Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Area
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important our outdoor spaces really are. As we all go stir-crazy from over 6 months of quarantine and social distancing, we need a way to have social outlets while still keeping our communities safe. The best way to do this is to limit our meetings with friends to be completely outdoor living area. You’ve probably already noticed the value of your backyard, patio, or outdoor area like never before.
Although we are beginning to distribute vaccinations, we likely will need to continue social distancing for many months to come. As spring approaches, there is no better time to spruce up your outdoor space, and there are more than a few ways to do this, no matter your budget:
Table of Contents
Landscaping
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If you’re interested in a larger investment, some basic landscaping can make a world of difference for a backyard. You should opt to hire a landscaping company, such as Nature’s Friends, if you want more widespread work done or a professional design opinion. Even if you’re not committed to making major landscaping alterations, a landscaper can help you determine which areas of your yard could be emphasized to make the greatest impact overall. Alternatively, you can start a garden or just plant some flowering shrubs around your yard. Assess the color scheme of your furniture and decor, and plant-specific flowers to match.
Replace Furniture Cushions
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Instead of replacing your furniture entirely, buying new cushions can revive your outdoor seating. This also gives you an opportunity to rethink the color scheme of the whole area. If you want a simple accent, go for solid color cushions. Alternatively, to draw attention to the furniture and make it a main focal point, you can choose patterned or multicolor cushions.
Lighting
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Mood lighting always adds an inviting aura to any space. Purchase some string lights, lanterns, or even candles to place throughout your yard or patio. Typical lighting locations include along fences, over the entryway, or lining an overhang or covering. Another popular lighting choice is a fire pit if you’re up for a bit of maintenance. This will keep your outdoor area welcoming even after the sun goes down.
Replace Your Doors
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Replacing your patio door is a small detail that can completely refresh your outdoor living area. Consider upgrading to French doors for a classic and upscale look; ETO doors have a large selection of wood and fiberglass French doors that are super affordable. Of course, double French doors have the greatest impact if you want a grandiose, luxurious atmosphere, but single French doors or any design incorporating glass has a similar effect. If replacing a door is out of your budget, consider simply repainting or refinishing your current doors.
Outdoor Rugs
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Rugs are always a great way to bring a space together by creating a visual center. You can use an outdoor rug to add color to an existing deck or patio or to draw the boundaries of a makeshift seating area. If you don’t have a deck or paved patio, you can flatten an area of the yard and place a sturdy outdoor rug to serve as a floor. Rugs also invite you and your guests to enjoy your outdoor space without shoes, creating a more comfortable environment for long visits.
Overhead Cover
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If your seating area sits in the open sun, it is critical to invest in a tent or overhead cover to provide shade from the sun. Depending on where you live, sitting outside in the heat of the day can be simply unbearable in the summer. A shade or cover will not only make the space more comfortable in warm weather, but it also can pull it together aesthetically, especially in combination with a rug. For additional privacy, consider curtains to enclose the space further.
Potted Plants
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In addition to gardening and landscaping, adding potted plants to your decor can liven up any outdoor space. Elevating small to medium-sized plants on decorative surfaces emphasizes them as part of the atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to showcase your flowery friends! Save the ground for large plants or even small trees. You may choose to disperse plants throughout the space or create a dramatic focal point by placing many plants together on one décor piece.
Floor Pillows and Hammocks
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Purchase floor pillows or poufs to add to your outdoor seating area without investing in new furniture. These items, even if they are not often used, add an invitation to lounge and relax, more so than many traditional outdoor chairs. The same goes for hammocks – these are easy to hang, especially if you have a couple of strong trees in your yard already, and can add a vacation-like ambiance.
