As winter’s chill gives way to the splendor of spring, we’re celebrating the sunshine from a comfortable retreat in our own backyard. To create an outdoor sanctuary of your own, you’ll need a welcoming focal point, comfortable furniture, and of course some nature.
Focal Points
The right focal point really grabs the attention of your guests – creating a space that’s warm and inviting. Fire pits and fireplaces add a comfortable and cozy vibe that really brings your guests together as they roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and share stories. Accent your focal points and set the right mood with lighting. Choose soft white bulbs to create a diffused, romantic glow, or colorful lights to liven up group parties and summer barbecues. Install an outdoor sound system to surround your guests with festive music, or simply use portable Bluetooth speakers to bring the tunes outside. A few simple touches make your focal points feel like outdoor extensions of your indoor living areas, providing family room comfort in the great outdoors.
Outdoor Furniture
An outdoor rocking chair or bench is the perfect perch for gazing at glorious sunsets, sharing a pitcher of tea with your neighbor, or just waving to the folks passing by. When purchasing outdoor furniture, keep the size of your backyard in mind, since pieces that are too large will make your space feel cramped and unwelcoming. Choose furniture that won’t turn into a rust magnet, and choose fabrics treated to resist mold, mildew, and fading. Cushions and accent pillows add comfort and color to your furnishings, creating a cozy retreat just outside your door. Outdoor rugs are an easy way to define the boundaries of your space, while providing additional cushioning underfoot.
Flowers & Plants
Decorating with flowers and other garden and outdoor pieces can really bring your lawn to life. Low-maintenance plants – including black-eyed susans, daylilies, spiraea, and clethra – add variety and color while requiring minimal upkeep. Potted plants and trees are another easy way to integrate more greenery into your outdoor living space, and pots in a variety of colors and textures can be matched to your outdoor decor. Citrus and olive trees are fragrant and easy to maintain – filling bare corners while enhancing your privacy.
Transforming your outdoor space into a usable living area doesn’t take much and adds a totally new dimension to your home, providing you with every comfort of home with the beauty of nature.