As soon as the sun shows its face, we all start thinking about spending more time outdoors, whether that’s relaxing with a drink, having friends over, or just enjoying a bit of peace and quiet. But if your patio’s looking a bit tired or hasn’t had much love since last year, now’s the perfect time to give it a quick refresh.
The good news is you don’t need to tear everything out and start again. A few small upgrades can make a big difference, especially if you’ve got a solid base to build from, like porcelain paving. So if you want your patio to be ready for summer without too much hassle, here are five easy ways to get started.
1. Start with a strong, stylish base
If there's one thing that sets the tone for your outdoor space, it's the paving. It forms the foundation everything else rests on, so choosing something that looks great and stands up to everyday life is pivotal. And if you're looking for a recommendation from our paving expert, porcelain paving is a perfect fit.
Porcelain is a favourite amongst our customers, and it’s easy to see why. It has a sleek, modern look, but it’s also incredibly tough. It doesn’t stain or fade easily, and because it doesn’t absorb water, you won’t have to worry about algae or frost causing problems down the line. At Bridge Street Stone, we’ve handpicked our range of premium porcelain slabs in all sorts of colours, textures, and sizes, so whether you’re going for clean and contemporary or something a bit more rustic, there’s something here to suit your style.
2. A bit of lighting makes all the difference
Even the best patios can feel a bit flat without some decent lighting. A few fairy lights, lanterns, or solar stakes can completely change the atmosphere, especially if you enjoy sitting out in the evening.
Porcelain paving is also perfect for this. Its smooth surface reflects light beautifully, so even a few simple lights go a long way. Arrange some along the edges of your patio, wrap a string around a parasol or trellis, or place a couple of lanterns around your seating area. It’s a quick, easy upgrade that makes everything feel cosier and more inviting.
3. Refresh your furniture (even just a little)
You don't have to spend a fortune on a brand-new set to make your patio feel fresh. Sometimes, swapping out tired cushions, adding a throw, or rearranging your layout can do the trick.
Think about how you want to use the space. If it's mainly for relaxing, go for comfy lounge seating with cushions and a low table. If you're more into entertaining, a larger dining setup could be worth the investment. Sometimes, all your furniture needs is a good cleaning to feel brand new. That said, if your old table and chairs have seen better days, it might be time to invest in something new, especially if you've upgraded your paving.
4. Create a focal point
Adding something to centre your patio space can make a huge difference to how it looks and feels – and it doesn't need to be anything overly big or expensive. A fire pit, chiminea, or compact pizza oven instantly brings a bit of warmth and personality to the area, making it somewhere people naturally want to gather. It's perfect for summer evenings when you want to stay outside a little longer, or for creating a bit of atmosphere when the sun starts to dip.
Even a small feature like this can help anchor the layout of your garden. It gives your space a clear purpose and a bit of visual structure, making it feel more like an outdoor 'room' rather than just a patch of patio. If you're hosting friends or even just enjoying a quiet night alone with a blanket and a glass of something nice, having that focal point makes everything feel a bit more special and well thought out.
5. Make space for shade
On those rare but glorious sunny days, we get up North, having a shaded spot in your garden can make all the difference. Whether it's for outdoor dining, keeping the kids cool, or simply making your space more comfortable throughout the day, a bit of cover helps you enjoy your garden for longer. It's much nicer than retreating indoors just because there's nowhere to cool down.
A simple parasol might be all you need. If you want something a bit more permanent, a sail shade or pergola works well too. If you like a natural look, try climbing plants for a bit of dappled light and greenery overhead - this will also add character to your outdoor space!
If you're thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, we're here to help! At Bridge Street Stone, we've got a great selection of porcelain paving, along with other stunning options like Indian Sandstone paving, Limestone paving, and Yorkstone paving, all handpicked for their style, strength and finish.
If you're not too sure where to start or how much you need, you can always give us a call on 01282 860571 – our team of friendly experts is happy to help, and we can even send you a free sample of our paving so you can get a feel for your options! We deliver nationwide, too, so getting your patio summer-ready could be quicker and easier than you think!
