Whether it’s a small patio area or a large yard, an outdoor space can be a great extension to the rest of your home. By putting in a little bit of work, you can turn a bland outdoor area into a wonderful place to relax, eat, and entertain. Here are a few simple ways to improve your outdoor space and turn it into a more useable area.
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1. Add a Retractable Awning
One of the main drawbacks of using an outdoor space is being exposed to the weather. A retractable awning can be a great solution for this as it allows you to shade yourself from the hot sun or protect yourself from rain. Since it is retractable, this type of awning also allows you to enjoy more mild days by rolling it back when it isn’t needed.
A great option for homes that may not have built-in awnings, retractable awnings are usually able to be moved in and out using a simple crank or electric system. If you’re interested in turning your deck or patio into an outdoor dining space, they can be a great way to make the area usable during all seasons.
2. Incorporate Lighting and Heating
Adding outdoor-safe lighting fixtures can be a great way to add ambiance and take a space to the next level. String lights can be a fun and trendy way to do this, but there are plenty of other options for outdoor lamps and fixtures as well.
If you want to create an area that is usable in the cooler months of the year, a fire pit can be a great addition that adds both ambient light and heating. If the area you are looking to improve is close enough to your house that fire may be a safety concern, consider heating fixtures as a great alternative.
3. Use Live Plants as Decoration
Since anything that you put outside will be exposed to the elements, the type of decor you use in your outdoor space can be somewhat limited. Live flowers or vegetables can be the perfect weather-safe decor. If you are working with a small space, a container garden can be a fun alternative to traditional flower beds. If you aren’t up to maintaining a whole garden, a few well-maintained potted plants can still do the trick of adding beautiful, natural-looking decoration to your outdoor area.
4. Add Outdoor Seating
Outdoor spaces are a great place to entertain guests. By adding ample outdoor seating you can create a cozy area to sit with friends and family. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have many large areas inside your home to fit visitors. There are a wide variety of outdoor seating styles as well as cushions and pillows available in nearly any pattern you can imagine. You can find something that fits your unique style as well as matches your other decor.
5. Paint a Splash of Color
Depending on the materials used in your outdoor space, you may be able to add a fresh coat of paint or wood stain to pull the area together. If you have a patio or awning framed by wooden beams, a bright new color can be exactly what is needed to add new life to the area. If you’re working with a deck or fenced-in area, wood stain can be another great option to freshen things up.
Consider trying any or all of the above tips to upgrade your outdoor area and turn it into a space you love to be. You should have fun with your outdoor space and use it as an opportunity to express yourself. By the end of the project, you should end up with a great place to enjoy with family and friends.