Soon summer will be on its way, and it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to add a deck, build an outdoor kitchen, or make some changes in the yard, we’ve got six tips on creating the perfect outdoor space for families!
Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels
1 Take Care of Nature
When planning what to do with your outdoor space, it’s crucial to remember Mother Nature. Try planting a few trees and bushes, especially if your view is limited. Not only will this provide privacy for your backyard, but it’ll also add some flourish which can make the difference between an average yard and one that people will enjoy being in! Trees are aesthetically pleasing; they serve a functional purpose by providing shade from the sun during those hot summer days. Planting flowers around decks or patios adds color while breaking up large areas of grass (which children tend to leave torn up). When designing things like playsets, keep these things in mind; nothing says “no fun” like having all of your climbing equipment take up a large portion of your backyard with no shade.
2 Create Ambiance
There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by bright lights and harsh artificial colors when you’re outside. Instead of having your patio or deck lit up with many bright white lights, try something that’ll create an ambiance instead! For example, try adding some string lighting to the ground for a soft, colorful glow at nighttime. Another option is candlelight, which can be used on patios and around decks. It doesn’t blow out from wind gusts during those summer nights where everyone wants to sit outside and have dinner together before retreating inside s’mores over the fire pit (bonfire).
3 Consider Exposure
If you’re planning to add furniture or other amenities like a grill, patio umbrella, etc., consider exposure before anything else! For example, suppose your deck or patio is facing south. In that case, it might be ideal for adding an outdoor fireplace because the heat will reflect onto the space while also helping to keep bugs away (and who wants those pesky mosquitos at their backyard barbecue?). If you’re afraid you might suffer some cold nights, why not install sliding patio doors to protect you from external elements. Another option along these lines has plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, which are both pretty but help take care of bug problems.
4 Install Beautiful lighting
Lighting is another essential factor in creating the perfect outdoor space for families. Outdoor lighting, like indoor lighting, should be used to actually light up that area and not just “look pretty” (like string lights). You want your family members coming out of the house at night to see where they’re going, so accidents don’t happen! Most importantly, when thinking about installing outdoor lighting, you need to consider security. Low voltage or solar-powered options can provide adequate protection without having too harsh a glare. Just remember with any illumination option, flashlights, candles, etc.; it’s best if they’re battery operated because you’ll save money in the long run by not getting constantly replacing bulbs all over your yard/home.
5 Add a Water Feature
Adding a water feature like a pond or fountain is an excellent way to add nature to your outdoor space. Not only does it provide sound (which can be very relaxing), but fish are pretty too! Ponds also attract frogs that feed on bugs, birds who will help control the bug population, and plants that grow around ponds that can protect from harsh winds while creating shade during those hot summer days. In addition, waterfalls are incredible at masking noise, which can be a problem for areas close to roads.
6 Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit (bonfire) is what’s needed for those summer nights where everyone has gathered around to roast marshmallows, tell scary stories, and sing songs. It provides warmth that helps keep bugs away and heat to make sure you don’t freeze out there! However, make sure your family members are responsible enough before buying a fire pit because it can be dangerous without suitable supervision; i. e., no glass bottles or other things that will cause someone to get hurt if they’re dropped into the flames while having fun with friends/family outside at night time.
Keep these things in mind when designing your dream backyard because, with just a few simple changes, you’ll have everything necessary to create the perfect space for family living!
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