Homeowner Shares Their Dreamy Patio Transformation For Fall & Winter

Frosts are now a nightly occurrence, and the garden's long been put to bed for the winter. The patio is the last thing on the list to winterize, but packing away the cushions and unfurling the furniture covers feels too mournful to confront. Instead of settling for the cold season indoors, TikToker Amber Alatini flipped winterizing on its head by creating an outdoor living area from scratch, right when everyone else is shoving lounge cushions under their basement stairs.

Their previously empty deck area became a cool-weather haven for all members of the family. They turned the blank space into a dreamy, calming getaway with an outdoor couch, armchair, rug, coffee table, and a cozy bed for their pup in soothing grays. The addition of string lights, an oversized candle, and a collection of plants transformed their patio into a cozy outdoor living room.

But that's far from the end of the story. Clear PVC roller blinds that close in each open side of the deck's overhang are the icing on the cake. These thick, transparent sheets do wonders to block out winter weather — from sleet to wind — and even help hold in a bit of heat.

No matter what furnishings and decor you stock your protected patio with, keeping the weather out is priority number one. It's a cinch to maintain your patio during harsh winter weather if you shelter your space from the worst of it. Once you source the right blinds, your own take on this cozy space can include some or all of these additional elements. However, you need to start with an outdoor structure with a roof. A pergola, gazebo, the underside of an upper deck, or an overhang connected to your home will all work. If you have an underused carport, that spot is also a great candidate for a makeover.

Amber Alatini opted for roll-up clear plastic blinds that are easy to pull into place and retract whenever you need. This feature is ideal for year-round rainproofing as well. If you live in a windy area, some of these blinds come with grommets at the bottom corners so you can tie them down to block gusts and prevent damage.

To create the dreamy, calming atmosphere Alatini achieved, the gray color scheme played a major role, along with the unfussy furniture. The results are inviting but not overstimulating. String lights are a must, but at least one other light source will layer the space in illumination. Alongside a candle or two, a thrifted indoor lamp can make the perfect outdoor lamp for your patio with a few tweaks. Live plants may or may not work for your own winterized deck hangout, so faux greenery can step in to round out the space's charm.