If you’re anything like me, you love spending time outdoors. There’s something about the fresh air and open space that just feels good. But let’s be honest, your outdoor living space could probably use a little upgrade, right?
The typical house comes with a front lawn and backyard. The square footage of all that outdoor space often adds up to double that of the dwelling itself.
Unfortunately, most homeowners fail to make the most of their outdoor living space. They may mow the yard, trim the hedges, keep the sidewalks clear of overgrowth, and commit to some basic front landscaping, but other than that, their outdoor space is unused and unappreciated.
If this describes your situation as a homeowner, perhaps it’s time for some long overdue upgrades. Here are 10 ways to upgrade your outdoor living space:
High-end patio furniture
It’s time to throw out those flimsy plastic patio chairs and invest in some durable outdoor furniture. Rope and teak patio furniture from quality brands like Harbor Classic will be more comfortable, luxurious, and weather-resistant.
By upgrading to better patio furniture, you make your outdoor living space more appealing, resulting in you and your loved ones spending more time outside when the weather is nice. The extra funds spent will be well worth the investment!
Outdoor kitchen
For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a place where family and friends gather to cook, eat, and relax. But during the summer months, the kitchen can start to feel a little cramped.
That’s why more and more homeowners are choosing to add an outdoor kitchen to their homes. Outdoor kitchens provide a spacious and airy place to entertain guests, cook delicious meals, and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Whether you go with rustic, natural setup that blends in with your woodsy back yard or go all out with a luxury grill and brick pizza oven, I promise you’ll be thinking of excuses to have an outdoor party every weekend.
They also create a natural boundary between indoor and outdoor living space, making it easy to transition from one activity to the next. Best of all, outdoor kitchens can be customized to perfectly suit any home’s style and needs.
Outdoor kitchens also add value to your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, an outdoor kitchen will be a major selling point.
Outdoor dining area
If an outdoor kitchen isn’t in your budget, you can still create a cozy dining area for year round al fresco meals and summer BBQs. Choose a spot with some shade, and set up a stylish outdoor dining table and chairs.
Invest in weather-resistant throw pillows and cushions to add extra comfort. String up some string lights or hang lanterns to make the area feel even more inviting.
Fire pit/fireplace
There’s nothing quite like sitting around a warm fire on a cool summer evening or chilly fall night. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace adds ambience and warmth to any outdoor living space, making it the perfect spot for gathering with friends and family.
You can choose from various styles and sizes, ranging from portable fire pits to built-in stone fireplaces – all perfect for your s’mores cravings and backyard camping adventures.
Outdoor lighting
Adding outdoor lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to upgrade your outdoor living space. Not only does it improve visibility for safety purposes, but well-placed lights can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for entertaining guests or simply relaxing outside in the evening.
Choose solar-powered lights if you want an eco-friendly option or invest in high-quality electric lighting if you want more control over brightness and placement. Whichever route you choose, outdoor lighting will instantly enhance any outdoor living space.
Add color and fragrance with flowers
One of the quickest and easiest ways to add some life to your outdoor space is to add some color, texture and even fragrance with flowers or planters. Just a few pops of color can really brighten up your yard and make it feel more inviting.
Choose colorful flowers that can thrive in various weather conditions, and consider the amount of sunlight they’ll need for optimal growth. You could even go with plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to really make your back yard an oasis!
Hanging baskets or planters are great options for small spaces, while flower beds will add a pop of color to larger outdoor living areas. Be sure to research proper watering and maintenance techniques to keep your plants looking healthy and vibrant.
Vegetable garden
Ever notice how vegetables from the farmer’s market taste so much better than the same vegetables bought at the supermarket? That’s due to the freshness and lack of industrial-grade pesticides.
With this in mind, those on the hunt for tasty produce should think about starting their own backyard vegetable garden. While it’s not as simple as dropping seeds and setting the timer on your sprinkler, setting up a backyard garden isn’t nearly as difficult as most people think.
Gardening requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to follow instructions (most vegetables require the right conditions to flourish.) But once you get the hang of it, it’s an enjoyable, addicting hobby that provides a healthy bounty for you and your family.
Playhouse or playground
Are you the proud parent of one or more small children? If so, it’s safe to say they’re a handful. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had somewhere to get out all that energy and play besides inside the house?
An outdoor playhouse creates a space just for your mini-me(s) and also encourages imaginative play. Not only will it provide unlimited good old fashioned non-digital play time outdoors, but it’s an awesome perk for when they have friends over to play.
If space and budget allow, consider setting up a playground with a slide, swings, and other fun equipment. Just make sure to choose a spot that’s easy to see from the house so you can keep your eye on your kids as they play.
Outdoor movie theater
Want to take outdoor entertainment to the next level? Consider setting up an outdoor movie theater in your backyard, especially if you have an outdoor living room already set up.
Not only are they a great way to enjoy a backyard movie night under the stars, but they also offer a unique entertainment experience that can be enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Best part is, outdoor movie theaters can be easily added to any outdoor living space – even for those on a budget. Whether you have a large backyard or a small deck, all you need is an outdoor movie projector, a screen, and a cozy seating area to turn your outdoor living space into a cinematic paradise.
Here are a few things to consider when adding an outdoor movie theater to your space.
- Try to choose a location that is flat and level. This will help ensure that the screen is visible from all angles.
- Consider the optimal projector distance from the screen to enjoy the best and brightest picture.
- Select a screen that is large enough for your audience. If you are on a budget, you don’t even have to buy a screen. You could use a wall, fence or even just hang a white sheet.
- Place speakers around the seating area for optimal sound quality. Outdoor movie theaters typically use waterproof wireless speakers to ensure that the sound is clear and evenly distributed.
- Decide on seating. Many people prefer lawn chairs or blankets, but you can also use patio furniture or build a custom seating area. Consider adding some cozy pillows and blankets for added comfort during movie time.
- Don’t forget the popcorn! And don’t be afraid to get creative with your refreshment options, like serving up homemade ice cream or fresh lemonade.
Just remember to check your city ordinances before setting up an outdoor movie theater, as there may be restrictions on noise levels and screen visibility from public spaces.
Backyard pool
Let’s start by saying swimming pools aren’t for everyone. Those with very small children or pets should especially think twice before putting a pool in their backyard. The maintenance required may also be too much for some homeowners to handle without hiring an outside service.
But those who can swing the initial investment, have the available outdoor space, can keep up with cleaning, and love swimming should seriously consider having a pool built in their backyard.
Not only will it provide a great form of exercise and entertainment for you and your loved ones, but it also adds major value to your home.
Whatever upgrades you choose to make, remember that the key to a successful outdoor living space is comfort and functionality. With a little planning and investment, you can create a backyard oasis for relaxation or entertaining friends and family. Happy upgrading!
Are you the proud owner of a home with lots of surrounding outdoor space? If so, are you making the most of it? What has been your favorite outdoor living space improvement you’ve made?