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.
Notably, steel sheds are making a great comeback thanks to their durability and functionality. Unlike wood, they’re less prone to degradation and can withstand the forces of nature.
So, whether you reside in Australia or South Africa, with some research, you’re bound to find a reliable home shed builder at an affordable price.
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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. 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.
