Create an outdoor living area your family would love!
While we are practicing social distancing, we are starting to become more creative with ways we entertain ourselves. Your backyard is your own little piece of the outdoors, why not make it special? Designing an outdoor space at home doesn’t have to be costly to be luxurious and will add a little spice to family time. Whether you have a small yard, or a property where acreage is no object, you can enhance your lawn and garden in a number of ways. How you decorate your slice of paradise can have a big effect on how much you enjoy your time spent outside. Create the space of your dreams—where you can host a party, or just relax and read.
Here’s 10 Things you need to create the perfect outdoor living area that you, and your family and friends, will never want to leave.
1. Shade Shade Shade
Shade is needed and I’m NOT talking Real Housewives Shade. Planning to spend a lot of time outside with your backyard? You will definitely need shade. A pergola is a fantastic idea, it can create the illusion of another space within your backyard. For our family we have a pergola off the patio that is has a dining table. Adding curtains to your pergola can add extra shade. Umbrellas provides much-needed shade, as well. There's something about its round shape, projected above the other pieces of outdoor furniture, that looks fun and inviting,.
Here’s more ways to create shade in your backyard:
Umbrellas
Gazebos and pergolas
Awnings
Vines growing on overhead roofs or arbors
Trees
2. Set the Scene with the Right Lighting
If you’re looking to have one of the most beautiful backyards, invest in outdoor lighting. Depending on your space, you want to make sure that the lighting set the mood for the entertaining the your guest.
Drape string lights down from a pergola or across your outdoor living space to give it a starry-night feel. You can also line any patio or garden path with torches and lanterns for soft lighting.
3. Create an Outdoor Dining Area
In the South, outdoor dining is a must! When I was growing up Sunday’s were for Football and BBQ. My Dad would always “put something on the grill”. If you love entertaining guests, having family barbecues, or working outside, then a table is a must for your green space! There’s several options for a outdoor dining, you can buy a patio set that comes complete with table and chairs (like I did), or build your own table out of wooden boards from a local home improvement show.
4. Comfortable Seating is a Must
Outdoor seating is one of the most important features when transforming your backyard area. However, seating is one thing, but lounge chairs, deep seated conversational set, rocking chairs or a hammock really allow you to stretch out and relax. This pieces will create a cozy space for you and your guests, whether it's under an umbrella, by a swimming pool, on a deck, or even on the balcony of a high-rise apartment building. Also, checkout outdoor daybed swings, yes it’s a thing.
5. Cozy Outdoor Rug
Choosing an outdoor rug was my favorite part while creating my outdoor living area. When it comes to selecting an outdoor rug, you want you to choose a rug that adds a pop of color to your space. I love earth tones, however adding a rug with yellow or orange creates a lively feel for the outdoor space. Also, the bigger the better, it’s an inexpensive way to change up a space without having to go through the process of painting or staining a deck.
6. Set Up a Backyard Theater
With social distancing in place, theaters are closed and watching movies indoors can be a bit routine. Setting up an outdoor theater in the backyard can be easier than you may think. Hook up your projector, set up your screen by purchasing one or making one and VOILA you have an outdoor theater. Grab your popcorn, add a few blankets, large pillows and watch all of your favorite flicks right in your yard!
7. Grilling Zone with an Outdoor Kitchen
Bar-b-queuing is definitely an art in the across the United States. Everyone has their specialty when it comes to grilling— Brisket, ribs, chicken and even salmon. Whichever it is, you need the perfect space to show off your skills. Let your backyard be the supreme spot for entertaining guests with a kitchen! There are plenty of ways to create a kitchen that fit within your budget. Add a charcoal grill and table on a patio for a simple look. Or install a kitchen kit under a pergola, which includes an island, grill, storage, and refrigerator.
8. Plant Bright Flowers
Mother Earth and her beautiful flowers has the power to brighten up anyone’s day. Carefully selecting plants and flowers can really set a theme or mood, even transport you to a favorite vacation spot. Who wouldn't want to step outside every day to a yard that reminded them of that trip to Maui, Cape Cod or Thailand?Plant hydrangea bushes or tulip bulbs along the fence if you have a major green thumb. Or go to your local plant nursery and buy a few pots to fill with your favorite blossoms.
9. Water Feature
Backyard water features contribute to a calming and relaxing vibe on your patio or deck. From waterfalls to decorative ponds, water features are a welcome addition to any backyard because they’re relaxing and calming. Not only do they look great, they sound even better, adding to the tranquil nature of the space. Depending on how extensive you want to get, water features provide a focal point and can even attract wildlife in the case of ponds.
Water feature ideas:
Fountains
Pond
Pool
Hot tubs
Bird baths
Garden streams
10. Fire Pit
Fire pits are a hot trend now. Creating some ambience, the type of fire feature you choose says a lot about your lifestyle. Fire pits provide warmth while adding atmosphere to your outdoor living space. Backyard fire pits provide a convenient and welcoming place to melt marshmallows or gather around after a dip in the pool. It creates a warm, central gathering area for entertaining well into the evening hours. Picture summer nights or winter gatherings around a self-contained fire that offers heat and elegance
Whether you want to do major upgrades or just do a few DIY projects to create the ultimate outdoor living area, these 10 must haves are a great start to ensure the perfect entertaining space.