Decorating Diva: Must-try patio trends from Sabrina Soto

To learn more about the top trends in outdoor decor we turned to Sabrina Soto, Target style expert for home, HGTV host and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design. She shares some of her favorite ways to update your patio this spring. “Updating your patio or deck for the spring can be easy, fun and doesn’t have to cost a lot,” she tells us.

Multifunctional pieces

Making sure your outdoor space is organized is just as important as adding decorative elements. Get your patio in shape by creating a stylish way to keep the area neat, advises Soto. “A multifunctional furniture piece, such as a storage ottoman, is a great place to start,” she says. “It can do triple-duty as a table, clutter concealer and also provide extra seating for guests.” Store anything you’re not using in this charming Chesapeake storage bench (potterybarn.com, $549 to $618).

Wicker

If you’re searching for new patio furniture to update your outdoor space, wicker is a big trend this year, Soto tells us. “Natural-looking furniture pieces are a great way to revamp your patio,” she says. Wicker offers a great balance between rustic and urban – it looks just as good on a wraparound country porch as it does in a small city backyard. Target’s new Smith & Hawken Belvi woven lounge collection ($399 to $1,999) is long-lasting and perfect for creating an on-trend, elegant outdoor oasis.

Colorful accessories

One of the easiest ways to perk up your patio for a new season is with color. Outdoor pillows and pillar candles in bold hues can especially make a space come alive, says Soto. “Bright reds, yellows and greens will be popular this summer,” she tells us. “Choose patterned accessories in your favorite bright hues from the season’s most popular trends, such as ikat and Moroccan prints.” We love this adorable outdoor pillow with a colorful red, green and yellow school of fish pattern (westelm.com, $39).

Outdoor rugs

Floor coverings aren’t just for indoor use. This summer, opt for a patio rug to really bring your outdoor space together. “An outdoor rug instantly turns any deck or patio into a living space,” Soto says. “Stick with a neutral tone so the scenery and accessories tell the story,” she advises. This simple but durable rug offers warmth and style without taking away from the overall design of your space (crateandbarrel.com, $199).

Lighting

Adding the right kind of lighting gives your patio new life when the sun goes down. Warm summer nights are perfect for sipping cocktails in the yard so why not add to the ambiance? “String lights hung around your patio create a magical setting,” Soto says. “Lanterns are another good mood-setting option.” We’re currently coveting these beautiful galvanized lanterns, part of the Privet House at Target collection ($25 to $35, available in stores starting May 10).

Planters and urns

Planters and urns are an easy way to update a patio or deck. Place them symmetrically around the perimeter to define the space. Make sure you decorate with ones that are not too heavy so you can move them around whenever you feel like changing the atmosphere. We love the weathered look of these stone cube planters (restorationhardware.com, $118 to $265).

Fire pit

If you love the way fireplaces make for a great place to gather in the winter, recreate that feeling in the summer with a fire pit, another patio trend that has been steadily gaining steam over the past few years. “A fire pit is a great addition to any outdoor space,” says Soto. “It creates a great focal point for friends and family to gather around on summer nights.” Fire pits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the size and layout of your patio. Keep guests cozy when the sun goes down with this simple but stylish stainless steel fire pit (northlineexpress.com, $148).