seriously enjoy sandboxes. Such a pleasing tactile experience. Clearly I don't know your son nor his favorites but there could be lots of cool things you migh do. His teachers would be happy to refer you to some resources.

  • 10 years ago
    Additional pictures that did not attach...
  • 10 years ago
    I have both Pier One sectional and Home Depot chairs. In my experience, people prefer chairs over sectionals - they like their own space. I looked at Frontgate but could not justify the expense for something that sits outside. To make this look inviting you need some outdoor plants, think bougainvillea, hibiscus, lemon/orange tree. I would go to a local home store and get the larger ceramic pots that they sell from Mexico because they won't blow over. You also need some outdoor games and in my opinion, some sort of kitchen for drinks, BBQ, etc.
  • 10 years ago
    They also have outdoor wireless speakers that operate off your phone or IPad for music. You could also put an outdoor TV on the one wall.
  • 10 years ago
    First and foremost thank u so much for all the super ideas. A visionary I am not! Lol
    My table is a hannamint and I do like it. Very heavy.
    As for the corner I go back and forth about the sectional. I know people like to have their own space. :(. I will have to think on this. If not a sectional what do u suggest. The space is not that big. A love seat and a chair? Any more pictures would be great.
    Thank u. I love the Adirondack chair idea.
  • 10 years ago
    Yes that is a great idea. With my white brick and black shutters what colors should I use?
  • 10 years ago
    You have many options to chose from. A love seat with two chairs, a couch and coffee table, two love seats, even four chairs placed in pairs will work. One of those daybed style couches, if you please. I noticed the flat screen tv on the wall and immediately thought of a sectional but whatever you choose, it must be something that you are comfortable with. I found some pictures, disregard the colours, strictly for visual, however, in your case because your pavers are grey and you have a lot of black, I would probably stick to those colours and maybe add a punch of colour with an accent pillow later on.
    May I also suggest to search through the patio section on this site. I believe you will get very inspired. Good luck!
  • 10 years ago
    Some more
  • 10 years ago

    I don't know where you live,Vid, but if you do get giant pots for plants( which would look terrific) ask the local garden shop what will survive the winters. Maybe you would have to go with resin rather than ceramic or clay since the latter will break if frozen. I have to haul many of my big ones into the garage for the winter- a real pain! I seriously love the big arm chairs and ottomans in the last post. Very comfy and flexible if you have a crowd. Add some spunky color with the cushions. Florals, stripes... Make it happy! For your tall son, I bet he would love the day bed idea. Extra long twin bed mattress covered with Sunbrella fabric might work. Bolster on the back. Simple construction of plywood with metal or turned legs. That would be my happy outdoor spot...

  • 10 years ago
    Thank u for all ur great ideas. If u would do a sectional what kind and color cushions? And if u would do a hannamint set what would I chose and how many pieces? Ie love seat and 2 chairs table?
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    If you desire to be able to see the outdoor TV, it looks like a large sofa will not work in that corner. Perhaps a love seat with 2 chairs and a coffee table. You'll need to measure before purchasing any furniture. You already have a metal dining set, so I would go with faux wicker that can handle the out of doors. Also, make sure your cushions are "outdoor" cushions not foam cushions covered in just outdoor fabric. When the cushion foam is outdoor foam it will not mold. It wicks the water. I would brighten the area up with some vibrant cushions such as a bright cobalt blue trimmed in white. Then add patterned outdoor foam throw pillows.

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Cozy Outdoor Living Room · More Info

    I would also suggest adding height and lots of large potted plants. This would be an idea to add height, light to the large open area or you could put this to the side and put chairs around it. Also love the illuminated barrels.

  • 10 years ago
    I have both a sectional and chairs, something for everyone. Chairs around the firepit, sectional in the other seating area. Keeps everyone happy!

    And for color, that is a preference, but I like bright sunny colors like turquoise - makes me smile. But you can also get a great effect by getting neutral sectional cushions and then putting colorful throw pillows on it. Your plants should also provide color.
  • 10 years ago

    Nothing says summer living than lounging outdoors. Does your son like to stretch out like I do? Nothing beats a chaise for comfort. I also have two nap-worthy adjustable chairs with ottomans (found them on Craig's List). All three pieces are great to lounge, read, nap and dream. Whatever you buy, make sure it's very comfy, and will easily accommodate his 6'3" frame.

  • 10 years ago

    I love a swing seat, one thats well cushioned.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I really love my Dan Foley collection of over sized chairs and sofa....I purchased it from Wayfair...it has been so comfortable for my family..my daughter and I can share one of the chairs because they are so over sized and the cushions are so comfortable. My husband is 6'3" and 260lbs and can stretch out on the sofa. The rug is Dan Foley also....there is a dining set, chaises and a few other matching pieces.



  • PRO
  • 10 years ago
    Thank u all for ur time and graciousness. We will take our son shopping and see what we come out with. All these ideas are fantastic:)
  • 10 years ago
    I put cozy chairs from Pier 1 with a table from World Market in a round. Love it!
  • 10 years ago
    I thought of a couple more things, especially to help you son with autism. A high powered telescope to gaze at the stars and a gurgling rock in the landscape to provide a soothing sound. The one below is from Amazon and has a computer program to help track the stars (stand not included). Also a nice bird feeder along with a set of binoculars so he can watch the birds. The gurgling rock will supply a water source.
  • 10 years ago
    In the landscape, in addition to the gurgling rock, think about a small wall to sit on. Here is my patio with gurgling rock (on right), natural gas firepit, turquoise sectional and low wall. I now have new chairs.
  • 10 years ago
    These are such great ideas. Seriously. Thank u for taking the time to help me. Love the telescope etc. ur home is beautiful. U all r great thank u from the bottom of my heart:)
  • 10 years ago
    Your welcome. The gurgling rock is very safe because there is no standing water for little ones to drown in. The water is recirculated from a tub underneath and the gurgling rock sits on gravel. I meant to say the birds like the gurgling rock and so do my dogs! Good luck.