Designing indoor-style comforts for your Colorado patio
By Kristen West
IN THE SOUTH DENVER suburbs, outdoor living is an extension of the home, with patios designed for everything from quiet mornings to lively gatherings. Creating a space that feels both inviting and purposeful starts with a clear vision of how it will be used, how it will look, and how it will perform over time. Here we look at how the most successful outdoor spaces balance aesthetics with smart material choices, layered design, and a focus on longevity.
For those starting from scratch, design experts suggest focusing first on how the space will be used most often, rather than trying to complete an entire patio at once. For some, that means beginning with a kitchen and dining setup for family meals, and for others, it may be a lounge area centered around a fire feature. Owner of Creative Living, Micheline Stone, encourages homeowners to prioritize their lifestyle needs. “If you’re a cook, add a real kitchen. Focus on what you want—what’s going to make you happy,” she says. “You can always add on to it.”
Material choice can make or break the design, Stone says. The region’s intense sun and temperature swings can quickly break down lower-quality pieces. Instead, she points to durable staples like teak, powder-coated aluminum, and performance fabrics such as Sunbrella. “You’re putting more money in upfront, but it lasts longer,” she says. Outdoor acrylic fabrics are engineered to resist fading at higher elevations, which is a common issue, and aluminum frames and composite materials hold up against cracking and general wear.
Accents like umbrellas provide shade and style, but only if they’re built with sturdy frames and proper venting to withstand Colorado’s gusts. The same attention should carry over to larger outdoor installations, such as kitchens, where material selection is critical. Lesley Short of Lehrer Fireplace & Patio advises homeowners to start with safety and hardiness when designing outdoor kitchens. “Choose something non-combustible like stone or metal,” she says. “Barbecue grills are hot—think of it like a small fire on your countertop.” From there, materials need to withstand both UV exposure and fluctuating temperatures. Native sandstone is one option that performs well while also tying into the surrounding landscape. Just as important, Short notes, is visual continuity. “Outdoor living spaces are best enjoyed if they feel like an extension or another room of your home.”
That connection between indoors and out is shaping design trends across the region. Rob Osgard, senior staff member and buyer at Howard Lorton Furniture & Design, says homeowners are moving away from years of gray-heavy palettes in favor of warmer, more inviting tones. “Once you’ve had a cycle of gray and very dull hues for a long time, you want something warmer, more inviting, more nesting and spa-like,” he says. “People started creating these cozy environments in their homes, and they want that same feeling when they go outdoors.” To create cohesion from indoors to outdoors, homeowners are synchronizing earthy color palettes, keeping their views unobstructed by large furniture, and incorporating splashes of color from their flower beds into their decor.
Layering materials is another way to elevate a patio’s design. Mixing wood, metal, and woven elements adds depth while keeping the space from feeling flat or overly matched. Osgard points to combinations like aluminum paired with outdoor rope or teak accents as particularly popular. Fire features are also becoming more customized, with homeowners gravitating toward unique shapes, cutouts, and finishes that feel more personal than standard, off-the-shelf designs.
For those working with smaller patios or tighter budgets, simple updates can still make an impact. Additions like throw pillows, colorful planters, garden benches, rugs, artwork, sculptural accents, or even a plug-and-play fountain can shift the entire feel of a patio without requiring a full redesign. “These small changes can add a lot to pop your space and add character, warmth, and personality,” Osgard says.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that feels unified, comfortable, and built to last. By combining deliberate design choices with durable materials and well-chosen accents, homeowners can create an outdoor oasis that reflects their personal style and withstands the Centennial State’s unique weather conditions.
CREATIVE LIVING
IDC Building
590 Quivas St., 2nd Floor
Denver
720.222.9509
clden.com
HOWARD LORTON FURNITURE & DESIGN
12 E. 12th Ave.
Denver
303.831.1212
howardlorton.com
LEHRER FIREPLACE & PATIO
5751 County Line Pl.
Highlands Ranch
303.795.2507
lehrerfireplacepatio.com
