The backyard is often an underloved, underused part of the property, mostly because the climate means that it’s usually only possible to get maximum use from the space for a couple of months out of the year.
Or at least, that’s the line of thinking that many homeowners adopt. By making a few adjustments, homeowners can transform their occasional-use outdoor area into a space that they use throughout the year. In doing so, homeowners essentially open up a whole new living area, one that allows them to socialize and unwind in the outdoors right on their own property.
In this post, we’ll run through a few tried-and-tested strategies that can make your backyard your favorite place on the planet, all year round.
Make it Inspiring
You’ll be much more inclined to spend time in your backyard if it’s aesthetically pleasing and well-appointed. Getting your yard up to this standard requires a little bit of time and effort, but it’s usually possible to get a yard up to scratch pretty quickly if the basics (such as a lawn) are already in place. If you don’t have the time or skills to create an inspiring yard, then hire a landscaper to do the job for you. Once they’re done, you’ll find that you spend much more time in your backyard.
Sun and Rain Protection
The climate can really put a dampener (literally) on how much time you spend in your backyard. It’s not just the rain that drives people indoors, but the heat too. It’s not fun sitting outside in the sunshine during the hottest parts of summer. The easy way to get around weather-related issues is to install an awning, which offers protection from the sun and rain and will allow you to spend more time outside. There’s a debate between retractable awnings vs. fixed awnings, but most people find that retractable awnings are best for their property. They’ll allow you to embrace the sunshine when you choose to, but block it out when you prefer to be in the shade.
Bring the Heat
It’s easy to visualize spending long days in your perfectly arranged backyard during the warm summer months. During the chilly fall and winter months? Not so much. You can get around this issue by adding a fire pit to your backyard, which will allow you to sit outside in your yard even if the temperatures are a little chilly. It can actually be extremely therapeutic to sit beside a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night, and it’s certainly better than watching Netflix all winter long.
Quality Furniture
Finally, you’ll be more likely to use your backyard at any time of the year if you have comfortable, quality furniture. Many people buy basic furniture for their backyard, but that won’t inspire you to go outside. Invest in quality furniture that will last for years, and you’ll find that your backyard area essentially becomes a second living room. Just be sure to store the furniture (or cushions, at least) away when not in use.
Thanks for the inspiration—I'm feeling motivated to finally turn my backyard into a space I'll actually use year-round!
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