Things You'll Need:
- Patio
- Weathered wood
- Paint
- Plants
-
Step 1
Use natural stone pavers. The best material for country casual patios is natural stone. If you are building from scratch, then the choice of materials can be critical. Instead of municipal-looking, smooth concrete slabs, look for pavers in different sizes to create a slightly haphazard look.
-
Step 2
Use reclaimed wood. Decks often looks a little cosmopolitan, especially when the boards are new, but old railway ties have a weathered charm. As far as possible, make sure that the edges of any paved area or raised bed are softened by planting.
-
Step 3
Make sure that the use of concrete and metal is kept to a minimum. Obviously, stone is the best material to use in a country casual patio style, but the fact that the patio or a proportion of it is paved does not prevent you from using a country casual decorating style. A bit more effort may be required to create the desired effect. If your patio is a concrete slab, then consider using a tinting color or treatment to make the concrete resemble natural stone. If you have areas of metal then build reclaimed wood covers.
-
Step 4
Select the appropriate patio furniture. When it comes to patio furniture, keep an eye out for wicker or cane chairs, which will have the appropriate rustic character. Weathered pieces of wooden or metal garden furniture can often be found second-hand, and some antique dealers specialize in old garden furniture of high-quality, though this can be expensive. For a seaside look, use deck chairs or steamer chairs. A hammock slung between two trees, or possibly between a tree and a house wall, makes an idyllic picture in summer and is ideal for a nap on a warm afternoon.
-
Step 5
Select suitable plants. A cottage garden is primarily one of early and high summer. Typical flowers include all kinds of roses, especially the scented ones, old-fashioned pinks (Dianthus) and a host of annuals. Pelargoniums are cheerful and bright and will flower for months. Lavender (Lavandula) is an excellent low-growing hedging plant and will provide a romantic haze of color when in bloom.
