Perhaps you and your family are like many people, and you spend most of your time indoors. You would like to change that, but you don’t know how to get started. One reason could be the lack of a beautiful and functional outdoor living space where you and your family can stay.
Here are some tips:
Plan Your Yard So That It’s Attractive and Functional
Consider your family’s interests and think of ways to use this to your advantage. For example, you love indoor plants, or maybe you all enjoy having freshly-picked flowers all around inside your home. Your family also love eating fruits and vegetables.
You can consider planting local and easy-to-maintain plants. Think of plants that you and your family will enjoy tending to. These could be their favorite fruits, the vegetables they enjoy eating, or the types of beautiful plants and have many other unique properties.
If you’re unsure how to do this, some people are always willing to help. This could be a family, friend, or neighbor who has a green thumb and can teach you ways to get started. You can also employ a professional like a local landscaper to get the job done.
Add Features That Will Make It Look More Inviting
One tricky part of creating a beautiful and functional outdoor living space is enticing your family to actually use it. By adding certain features, you can make it look more inviting.
Consider adding seating areas, a fire pit, or a water feature to make your outdoor space more inviting. Seating areas can be anything from simple chairs to more elaborate built-ins. It helps if you can throw in a shade to ensure your seating areas are comfy.
A fire pit is a great way to gather around and enjoy each other’s company. It also provides warmth on cooler nights. If you want something beautiful and calming, consider a water feature. It could be a small fountain, a fish pond, or even a birdbath.
Plant Trees and Shrubs for Privacy
Many people would rather have a fence built to avoid the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby. But not many homeowners are fond of the idea of fences. In this case, trees and shrubs can give you the privacy you desire.
They can also provide much-needed shade on hot days. If you’re not sure what to plant, ask your local nursery for their recommendations.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a great way to extend the hours you can spend outside. It also makes your outdoor space more inviting and can be used to highlight certain features. You can find outdoor lighting at most hardware stores.
Outdoor lighting will do more than make your outdoor living space look pretty. It can also be used for security purposes. You can install motion-sensor lights to deter burglars and add an extra layer of safety to your home.
Investing in outdoor lighting can help you make your home at night look more beautiful as well as during the day. You can highlight features of your home to make it stand out in the neighborhood. This can also help you invite your family to utilize the space after dark.
For instance, you can extend backyard parties until nighttime since the area is safe and well-lit. You will have better peace of mind knowing your pets and kids are safer with a well-lit backyard.
Create Play Spaces for the Kids
If you have kids, it’s essential to create play spaces for them. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A small swing set or a sandpit can go a long way in making your outdoor living space more family-friendly.
Making play spaces for your children will naturally make them want to spend more time outdoors. Consider the games they love to play when designing the play area. Don’t forget about their safety and convenience.
For instance, your kids generally love to play with your pet dog and do other outdoor activities. Make sure to give enough space to run and a dedicated area where they can indulge in other activities like drawing, painting, jumping, or swimming. Think of ways to secure your yard to ensure they don’t get into accidents while staying in your yard.
Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor living space can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely worth the effort. By adding seating areas, trees and shrubs for privacy, outdoor lighting, and play spaces for your kids, you can make your yard more inviting and enjoyable for everyone in the family. With a little bit of planning, you can easily transform your outdoor living space into the envy of the neighborhood.
