Summer is finally upon us and we can’t wait to spend as much time as possible outside with friends and family. For those who thrive on hosting a backyard bash or two during the warmer months, we’ve provided a few of our favourite ways to create the ultimate backyard oasis. Take advantage of the summer sun with these timely tips.
Create an outdoor living area.
Bringing the indoors out is a great way to add comfort and style to your backyard. Home stores are bursting with furniture specifically designed for an outdoor climate, and chairs, tables and couches have gone far beyond the simple wicker loveseat or classic Adirondack chair. Add layers and texture with indoor/outdoor rugs, blankets for cooler nights, and cushions and pillows for added comfort. If you’ve got the structural space, consider a porch swing or hammock!
Easy access.
Going from the inside to the outside should be an easy and seamless transition. Placing French doors in the kitchen or living area leading directly onto the patio will provide fabulous natural light and easy access to your outdoor living space. An alfresco dining area directly off the kitchen or dining room is a great way to connect two spaces together. It will also make your indoor space feel much larger.
Mask outdoor tools.
Everyone knows a beautiful outdoor landscape doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort and plenty of lawn and gardening tools to obtain a perfectly-manicured space. But once you’ve worked all day outside, the last thing you want is to be staring at all of those tools while you relax on the patio and enjoy the fruits of your labour. If you don’t have the luxury of a garage, consider multi-purpose items, such as a bench that opens up and doubles as storage for smaller gardening tools. A quaint storage shed is also a great addition to an outdoor space. Tools can be neatly tucked away and taken out as needed.
Sun smart.
A backyard oasis is the perfect way to spend a day soaking in the sun. But summer temps also require sun safety and your family and friends will appreciate the option of shade now and then. No need to put a wrench in the outdoor gathering and move everyone inside. If trees are in low supply, provide a bit of man-made shade. Large sun umbrellas or awnings are an easy way to cover a portion of your patio and mask the sun.
Full bloom.
Flowers and plants are a wonderful addition to any outdoor space. If your thumb is far from green, consider a few flower boxes filled with low-maintenance perennials. These simple yet beautiful blooms will grow year after year and provide lasting pops of colour throughout the spring and summer months.
Finishing touches.
Whether inside or out, the final touches and little details add personality to any space. For an outdoor living area, consider twinkling lights strung between trees or wrapped around a pergola. Lanterns of all sizes hanging or sitting on the deck add soft lighting for cozy nights. If the space allows, consider a few backyard games, like bocce ball or bean bag toss. Have fun adding your own personal style to your space.
Sometimes you don’t have to leave home to have the perfect summer night. If you’ve got an outdoor reno that needs tackling to create your very own backyard oasis, check out iloverenovations.ca. or call 902-488-5683.
Happy summer!