An outdoor patio may be neat and tidy, but still lack excitement or warmth. If you don’t make it comfy, add greenery, items unique to you, and invite your guests, you might be excused for wondering why you even had one if no one wants to go out there. The good news is that it doesn’t require radical change to change an empty space into one that is used and enjoyed. With the right balance of comfort, practicality, and style,  such as choosing modern dining tables Australia homeowners are drawn to for both aesthetics and function,  you can create a space people naturally gravitate towards. Start with the Basics: Seating and a Centrepiece Almost all enticing outdoor spaces should start with a focal point, in most cases it’s likely to be a table and chairs – no surprise there. Whilst a long rectangular table can comfortably support a larger family or social catch-up, a round table or square, can also offer a casual connection to the environment which may encourage a more intimate feel. Choosing your table is just half the challenge – you’ll also need to choose comfortable seating around the table and this is equally important, if it’s not comfortable they’ll not sit there for ten mins. You’ll be looking for supportive seating with a back, but don’t forget that you may be able to use outdoor cushions that are tough enough to survive outdoor conditions. Layer in Comfort It’s nice to think of a patio as a continuation of a home’s living area, therefore comfort should be a priority. Outdoor pillows, rugs, and throws not only make the space more inviting but also more livable. Soft material textures can balance the hard surfaces of concrete or timber decking and also provide warmth and a homely feel. Most people don’t think of shade when thinking about comfort. Canopies, umbrellas, pergola or skinny climbing plants create shade that might help keep the outdoor area a tad cooler on warmer summer days. Add Greenery and Natural Elements Plants can take an uninspired patio to a living space that would welcome a few hours being spent in it. You don’t need a ton of plants – even smaller potted plants, vertical gardens, and small trees in pots create texture and colour. And importantly, greenery softens concrete, and gives you and your patio a visual connection to the outdoors and nature. In smaller patio or outdoor spaces, smaller or layered arrangements should avoid cluttering the space. However, just a few potted arrangements – primarily in green will to enhance the ‘livable’ quality in the space. Lighting Sets the Mood Lighting influences a patio to become warm and magical, or indifferent and unmemorable when the sun goes down. String lights are easy to install but create warm and whimsical atmospheres. Solar powered stake lights, or standard lanterns, also provide some directional lighting and help define pathways. Wall sconces provide improved sophistication along with “built-in” LED lights create a more polished appearance. Lighting defines not only the environment, but also extends enjoyment – after dark. Adequate lighting also makes your patio an area that you ‘can use’ outside of daylight hours. Personal Touches That Make It YOUR Outdoor Space What makes a patio or outdoor living space feel inviting is usually the detail that represents YOUR input and use of the particular outdoor space. A fire pit can enhance a cool night or chilly evening air, a drinks cart can add entertaining diversity, a hammock tucked away can also enhance the spaces character, too. Be clear about the experience or environment you would like to create when you or a guest occupy the space – (as a family dinner space, calming reading area, entertaining friends, etc), and pick elements that suit or support that experience. Personal Touches That Make It Yours While aesthetics are important, how practical a patio set is should never be forgotten. Your outdoor furniture should be easy to keep clean, and strong enough to withstand the weather. Ideally your cushions will have removable covers, and your tables will be stain-resistant, or at least spill-resistant. The less maintenance your patio furniture requires, the better it will likely look, and the more time you can spend enjoying it. In terms of storage, there are benches with hidden storage or outdoor cabinets that allow a cleanness to an outdoor space by providing a place to stash away cushions or throws when not in use. Creating a Space That Lasts The trick in getting an empty patio to be a place where people want to spend time is to strike a balance in your choice of furniture between comfort, style and usage. Once you start with a nice solid, inviting piece of furniture, add the softness of furnishings, then add greenery, everything finished with lighting and personal touches will help your patio feel complete and welcoming. A thoughtfully designed patio doesn’t just look good, it becomes a natural gathering place where people want to linger, whether it’s for a morning coffee or an evening meal. Your empty patio can become one of the most lived in spaces of your home, with the right selections you won’t remember when you last had to wipe down the cushions.