Your outdoor space is an extension of your home where you can transform it into a relaxation spot. With the summer approaching, you’ll need a place to relax when the heat indoors becomes unbearable. Here’s how you can create an outdoor space ready for the summer.
Outdoor spaces offer the unique advantage of being in the open air. They provide somewhere you can sit or lie down to watch the sunset or feel the evening breeze. If you’re yet to transform your outdoor space into a summer spot, here’s how to get started.
Clear Out Your Outdoor Space Ready for Summer
The first thing to do is to clear out your outdoor space to prepare for summer. Most people convert their outdoor spaces for other uses, like storage space or a dumping ground for junk.
Other times, the yard is left unkempt after the long winter. Whatever the case, you need to get your outdoor space in shape for what you have in mind.
First, clear off all the junk in your backyard and on your patio. Thoroughly sweep, clean, and remove all cobwebs. Also clean any dust and mold on furniture or exterior walls.
Aside from the dust and dirt there’ll also be heaps of leaves to clear, especially if you have trees and plants near your outdoor space.
You’ll also need to clean the porch railings and the siding to create the perfect outdoor look. Once you clean and clear out everything, then you can begin designing and decorating.
Work on Landscaping
Landscaping is an essential part of creating the perfect outdoor space for summer. Landscaping your outdoor space will change the scenery and the physical features in your yard.
You can choose to do your landscaping yourself or hire a professional service. Doing it yourself will require that you get some needed landscaping supplies like grass, soil, stones, pebbles, and gravel.
You’ll also need landscaping ideas and knowledge of the various soil types, and how to go about the decoration and general beautification. This involves dividing the space, arranging, and putting choice items like vases and walkway stones to decorate your area. Other tips you can do include:
- Create a textured look by choosing contrasting pavers – this can be dark and light pavers. Marble pavers are also a great look if you’re hoping for a more natural stone effect.
- Add plants surrounding your outdoor space which are durable. Tall plants in pots around the main entry area offer a natural feel that you’re entering a private outdoor area.
- Add a small garden or patio fountain to help make the area seem tranquil.
- Use decorative pots or paint pots to help bring colour to your area.
These are just some great ideas you can use to help bring life to your outdoor space.
Decide on Flooring and Furniture for your Outdoor Space
To make your outdoor space a truly relaxing spot, you’ll need to add some furniture and flooring. Flooring is optional if you’ve already completed your landscaping. However, if you’re not satisfied with just stones on the floor, you can try adding a rug or a carpet.
Carve a small area out and lay the rug down. This is also where you’ll place the furniture. Always buy comfortable and low-maintenance furniture when doing outdoor spaces. Outdoor furniture can range from cushions to chairs, couch, rocking chairs, and a small table. You can also add throw pillows for more comfort.
It’s natural to want a comfortable outdoor space. However, avoid overcrowding with a lot of furniture; it defeats the whole purpose. Apart from two or three permanent sitting structures, any other seats should be temporary. For instance, you can consider using folding chairs as add-on furniture
You can also introduce a swing set for your kids to play within the outdoor space if you have young children at home.
Plant a Garden/Add Potted Plants for Summer
Planting a small garden is another way to prepare your outdoor space for summer. You can plant beautiful flowers and other plants in your yard that’ll create beautiful scenery and add a pleasant mix of flowery fragrance to your outdoor space.
Another significant advantage of planting a garden is the plants will increase the fresh air during the hot summer season.
If you can’t go through the stress of planting a garden, add potted plants at strategic points in your outdoor space. Potted plants add beauty to any space and will bring your yard to life. To avoid the need to water the plants, you can buy faux potted plants. It works just the same.
Summer Lighting for your Outdoor Space
Natural lighting is usually enough for outdoor spaces during the day. However, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the evening, you’ll have to make plans for artificial lighting.
Lighting not only beautifies your outdoor space but also provides illumination at night. That way, you can enjoy lounging in your outdoor space long after the sun is gone.
You can place lights to strategically light up the lawn. However, you should downplay bright lighting where you set your furniture, to prevent insects from flooding the area.
Add A Grill for Summer
Although this last tip is optional, it’s a fun way to enjoy your outdoor space during the summer. Place the grill far from your sitting arrangement and your home.
Different laws regulate the use of grills at home. Make sure to check the one for the area to know the appropriate distance to put between the barbecue stand and your home. You should also have access to a fire extinguisher or at least water the prevent any fire outbreak.
Conclusion
It’s not yet too late to prepare your outdoor space for summer. Following the tips above will help you create a personal space where you can relax during the day and even invite friends. So, what are you waiting for? Start getting that space ready for summer today!
