Outdoor Space Ideas to Elevate Your Backyard This Summer

Posted: June 27, 2021 3:17 am

With the official start of summer this week, it is time to start sprucing up your backyard space. Now is the best time of the year to spend time out in Mother Nature soaking up the best of the season. With a little financial investment and work, you can turn your backyard into your own outdoor oasis. Here are a few features to consider adding to this space this summer.

Comfortable Seating: No outdoor area is complete without plenty of comfortable seating. If space allows, you may want to consider adding multiple seating areas. This works well when entertaining friends and family because it allows people to congregate in different areas of the yard.

The centerpiece of your outdoor seating should be an appropriate table and chairs for eating. Outdoor sectional sofas are all the rage these days. This type of seating is far more comfortable and inviting than the standard patio chairs. Outdoor coffee tables and end tables make the perfect complementing pieces for your sofas. Be sure to choose outdoor-specific cushions and pillows so that they stand up to the weather elements.

Water Feature: A dedicated water feature adds another element of style and aesthetic to your outdoor space. Depending on your space and budget, you can go all out with a small pond or simply add a bubbling fountain. A water feature will also provide a relaxing vibe because of the sound that it makes. The sight and sound of this feature will contribute to the overall atmosphere that you are aiming to create in your personal oasis.

Outdoor Kitchen: One of the most popular home improvement additions over the last few years is the outdoor kitchen. With more people entertaining others outside because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners are looking for ways to expand their living space into the great outdoors. You can go with the classic grill and minibar setup or you can choose to elevate this idea even further with the addition of a unique feature such as a wood-burning pizza oven. There is no limit to how you can use your outdoor space in a functional manner with the addition of an outdoor kitchen.

Bar Area: Along with your outdoor kitchen, you can add a dedicated bar area to your backyard. This area can be as elaborate as a wet bar, complete with a sink and a refrigerator. Or you can set up an outdoor bar counter, providing the perfect place to serve drinks. There are many pieces of bar furniture designed to stay outside. Some of these pieces of furniture even have coolers built into them so that you can keep all of the drinks flowing. Why waste time going back inside every time you need to make yourself a drink when you can have all the essentials already outside?

Upgraded Lighting: If you plan on spending time outside when the sun goes down, you are going to want proper lighting. This lighting should be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Good ideas to consider include a string of bulbs that hangs across your sitting area, tiki torches to line the perimeter of your yard, and outdoor lanterns. Solar bulb lighting is another popular choice for homeowners looking to save money on their energy costs.

Heat Source: A heat source in your backyard will allow you to stay comfortable even when the temperature begins to cool down. If you have enough green space in your yard, a fire pit is a great idea to bring people together. It is easier than you think to make your own fire pit. For smaller spaces, propane heaters or fire features are easy and convenient to use. The aesthetic of these heat sources should integrate into the overall look of your space for maximum visual appeal.

Pest Control: If you live in an area prone to pests and critters, you are going to want to take steps to address this issue before you spend a considerable amount of time outside. Mosquito netting is a good idea for those who live in the South or other areas that are prone to this nuisance. You may be able to get away with just using a citronella candle or two. A professional pest control company can assess your yard situation and provide you with recommendations to keep other critters out of your sanctuary.

These ideas are just the beginning of the ways that you can elevate your outdoor living space this summer. Have fun with this project and then enjoy the fruits of your labor as you connect with Mother Nature without even having to leave your home.