Are you maximizing the use of your outdoor spaces? Many homeowners do not because they overlook the chance to create an extension of their living space. Improving these outdoor spaces can enhance your quality of life by giving you more relaxation options and exposing you to nature’s positive effects. Plus, enhancing your landscaping gives your home more curb appeal, an important factor in case you ever want to sell.
Creating Quality Outdoor Spaces
You can create inviting outdoor spaces quickly while maintaining a reasonable budget. Some important elements include:
Plants
Both gardens and potted plants can add beauty to your outdoor space while serving as borders. Depending on your location, you can choose a mix of annual and perennial varieties in order to provide variety each year. Planter boxes can serve as a border for patio spaces or provide privacy for seating areas scattered throughout the yard.
Experts suggest choosing a “signature plant” to make the space cohesive and distinctive. This area should include specimen trees that contrast with the other plants. A flowering crab or red maple adds exciting color splashes.
Water Features
Water features add depth, interest, and elegance to your outdoor spaces. A fountain can be visually stunning while offering the soothing sound of flowing water. A mini waterfall, a koi pond, and a meandering stream are prime spots for contemplation and relaxation. You will love the look and overall effect of a well-done water feature.
Lighting
The right lighting combination serves to highlight your outdoor designs while providing illumination for nighttime activities like friendly barbecues or intimate dinner parties. Placing lights strategically will create private nooks in your yard and also draw attention to your water feature or signature plants. The lighting also adds another level of security to your home. Bad elements avoid well-lit spaces and seek out the dark.
Seating
Many people focus on patio seating and leave it there. Of course, you need a spacious table and comfortable chairs so everyone can gather together. You’ll add interest and privacy to your yard by placing rustic benches among the flowers or adding a swing meant for two beneath the trees.
Outdoor Living
You will expand your living space and enjoyment by using your outdoors to the fullest. Use plants, water features, and lighting to elevate your yard and entice your family and friends to frequent it. In warmer climates, you can fully use your outdoors for most if not all of the year.
Even in those colder spots, a well-designed outdoor space can serve you for three seasons and prevent you from feeling boxed inside four walls.
Exposure to nature has many benefits, including a boost to mental health. Your outdoors can become a refuge and a source of entertainment with a few key upgrades. You can use your own creativity and individual style to add comfort, flare, and value to your home. If your outdoors is nothing special, embrace the challenge and redo it before another year passes.
