Dreaming of Summer: Outdoor Living Ideas
By: Christina T.
Ok, is winter almost over yet?! We are so ready for spring/summer that we couldn’t wait to share some ideas for getting outdoors. Here is our list of ways to upgrade your outdoor living space in your backyard. Some ideas are more extensive than others, but we would like to think that there is a way for everyone to get out and enjoy summer.
For the Outside Diner
When the snow melts and the trees and plants start to bud out, there is an itch to get out of the house and out into the yard. An easy way to spend some time outside is dining outside, weather permitting of course. Carving out an area outside, whether it is on an existing patio or deck, is a great way to get the patio restaurant feel without having to go out. What better way to replicate a dining experience than getting takeout from your favorite local restaurant like Malone’s Bar + Grill, Rock Elm Tavern, or the Highlander Restaurant at the Rush Creek Golf Club and enjoying it out on your very own private patio!
Other dining tips: Escape the hot afternoon sun with an umbrella. Create a tropical oasis with flowering vines growing on a pergola or trellis.
For the Cooking Enthusiast
Take your cooking experience to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. This summer, why not take your culinary space to the next level and get outside, creating a kitchen outdoors. Spend your evening out on the patio grilling, seasoning, and preparing something delicious for the whole family. This will not only get people enjoying the outdoors, but it can also be a fun family night to hangout, cook, and enjoy together.
Another outdoor idea: adding a bar! Nothing is better than kicking back outside with your favorite drink and enjoy the sun, green, and fresh air.
For the Restful
The past year has been stressful for many. I don’t know how many times the phrase ‘these unprecedented times’ has been used, but I think we can agree many times too many! It’s ok to disconnect from the news, social media, and the entire world. In actuality, it is much needed. We all need a place to escape to calm our thoughts and take a little ‘me time.’ Here are three ways to help create a tranquil place to rest.
Creating a Cozy Patio – Cozy up with new patio furniture adding colorful or vibrant cushions. For shade set up an umbrella to escape from the heat of the sun. Surround yourself with lush greenery and your favorite blooming plants. String up outdoor lighting to continue the ambience into the evening hours.
Adding a Water Feature – Nothing drowns out the sounds of cars and traffic like the sound of trickling water against stone. There is a heavy focus on sight and smell in a garden, with sounds sometimes taking the backseat. Create a peaceful and tranquil place to enjoy. It could be as simple as a small water feature that can be enjoyed on a deck or patio, or as elaborate as small falls coming down a slope in your backyard.
On a budget: Attract songbirds with tube feeders and bird seed like sunflower, safflower, or thistle seed. Introducing bird songs around your home can help create a tranquil setting.
Another, on the budget: Take advantage of the windy days and harness the wind’s power through windchimes.
For the Camping Enthusiast
Bring the warm smell of a campfire to your backyard and heat up your cool summer evenings with a bonfire pit surrounded with friends and family. Know that your kids and family are gathering safely outdoors. Add chairs around the pit to roast marshmallows for smores and tell stories with the glow of fire before you. Add grasses or other low maintenance perennials around for daytime interest. While you have the campfire started, set up a tent and camp underneath the stars for a fun family weekend get-away in the backyard.
On a Budget Continued
No Grass, No Problem: Add blankets and cushions to a patio or deck to enjoy a bit of sun and air. Or just grab a chair and make do with what you have.
Light up the Night: Add light to illuminate your night enjoyment. String outdoor lights from pergolas, trellises, deck, and trees to create the perfect summertime ambience. Purchase solar-powered stake lighting to accent walkways, garden beds, or your home perimeter.
Adding a Place to take a Nap: Set up a hammock to rest and relax under the blue skies and green tree leaves.
Adding a Place to Sit: Incorporate a bench or sitting area within your garden for a nice place to escape.
