The outdoor space is just as important for your home as indoor space. Your outdoor area is where you’ll be enjoying outdoor meals with the whole family, or relaxing and watching life from a swing seat. Maximizing this space can create a relaxing, joyful environment, and increase your overall well-being.
Some people feel that their outdoor space isn’t big enough to accommodate the large family meals they want to have. Other may feel that the space isn’t warm enough to enjoy all year round. However you feel about your outdoor space, you can make improvements to it easily. Here are some ideas to expand your outdoor area and make it your own personal oasis.
Expand An Existing Space
You can expand your patio by adding to it. You can install stamped concrete overlay over the existing patio, and over the new area. Installing it over the new and the old areas means that the whole area has a blended seamless look.
If you want to expand your deck, you can lengthen it or widen it. In some cases, this isn’t possible, so you still have options. You can add a new level to the deck. Connect the new deck to the original deck with steps or stairs.
Another option would be to add pavers to increase your space. Pavers are a very popular option as they’re very affordable, and can be very stylish.
Many people don’t have the skills, experience or expertise to make these changes themselves. You should ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations to find a contractor who specializes in outdoor spaces.
Use Your Whole Yard
When you have an appropriately sized patio space, it can be easy to forget the rest of the yard. But it is just as important. You can add interest and beauty to the rest through landscaping. Look for plants that flower at different times of the year, so your yard has color at all times.
You could also section off a part of your yard for lawn games. You could have lawn darts, croquet, badminton, or even a children’s area.
Walkways and pathways can add interest to a garden area. Use gravel, or paving stones to lead people to your butterfly garden, gazebo, or pergola. You could even have additional seating, or a hammock in a serene, peaceful area.
Outdoor Lighting, Heating and Hot Tubs
Outdoor lighting and heating are really important if you want to use your outdoor space all year.
There are so many lighting options available for outdoor areas, and there will be something to suit your budget. A good low budget option is to choose stringed lights, lanterns, or flame free candles. If you have a larger budget, then you may consider installing lighting fixtures outside. This adds elegance to your space, and you can accessorize your lights to your furnishings.
Outdoor heating means that you can enjoy your space during the colder months, but also late into the night. You could have an outdoor fireplace, a fire pit, or patio heaters. You could have heated flooring installed in your deck or patio.
Even better is installing a hot tub, which would not only keep you warm but is a fantastic way to relax and soak away the stress of the day. Hot tubs come in a wide range of sizes, and there are many compact models available if space is an issue. No matter what the season is, with a garden hot tub, some lighting and a fire pit, your backyard will be transformed into a personal oasis.
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen looks amazing in a backyard, but it’s also incredibly functional. Add some storage cabinets, a durable countertop for food prep, and a small refrigerator. An outdoor kitchen means that you don’t have to move from the house to the yard when you’re grilling. You could have the kitchen covered so it can be used all year and in wetter weather.
Furnishings
Furnishings are what makes any outdoor space usable and functional. You should think about making sure that you choose weather-proof furniture, like sectional sofas, and a love seat, or a comfortable chair. You could also add an outdoor swing bed. You can use the furniture to add big, bold splashes of color.
Adding these improvements can give you a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor living space that you’ll want to come home to.
About the Author: Scott Bland has been in the leisure industry for nearly 20 years. As a sales manager in the leisure industry he knows hot tubs inside and out. Right now he works sales while writing about hot tubs, pools and spas on his blog, www.scottbland.ca