In Italy, a palatial home is known as a palazzo. Many of these palatial homes are filled with silk, centuries-old artwork, and other precious objects, creating a luxurious environment that is sure to please even the most discerning buyers. You may not have the budget to buy a palazzo in Venice, but that doesn't mean you can't bring a little bit of Italy to your backyard. Follow these tips for doing a home patio remodel that transforms your patio area into a Venetian-style paradise.
1. Incorporate plasterwork into your palazzo-like patio area. Decorative plaster is characteristic of many of the palatial homes found in Venice and other areas of northern Italy. The plaster used in older Italian homes is typically made from lime putty mixed with other materials to create a textured look; marble and quartz are common additives. Plaster can also be mixed with a variety of pigments to produce custom colors that match the furniture, draperies, and other objects in a home. To replicate this textured look in your patio area, erect a low wall around the seating area and use a plaster made specifically for exterior use to make the wall look like something right out of a Venetian palazzo.
2. Brighten up the patio with cobalt-blue and brick-red planters. When you think about Venice, you probably think of gondolas gliding along the Grand Canal, which is lined with palatial homes that were once owned by Italian nobility. Take your renovation inspiration from the dark-blue gondolas that carry people along the narrow channel and the brick-red awnings that stand out in contrast to the white and beige building facades. Place colorful planters around the edge of the patio to bring these colors to your outdoor living space.
3. Landscape with flowers that are commonly found in Italy. Adding planters and flower boxes is an easy and fairly low-cost way to spruce up your patio, but don't choose just any flowers if you really want to mimic the look of a palazzo courtyard. Instead, landscape with flowers that are often found in Italian gardens. If your patio gets full sun, Italian lavender is a wise choice, as the deep-purple flowers contrast beautifully with white, gray, and even pale-yellow paint. Fresh herbs are also a great addition to any patio, especially if you choose oregano, thyme, and other herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. If you need something hardy, go with geraniums. These flowers are often used to decorate the balconies of grand Italian homes.
4. Have fun with fountains. Venice is often called the "City of Water," and for good reason. In addition to the Grand Canal and a network of smaller canals, Venice is filled with fountains and other water features. Bring a little bit of Venice to your patio area by purchasing a fountain and placing it in a position of prominence. If you live in a drought-prone climate, look for an energy-efficient fountain that recycles water.
5. Install a wrought-iron fence. For hundreds of years, blacksmiths in Venice worked with iron and other metals, shaping these materials into practical objects. Although many forges have since closed, the craftsmanship of Venetian blacksmiths is still an important part of the Italian culture. Pay homage to these blacksmiths by fencing in your patio with wrought-iron fencing instead of using fencing material made from wood, vinyl, or chain link. For added flair, paint the fence cobalt-blue or brick-red to match your new planters.
As you can see, turning your patio area into a Venetian paradise isn't as difficult as you might think. With the right materials, colors, and landscaping features, you can turn your patio into an outdoor living space that is the envy of all your neighbors.
For more tips, get in touch with a company such as 24 Construction and Design.
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