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Your home outdoors tells a story of who you are, how you live, and your priorities. Whether you have a large backyard with many possibilities or a small urban patio, consider ways to enhance it to meet your needs and reflect your style. As you will realize, you’re more likely to enjoy the space if it’s comfortable and attractive. Here are five outdoor home improvements you should prioritize:
Your home outdoors tells a story of who you are, how you live, and your priorities. Whether you have a large backyard with many possibilities or a small urban patio, consider ways to enhance it to meet your needs and reflect your style. As you will realize, you’re more likely to enjoy the space if it’s comfortable and attractive. Here are five outdoor home improvements you should prioritize:
Not having a fence or broken-down one makes your yard feel uninviting and unsafe. Consider what fencing is best for your outdoor area. Vinyl, cedar, wrought iron, and chain-link are great choices, but make sure it’s regularly maintained.
Lighting the fence lends a warm and inviting atmosphere and improves security. Outdoor led fence lights are ideal as they consume less energy, are easy to install, and last longer. Check whether the gate and hinges are properly adjusted and in good condition to prevent accidents.
Comfortable outdoor seating, whether a bench, chairs or a hammock, makes your backyard feel cozy and inviting. You can also add larger furniture, such as sofas and tables if you have a large family or entertain often.
Choose furniture designed for outdoor use, such as items made from weather-resistant materials like wicker and aluminum. Add outdoor accessories like pillows, cushions, rugs, and umbrellas. A patio or fire pit is also a great way to bring people together and enjoy the outdoors.
The right outdoor lighting makes your space feel welcoming, even after the sun sets. Use path lights, step lights, or spotlights to light walkways and stairs for safety. Soft lightings, such as string lights or lanterns, create a festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to install motion-sensor lights for added security. Solar-powered lights are a great energy-saving choice.
Adding greenery to your outdoor space makes it feel like an extension of your home. Create a lush garden with colorful flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants. Install planters, window boxes, or hanging baskets to maximize space. Planting in containers allows you to move greenery around easily and add height with trellises or arbors.
Consider a vegetable garden to enjoy homegrown produce if you have a bigger yard. Select varieties that withstand the weather in your region and require less maintenance, especially when you’re just starting. Don’t forget to add a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, to attract birds.
Address issues such as damaged siding, peeling paint, or a leaky roof before landscaping. Inspect any steps, decks, and railings for stability. If you have an older home, update electrical lines to accommodate landscape lighting or other features. Plumbing upgrades may be necessary for an outdoor kitchen or bathroom, fountains, ponds, and a swimming pool.
Functional deficits are areas of the landscape where there’s an absence of elements that would provide a specific purpose. These may change as your lifestyle and needs change. For instance, if you have a toddler, install child-friendly features such as a sandbox or play area.
Once the hardscape elements are in place, add plants that reflect your personality, style, and preferences. Before long, you’ll have a functional and beautiful outdoor space uniquely yours. However, it takes careful planning, testing different styles, consulting experts, and making frequent changes as your family’s lifestyle evolves.
