As we head into summer, now is the perfect time to reflect on our outdoor spaces. What’s working? What prevents you from enjoying this bonus space to its full potential?
Focus on high-impact, low-cost items that add value to your yard. Improving your outdoor space extends your living space from indoor to outdoor and can really make you feel like you gained an extra room.
If your outdoor space needs a little oomph to get long-weekend ready and beyond, consider these inspiring ideas that will get you back to enjoying outdoor living.
Privacy dividers or trellises
If your outdoor space is feeling a little flat, consider adding height to your space with a divider or trellis. You can also add expanding ivy trellises to cover an existing wall or railing for a touch of low maintenance greenery. Dividers can also add privacy, perfect if your neighbours have too much of a view into your patio parties, without blocking the breeze.
Outdoor rugs and flooring
If you have a tired patio area but no budget to refinish it, an outdoor rug is the perfect way to refresh your space on a budget. You could also try a click together flooring to float a new surface — or a combination of the two. If you’ve got stone that’s looking like it’s seen better days, maybe all you need is a little pressure washing session.
Decorative planters
Flowers add colour, so add as many planters as you can. There are so many options available in a variety of sizes and colours — you really can’t go wrong. For big planters, add variety using the thriller, filler and spiller method: a tall thriller plant at the back or centre to add height and drama; a filler plant to surround the thriller to make the container look full; then finally a spiller plant that slightly hangs over the edge of the planter. Combining these creates a dynamic floral display.
Outdoor lighting
Set the mood with outdoor lighting to extend your outdoor relaxation into the evening. Consider solar pathway lights to guide the way and string lights strung romantically to set the mood.
Wind chimes and wind spinners
Capitalize on a cool breeze with wind chimes or wind spinners. I personally love the gentle sound of a wind chime, but if you’re not a fan, a spinner adds colour and movement to your outdoor space.
Supplementary seating
Consider a supplementary seating area in addition to your outdoor dining set. I recently added a small bistro set in a separate mini patio in my backyard (using just a few inexpensive patio stones on a gravel base to create an additional flat area), and it’s been getting so much use by the entire family.
Outdoor wireless speakers
Deck out your patio with more than decor: add ambience to your space with the flexibility of an outdoor Bluetooth speaker/ wireless speakers let you bring the party to wherever you are so you aren’t restricted to enjoying your favourite tunes where that one lonely outdoor plug is.
Upgrading your space with these small changes can make a big impact, encouraging you and your family to spend more time outdoors. Enjoy your meals outside and relax in the fresh air.
I love spending time outdoors with my family (and my cat often joins us in her catio!) Incorporating these suggestions into my own outdoor space has improved my mood and reduced my stress levels. Who needs an expensive vacation when your backyard is its own getaway?
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