Outdoor spaces are a crucial element of many homes. And while some people are just starting on the path to thinking about creating a great outdoor area, others may require a helping hand, including redesigning, maintaining, and improving the current outdoor space. Summit Way Realty’s guide below will address the benefits of creating outdoor spaces, factors to consider when doing so, and great ideas on planning an outdoor living area that will deliver on all fronts.
Benefits of Creating Outdoor Spaces
Increase the Value Of Your Home
Even for homeowners who do not have plans to sell their property soon, improving the property value is always seen as a good thing. Creating an inviting and practical outdoor living space is a sure way to ramp up the value of any property.
Increase Opportunities To Relax And Entertain
There is nothing worse than seeing the good weather come in and realize when it comes to relaxing as a family or inviting guests over, the outside of the property falls significantly short of being a haven of relaxation and entertainment. Working to have an outdoor area with a great vibe will create endless opportunities to enjoy being together.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
Enhance your curb appeal by creating outdoor living spaces that are attractive from the street. The right outdoor entertainment area can make a huge difference in how the property, and indeed the homeowners, are viewed by their community.
Extend The Lifespan Of Your Outdoor Areas
Once you create your outdoor space, it is vital to spend regular time maintaining the space. By treating furniture, decking, and landscaping regularly, you can extend the lifespan of the outdoor area as a whole. Rather than replacing and renovating every few years, maintain what you have created to save money.
Factors To Consider When Improving Or Planning Outdoor Spaces
Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Summit Way Realty recommends making eco-friendly choices in all areas of life, and outdoor living spaces are no exception. We have a beautiful planet to call home, so by opting for the eco-friendly alternative, each homeowner can do their part to care for our communal home. A few ideas to create a green outdoor space include:
- Use reclaimed or recycled wood when building or renovating a wood deck
- Replace worn out light fixtures with energy-efficient light fixtures
- Consider reclaimed water solutions like a drainage system
Functionality
Of course, an outdoor area may look great, but it is of little practical use if it doesn’t function well. As we will note below, the planning stage can be the making or breaking of whether the outdoor space lives up to its potential.
How To Create A Great Outdoor Space
Create Traffic Patterns
Formal walkways are an excellent way to create a traffic pattern. Shifts in hardscape materials or shrubs and trees can have the same effect. Whichever one works best will depend on the size and shape of the area and the likes and dislikes of the homeowner.
Think About a Fire Source
Everyone loves to curl up by a cozy fire, and doing so outdoors as the temperature starts to drop in the evening can be great for the soul. A fire source also draws people in and encourages relaxation within social settings. There are fire sources to suit all budgets and spaces, so take the time to choose the one that works best for the size of the outdoor area.
Have A Focal Point
Usually, when planning a room inside your home, there tends to be a set focal point supporting the other accents you incorporate. The same principle should also apply to outdoor areas.
Create Color With Containers
Not every outdoor space has a wealth of green areas to plant in. However, this does not mean that the area needs to lack natural color. Make use of planting pots of different colors and designs to incorporate flowers and plants that match the outdoor space theme. These can add various colors and make an area with less natural grass and foliage appear to be a tropical paradise.
Connect To The Indoors If Possible
What makes a great outdoor space can often be one that seamlessly runs from indoors to outdoors. Making an indoor room to create a natural opening to the outdoor space can make the outside living area more appealing and work wonders for the interior space. Remember, this does not have to be the typical kitchen or dining room option. Having access to the outdoor living space via a master bedroom can be unique and appealing.
How To Maintain An Existing Outdoor Space
Of course, many homeowners already have an outdoor space that they like but are not keen to maintain and improve it. If this is the case, the tips below will be helpful.
Keep The Area Leaf Free
Gardens that include existing trees are a blessing; however, they come with hard work. An outdoor space with landscaping can quickly look messy if the area has leaves on the ground. Go over the outdoor space and remove all leaves, and keep in mind that rotting leaves on a lawn can do a lot of damage.
Give Plants A Feast Of Fertilizer
Gardens love springtime. However, they will love it, even more, when they have something to nourish their roots. Give plants a lovely feed of fertilizer and use slow-release on the lawn to ensure the garden looks like a tranquil haven of color by summer.
Prune Perennials And Set Flower Beds
Don’t wait too late to prune those perennials, or you will surely regret your tardiness. Be sure to cut them back before new growth begins. Also, provide your perennials with what they need to flourish once the sun comes up. Once the temperatures are warm enough, it’s also time to set the flower beds so that the outdoor space will indeed come to life as the weather gets warmer.
Summit Way Realty loves having an outdoor area, especially as the weather gets warmer. We hope the above outdoor space ideas spark inspiration. There are so many types of outdoor spaces, so choose one that works best for you and your home. With the proper planning and maintenance, get ready to enjoy the warm seasons and your outdoor space with loved ones!
