Make Your Backyard Another Living Space
When the warm summer months are just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about enjoying the weather and the outdoors. This year, many people are not only on a tighter budget, some are even thinking of dispensing with their vacation altogether. This doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the longer days and warmer nights.
Consider relaxing at home by turning your backyard into an outdoor living space. This has been a growing trend over the last few years and it’s an affordable way of adding an extra room to your house. Entertaining is a breeze with more usable space for your guests to enjoy. Here’s how you can turn your backyard into a little slice of heaven.
1. EXPLORE
Take a long leisurely walk around your back yard looking for just the right spot. If you already have a deck or a patio you might choose to use them to create your outdoor living space, but don’t limit yourself at first. Consider other options before you decide for sure. You might have a cozy little corner somewhere that work for a relaxing oasis.
2. CONSIDER THE OUTSIDE LIGHTING
You can add outdoor light in the evening to any place you choose but during the day you can’t control the sun. So when you are selecting your space make sure you study the sun patterns so that the temperature and lighting will be comfortable during the time period you are most likely to use your outdoor living space
3. OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Next take an account of what outdoor furniture you already have and how it might fit into the space you have chosen. You will want to cluster comfortable outdoor chairs in conversational groups. Resin wicker furniture is now available that is more weather resistant while providing living room comfort seating. Check out modular outdoor sofas as well. They can be assemble and disassembled to fit every purpose.
The trend is toward creating a living room in the outdoors. As you are selecting outdoor furniture be sure and consider comfort and durability. You don’t need a matched set of outdoor furniture. Use what you have and add what you need a little at a time. Small tables and foot stools are a nice addition.
4. OUTDOOR PLANTS
Decorate your outdoor living space with plants and flowers. Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on matching planters and pots and expensive plants. Fill whatever containers you have with dirt and fill with your most durable plants that multiply easily. Use your imagination when selecting containers. Remember it’s outside and you want something that’s easy to maintain. Monkey grass, marigolds, petunias are good options depending on your climate. Fill in with a few colorful plants you buy at your local garden shop. Set the plants on the ground beside the outdoor furniture and on the small tables. Cluster in groups for impact.
5. ADD OUTDOOR LIGHTS
Light your outdoor living space with a string of white holiday lights or insect repellent candles or torches. If you have a few extra dollars invest in a chiminea or ceramic fire pit. Cluster the outdoor furniture so that it benefits from the light and ambiance of the crackling flames.
