Do you favor contemporary or modern design in your home furnishings? If so, is your deck or patio contemporary as well? If not, perhaps it should be! After all, a well-furnished patio is an extension of your home that provides you with extra space to dine, lounge and otherwise enjoy your time. It only makes sense that that room should be as handsomely furnished as the rest of your abode.

Just as there can be variation in an interior contemporary design, not all modern or contemporary patio arrangements look the same. There’s room for interpretation under the contemporary banner! For example, if you use your outdoor space mostly for “me time” or quiet conversations with friends, you might prefer the minimalist interpretation of the modern look. If you’re a gregarious entertainer, you may prefer a few more tables and chairs to accommodate your guests. In either case, contemporary design, whether indoors or on the patio, generally stresses clean lines, an uncluttered look and utilitarian furniture.

What Is Contemporary Patio Design?

While there are many different contemporary design trends, there are some shared hallmarks that are found in most of them. The core principles of contemporary patio design are simplicity, usefulness and aesthetic appeal. A contemporary patio or deck should be in harmony with its natural surroundings. The view of your backyard must be clear and uninterrupted. There shouldn’t be any superfluous furnishings: every piece of furniture must serve at least one purpose.

Modern patio furniture embraces nature and all its beauty. The space will be comfortable and welcoming. It should be suitable for quality time alone, and it also ought to be a refreshing oasis to share with friends. A contemporary patio or deck can never be cluttered, but there must be sufficient furniture for everyone to find an agreeable spot to sit, to visit and to enjoy food and drinks.

An Uncluttered Patio

A modern patio is one that’s free from clutter and debris. It doesn’t have to be minimalist, although that certainly is an option! However, if you have older furniture, furniture you seldom use or an excessive number of decor items, you might begin your contemporary journey by disposing of some of these things. Even if you don’t start with a “blank canvas,” an uncluttered patio will better help you visualize how your final result will look.

Every item on your contemporary patio needs to have at least one purpose. If anything has a second use – for example, if it also provides storage – so much the better. Each piece should appeal to you in some way. Ideally, most of your furnishings will be items that you love. If you include decor on your patio, restrict it to only a few examples, and be sure that each one is striking in some way. When you have a limited number of really nice pieces of furniture and decor, your patio or deck has a sense of calmness and clarity that promotes enjoyable relaxation.

A Patio with Clean Lines

Contemporary design avoids furniture that is overly ornate. You aren’t likely to see tables with fancy wrought iron scrolling or stylized legs in a modern outdoor space. Furniture lines will typically be horizontal or vertical and strong. These lines may be a highly visible aspect of the piece. You won’t see a lot of curves or decorative elements.

The bias toward neat and clean lines extends to cushions and pillows as well. There are less likely to be welts and piping outlining the edges. Instead, the preference will be for the waterfall or knife edge style for a seamless look.

A Patio with Contemporary Materials

Wicker has been an outdoor favorite for years, and it certainly isn’t going away, but it’s deemphasized in the contemporary look. With wicker, it’s hard to achieve the streamlined look that’s the signature of modern design. A lot of today’s designers are choosing metal frames instead. Stainless steel and aluminum are practical and cost-effective alternatives. They are treated to resist rust, making them long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Natural wood is another good choice for modern patio furniture. Mahogany, cedar, redwood and oak all stand up to the rigors of the outdoor environment. Acacia is increasingly popular, as is a special bamboo that’s been laminated to increase its durability. When it comes to prime outdoor wood, though, nothing compares to teak. The golden color is gorgeous, and its natural oils provide a resistance to moisture that allows the furniture to last a lifetime or more.

Mixed materials are very much in keeping with a contemporary sensibility. For example, a metal frame might support a tabletop of wood, glass, tile or even polywood, which is a realistic-looking synthetic “lumber” made from recycled plastic.

A Patio with Contemporary Color

Contemporary patio design favors straightforward solid colors. However, it’s a misconception that all the colors have to be neutral! Sure, the dominant color theme will usually not be a bold one, but it’s perfectly reasonable to include cushions and umbrellas of assertive colors such as blue or even red. Typically there will be just one, or possibly two, accent colors rather than an assortment.

A little greenery can provide a color contrast as well. The key is to be restrained in the use of plants. The verdant patio with a myriad of living things is not without its appeal, but that’s not a modern or contemporary look. Plants that make a statement or have an architectural style to them add to the modern aesthetic.

A Comfortable Patio

A modern outdoor setting may be more minimalist, but the comfort is anything but. Comfy cushions and deep, thick seating are trademarks of the modern outdoor sofa. It’s a spot where people will want to relax, settle in and stay for a while. Remember, every furnishing on a contemporary deck or patio must have at least one purpose. Whether the purpose is to provide a place to sit, a spot to set food and drinks or a nook for contemplating the wonderful outdoors, that purpose must be accomplished in a way that’s practical and congenial.

If a chair isn’t a pleasure to sit in or a modern outdoor dining set doesn’t make food and conversation a relaxing delight, then the piece may not be right for your contemporary design.

A Patio with a Contemporary Personality

A contemporary patio or deck is more than a beautiful compliment to a modern interior design. It’s an outdoor space with a magnetic pull that will draw you into enjoyable and well-spent time outdoors. The straight lines, clean feel, straightforward colors and unencumbered look of a modern patio add up to a space where you’ll be proud to entertain family and friends.

If your patio or deck is uninspiring, now is a good time to step up and make the most of it! A contemporary remake just may give you the outdoor room that you’ve always dreamed of.