Summer is all about getting outdoors. Whether it is lounging around reading a good book, being active, or grilling, your outdoor space can be the perfect place to relax, have fun or entertain. With a little imagination, a touch of creativity, and some muscle an ordinary backyard space can be transformed into a magical oasis.
Any volume of space can undergo a transformation. Take a look at this backyard's
'before and after.' The space looked small, crowded and overgrown.
Landscape design by Mark Hartley Landscape Architects & home by Studio Pyramid
Whether you have a big budget or a small budget, follow these simple tips to enhance your outdoor space.
SPACE/FLOW
•Think about your space as a series of different rooms. Dedicate places to cook, play, lounge and entertain.
•Think outside the box. Not everything has to be used for its intended purpose. Why not transform a garage into a pool cabana and a driveway into a dining room?
LIGHTING
•During the day the sunlight is all you need, but be sure you have spaces for shade and sun.
•Summer nights, the sun sets late, and then the moon and stars enhance your lighting scheme. Add to the drama by using candles, candelabras or chandeliers.
•Some lighting serves a dual purpose as a fan to cool you down and to keep the bugs at bay.
DECOR
•Mother nature has taken care of most of decorating but your possibilities are limitless.
•Flowers and plants serve as the perfect backdrop. Layer in art, fabrics and even outdoor rugs, pillows, throws; anything you use indoors you can use outdoors with water resistant fabric such as Sunbrella. Use slip covers or leather for easy cleaning.
•Simple water resistant pillows on the ground can serve as additional seating.
•Potted green plants can be moved indoors in the winter so no seasonal planting is needed. Choose plants that stay green year round such as yews and boxwood.
•Cover walls and fences with vines which look beautiful and make the fence disappear - climbing hydrangeas are great as they have a very large wingspan.
STOCK UP
•To maximize the enjoyment of your outdoor space, stock up on all the outdoor essentials for relaxing, entertaining and playing.
•For spur of moment casual dinners, be prepared by stocking outdoor cabinets with everything you need; you'll be much more likely to pull off great event.
•Turn a garage into a full service cabana with everything in one place, from sunscreens, sports equipment, towels and first aid kits.
•A small refrigerator holds indispensable luxuries without all the extra wet footsteps in the house.