Have you always dreamed of having a gorgeous outdoor area at home, but can’t seem to find ways to achieve that vision?
These days, a garden, backyard, or patio in a family home is practically a given.
It’s where we go for fresh air, to relax by the pool (for those lucky enough), and invite friends and neighbors over for a seasonal barbecue.
With that in mind, optimizing your outdoor space isn’t just a matter of convenience.
It can also impart great practicality and charm to your home, and even boost its market value for a future resale.
This article highlights 6 creative ways to completely transform your exterior.
1. Create an Inviting Outdoor Sitting/Dining Area
Whether it’s to host a family brunch or simply enjoy being outside on a sunny day, a sitting and dining area is just what you need to embellish your backyard.
With a few carefully selected furniture pieces, you can create a unique focal point that will maximize the appeal of your outdoor space. The goal here is to have defined areas for an optimal layout.
As such, use sofas, chairs, tables, rugs, potted plants, and lighting to bring your space to life, and don’t hesitate to throw in some colorful décor items to make it pop.
2. Repurpose Your Garden Shed
Do you have an old shed that’s been sitting idle for years?
You can easily exploit that square footage for a variety of purposes. For instance, more and more homeowners choose to repurpose their garden sheds to make for extra storage or even turn them into a home office.
Furthermore, a garden shed can be transformed into a cozy reading nook or a workshop for your DIY projects.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing this space according to your needs and preferences.
With a little creativity and some minor renovations, you can make the most out of your unused shed and enhance the functionality of your outdoor area.
Consider adding insulation, windows, and proper lighting to create a comfortable and inviting space that seamlessly blends with your garden.
You may also like:
- 17 Spanish Style Kitchen Ideas
- 20 Cute Baby Girl Room Ideas
- Design Your Home with Virtual House Building
3. Build a Covered Area
Realistically speaking, the weather is often what dictates how much time we can spend outside.
For that reason, having a covered area in your backyard will allow you to enjoy that space year-round, whether it’s to shelter you against the rain or the sun.
Besides, it will add some privacy and a focal point to optimize the space’s livability.
To achieve that, look into installing a pergola, gazebo, canopy, or an awning to add charm to your exterior. If you have a porch, hammocks will make a superb cozy addition.
4. Set Up a Small Outdoor Kitchen
For avid home cooks and those who love to host on a regular basis, an extra kitchen is sure to elevate their outdoor living experience.
Not only will it save you countless trips to the kitchen, but it’s also guaranteed to impart aesthetic value to your home.
So, no matter how large of a space you’re working with, consult with a contractor to see how you can incorporate that additional cooking space in your backyard.
Pair that with a pool and some elegant lounge chairs, and you’ve got yourself the perfect summer retreat!
5. Provide Entertainment
Outdoor space was made for more than just sitting around or having dinner. Think about all the amenities you can bring in to take your outdoor living experience to the next level.
A classic choice is a nice barbecue set-up, where you’ll be able to show off your burger-flipping skills.
If you have the budget, a majestic fire pit or hot tub will make for great additions.
If you have kids who love spending time outside, you could look into trampolines, playhouses, or swing sets. How about a beautiful water feature or an outdoor home cinema?
The options are virtually endless!
6. Plant Your Favorite Flower
Feeling overwhelmed over one’s garden is natural: taking care of plants is a full-time job with microtasks.
Maybe focusing on one kind of flower at a time will ease you into bigger gardening projects later.
Think about that beautiful rose variety you’ve seen at a flea market and what it’s like to actually grow it with your own hands.
There are also zinnias, begonias, and Shasta daisies, often called can’t-kill flowers because they’ll give you the blooms when you put in the work.
They are easy to grow, according to experts.
7. Keep Warm
Friends, snacks, and stories would make for an awesome bonfire night at home. And a portable fire pit would keep the campfire spirit burning.
This device is preferably one that is easy to set up and travel with when you go camping.
One model lets you cook and grill, another can be connected to an app for temperature control. It can be smokeless or uses propane or wood, too.
Before anything else, check whether recreational fires are allowed in your area and learn relevant fire pit safety practices.
8. Try Thrifting for Your Patio Decor
If you are on a mission to makeover your outdoor living area, consider thrifting as it can yield good prices and unique pieces.
Whether you shop online or in-store, be on the lookout for lanterns, tabletop accessories, rugs, and accents that show a personality and warmth.
It’s going to be fun looking for good finds and deciding which parts of the house each piece should go to.
9. Tend to Your Landscaping
Lastly, but importantly, your outdoor area will never look well-put-together unless you make it a point to care for your lawn, plants, flowerbeds, trees, and such.
There’s just something so satisfying about well-executed landscaping.
With that in mind, dedicate a few hours a week to maintaining your exterior’s appearance. Don’t let overgrown grass or dead plants spoil its visual appeal!
Depending on how large your backyard is, it may be a good idea to call in an experienced landscaper or gardener to see how you can best adorn yours outdoors.
While owning an outdoor area at home is a chance in itself, using the space as intelligently as possible is a guarantee to elevate your everyday living experience.
Whether you need more space for storage, want to host relatives and friends, or simply admire your beautiful garden, these 6 ideas will help impart practicality and style to your exterior.
