Bliss in Your Backyard: Top Enhancements for Your Outdoor Space

As usual, when the summer months approach and the temperatures begin to rise, the outdoor spaces of our homes will begin to get more use. The greater amount of time spent in these areas makes investing in the comforts and conveniences available truly the best way to get the most out of all your yard has to offer. While there are many options for these upgrades, here are a few we think offer the best improvements and enhancements for your family and visiting guests.

1. Cooking in the Heat:

It is always said that a meal tastes better outside or in a scenic setting, which makes summer the time to take part in as much al fresco dining as possible. To make your job easier, invest in an outdoor kitchen that features more than simply a grill. By adding additional appliances such as refrigeration, a dish sink, or even a range, you can truly construct the entire meal surrounded by nature. You will also be able to spend more time around your guests as you will not constantly have to run inside to keep an eye on what is currently being prepared. HVAC bills can hopefully also be decreased since you will not be pumping additional warm air into your home from your inside oven or range. Finally, consider adding storage areas for cookware and dining flatware so you will not have to carry these heavy items from the inside to your cooking/dining area outside.

2. Keeping the Green, Green:

As with any home improvement project, making sure that due diligence is being taken to protect the environment is a high priority. Some of the best ways to deal with your outdoor space are with your building materials and how those materials are utilized. Lighting is one of the main elements that greatly affects the mood of the living area outside your home. Substantial lighting is usually necessary and can put a strain on your electricity bill. We highly recommend investing in solar-powered lights that use LED bulbs which will not influence your electricity bill. This allows you to have as much lighting as desired without consequences so you can enjoy the evening well past sunset. Moving onto more substantial elements, utilizing synthetic building materials is a great way to have a positive influence on natural resources. Specifically, these materials, such as synthetic decking material, will have a much longer lifespan compared to standard wooden boards giving you a great return on your investment. A final touch is allowing your garden to thrive by using a drip irrigation system which can greatly conserve water along with permeable hardscaping which promotes drainage and allows your garden to function as efficiently as possible.

3. Layering the Foliage:

If you happen to have a green thumb, there are many gardening trends that have become popular and will give your yard the love and look it deserves. One of the main keys to making your garden truly your own is a vast array of different plants such as flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Second is how these plants are displayed and planted. Floating gardens, planting beds at different elevations, and hanging pots all add an extra level of dimension and therefore perception to the area. The goal is to create an eye-catching unique space that differs from the standard layout and foliage that most people simply use in their yards.

4. Bring the Inside Out and the Outside In:

Creating a dynamic environment between in and outside your home is what is going to allow it to reach its full potential and be a place where all love to gather. A seamless transition in aesthetics and mood will create a home that feels cohesive and well-designed. There are multiple ways to accomplish this. Try to keep the style that you have chosen for your home similar both inside and out. If you transition from one type of aesthetic inside, to a different outside, it can make your home feel disjointed which can hinder the feeling of comfort and tranquility. With this being accomplished, creating an easy physical transition to the outside is a must. A great option is folding walls which can essentially open up an entire portion of a wall/window to the outside. If this transition were to open into a screened-in porch, for instance, you are essentially creating an entertainment space that is double the size. This can be invaluable during summer gatherings!

Bring the Smart Home Out:

As you most likely have made technological improvements within your home, there is no reason that these upgrades should not be made outside since you will be spending significant time there due to the warm weather. These upgrades can take many forms. Entertainment should always be considered when having gatherings or creating a space for your family to spend time together. Weather-resistant televisions and speakers are great ways to increase the usefulness of your decks and screened-in porches. Install USB charging ports as you know there is always someone needing to charge their mobile device. Finally, to keep all your plants green throughout the summer, a smart sprinkler control system will make sure they are always getting the ideal amount of water. Smart technology equals smart living!

With these summer home improvements, you will be able to create a true oasis that both your family and friends can enjoy throughout the season!

Want more insight into how RessaBuilt can help you transform your home? Check out the informative articles on our blog, or contact us to get your own home remodeling project started.