After a long cold winter and the rainy days of spring, you’re probably itching to get outside and enjoy the summer sun. While lying by the pool or relaxing on the beach is fun, you can’t do those things every day. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your own space to relax on warm days. This summer, prioritize turning your outdoor patio into an area you want to spend all your time.
Substitute a High Budget with Creativity
Don’t worry if you don’t have a huge budget to devote to this project. Using your creativity and creating a plan will serve you as well. Remember, if you’re designing this yourself, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind setup by the time you’re done.
Turning patios into enjoyable outdoor spaces is more popular than ever before. 74% of Americans who have decks use them for the purpose of relaxation. It makes sense, after all, where else to escape the stress of daily life than in your own home?
Be Prepared for Sludge
Before you do anything, be mindful of the soil you’re working with. Yards are notorious for gathering sludge, which you must dispose of before you begin. It can be challenging to dispose of, so make sure it has no free liquids and is at least 25% solid before you dispose of it in a landfill.
Features to Elevate Your Space
There are some great features you can add to improve your outdoor area. Remember, you’re focusing on a space where you can relax, so finding items to encourage that habit is a must. You want to be excited about using the area. Consider adding a fire pit. It’s a classic upgrade and will extend the time you use your patio since you’ll be able to go out there regardless of the season. After all, who doesn’t want year-round s’mores?
An outdoor bar massively elevates a space. A built-in beer fridge or cooler and a well-stocked inventory will make you feel like you’re on vacation whenever you step outside. Building a bar isn’t expensive, and you can do much of it yourself if you have suitable materials. Spend some time looking up tutorials, and you should be able to install them yourself.
If there’s one thing that any outdoor space needs, it’s a grill. Nothing screams summer as much as throwing burgers on the grill while you enjoy a crisp beer or cocktail. Rather than buying a charcoal or propane one, run a natural gas line to the outdoor grill, and it will eliminate any fuel concerns.
Choose a Peaceful Aesthetic
Of course, it’s about more than just the practicality of the space. Yes, you want to be able to do activities there, but you also want it to feel like a peaceful space. Pick comfortable furniture, and consider outdoor sofas, hammocks, or rocking chairs.
Landscaping and gardening will have the most visual effect on your space. Even the process of planting and maintaining the garden can be meditative. When it comes to choosing what types of plants and flowers you should grow can be overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to focus on what would naturally grow in your area, with 92% of homeowners adding plants to their yards choosing plants native to the region. After all, what better way to honor the place where you live?
Consider purchasing custom planter beds, which you can position throughout the area. Fill them with color and greenery, and when you’re done with the upgrade, lie in your hammock and close your eyes while the scent of fresh flowers fills your nose.
It’s easy to budget for vacations, beach trips, or outdoor pool membership, but you don’t need to limit yourself. Upgrading your patio means you’ll have a space based on your style and somewhere you can enjoy every day, without having to leave your home!