Turn Your Backyard into a Summertime Oasis
Guest Post submitted by BBQ Guys
You’re probably ready to shake off the chill of the winter air and bask in the summer sun. But is your backyard ready? Now is the perfect time to create an inviting outdoor space where you can truly relax and enjoy your surroundings.
One of the great things about backyard renovation is that a transformation can be achieved in any number of ways. It can be as simple as adding colorful new throw pillows to a chaise lounge or as dramatic as installing a swimming pool.
To make the most of your backyard, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. First, you have to take stock of your yard’s square footage and its general terrain. For instance, you may not have room for an expansive garden, but perhaps you can create green space with plants in beautifully painted pots. If you have a hillside, you may need to build a retaining wall to prevent erosion. Is your soil like clay or sand? What direction does the yard face? What kind of maintenance and upkeep will be required? These are the kinds of questions you’ll want to answer during the planning stages.
You should also \ take into account your goals for your backyard makeover. Do you want privacy, or do you plan to entertain frequently? Do you have young kids who need a place to play, or are you an empty nester who wants to take up gardening? Of course, budget is always a factor, so treat the project like you would any other home renovation.
As you develop a vision for your backyard, remember to include components that appeal to all the senses and harness the beauty of the natural elements (earth, fire, water, and air). A beautiful backyard is an extension of your home’s living space, so create an inviting environment where you want to spend time and feel at peace. Here are some ways — both large and small — to make your dream yard a reality.
Create an Outdoor Kitchen
Whether you get your food from your garden or a grocery store, enjoying a meal al fresco is one of summer’s pure pleasures. An outdoor kitchen is a convenient way to prepare and serve food outdoors, but it doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian. Design a dream space with an island, refrigerator, sinks, cabinets, and even a bar for serving thirst-quenching cocktails.
The centerpiece of the outdoor kitchen is undoubtedly the grill. Freestanding or built into the kitchen, the grill is the heart of the space and you should invest time in choosing the right one. Look for a trusted brand name like Weber grills that makes grills with an array of handy features and at a range of price points. If you plan to host dinner parties in your backyard, set up a dining area near the outdoor kitchen, creating a festive atmosphere with a long communal table and sparkling lights.
Plant an Edible Garden
The warmer months bring a bounty of delicious produce: plump berries, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and much more. You can have this cornucopia at your fingertips with an edible garden. Harvest your backyard crops from raised beds, potted plants, or fruit trees. If you’ve never tried to grow your own fruit or vegetables, seek out the guidance of a landscape professional or your local nursery.
Design Rooms with a View
A basic open yard becomes something special when you divide it into “rooms.” Carve out different spaces with hedges, bushes, or small trees, connecting the rooms with winding footpaths of gravel or stone. Each room can have a special feature — one can offer a place for reflecting with a bench and fountain, while another can boast a fire pit or a hammock.
Make Waves with a Water Feature
If you really want to dive into a backyard makeover, put in a pool. Swimming pools are invigorating on a hot day, and you can create a lovely patio space around one with sleek pavers and patio furniture. If you don’t have room for a full-sized pool, a lap pool still gives you a place to swim and adds a streamlined, contemporary feel to your yard. Not ready for a pool? Incorporate water into the backyard in other ways, such as a stately fountain or a koi pond complete with a small footbridge crossing over it.
Give Your Yard Some Structure
If you’re blessed with a big yard, you’ve got the space for an eye-catching structure. A gazebo or pergola, draped in vines or climbing plants like jasmine or wisteria, are lovely ways to create a shady, restful spot. Or be ambitious and construct a charming casita that can be used for meditation, yoga, art, or just reading a book.
Let There Be Light
Create an ambiance for those long summer nights with mood lighting. Strings of lights hanging from trees or patio covers beautifully illuminate any gathering. Solar-powered, in-ground lighting can draw the eye to landscape highlights such as fountains or statuary. Garden torches add dramatic flair, while outdoor fireplaces create a space for everyone to gather around and spend time together. Don’t forget the citronella candles to help ward off insects.
Take a Seat
To truly enjoy your backyard, comfortable seating is a must. Outdoor sofas, love seats, chaise lounges, and chairs come in a variety of materials, from teak to wicker to wrought iron. Vintage-style patio swings are coming back in fashion — there’s nothing like drifting off for a late-afternoon nap while rocking back and forth as a soft breeze rustles the air. Express your individual style by choosing cushions in solid colors or patterns and accenting the furniture with decorative throw pillows and blankets. If your chairs and sofas aren’t in a sheltered spot, keep them in good condition with furniture covers.
Bring Your Family Room Outdoors
An outdoor lounge-style room can be the perfect hangout for everyone in the family. Furnish a covered patio with large outdoor sofas; tables for snacks, drinks, and games; a TV; cozy rugs; and a fireplace. You can even hang outdoor curtains to create a private sanctuary for you and your loved ones.
Indulge Your Senses
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your new backyard this summer, so make it an extra-sensory experience. Admire gorgeous flowers that both look and smell appealing. Enjoy the feeling of lush grass under your feet, or a labyrinth’s smooth polished stones that provide a reflexology massage. Relax as you listen to the soothing sound of wind chimes or a fountain. Savor the taste of a salad with leafy greens freshly picked from your garden. Whatever you do, make it your own slice of paradise.
Get ready for summer by prepping your backyard now. For all your outdoor needs, check out BBQGuys.com.
