Landscaping and soft lighting will beautify patio

Our outdoor space is not inviting to say the least. We recently removed an old shed. The concrete is cracked and our fence is going to fall over. We lack lightning and a welcoming dining area. Help us because we lack ideas that are within a reasonable budget! We are a family of five and we love being outside, but other than playing soccer in the backyard, it is not our oasis right now.

Design by Littman Bros. Lighting

• Budget: $10,000

This backyard is an empty slate, recently cleaned up and in need of some character. The patio is large enough but I would remove the cement slab walkways and replace with pavers to add some color and interest. Adding landscaping around the patio will create a base for some soft landscape lighting.

Suggestions:

• This patio has plenty of space for both a dining and lounging area. Padma Plantations has an "Outdoor Paradise" collection that would fit both needs. The Rustic Teak Dining Table comes in squares that can easily be added to create a long dining space. I would place two sections in this area, creating dining space for six.

• In the corner, place a relaxing seating area for lounging. Two Porto Fino chairs with Paradise end table and teak top would fit the space nicely, along with coordinating to the dining table.

• Place a colorful outdoor rug under the dining table to separate the space. Surya has a great collection of fun outdoor rugs. Samples are available at Littman Bros. Skye would be pretty in this application.

• Updating the exterior lights and adding path lights will create soft conversational lighting. Hinkley Lighting Quincy collection is a transitional and casual look. Pair this with the Hinkley Contempo Path light and a few candle lanterns on the table.