7 Must-Have Upgrades for the Perfect Outdoor Space

If your backyard looks a bit drab, springtime is the perfect season to spruce it up. After all, warmer weather offers opportunities to host al fresco dinners, take up gardening or unwind in nature after a busy day. Home improvement upgrades don’t always require a considerable investment or construction, either. Here are seven projects to consider to create the ultimate outdoor space.

1.   Set up Outdoor Dining

Imagine sharing a meal with loved ones under the stars. Adding a table and chairs to the patio will allow you to bring family dinners outside. Consider building an outdoor kitchen so you can prepare everything in the backyard without worrying about carrying all the dishes. However, a traditional grill with a side table makes a great setup, too.

2.   Add a Fire Feature

Although spring signifies summer sunshine is on the horizon, there will still be some cooler days and nights ahead. A portable fire pit or built-in fire feature is great for cozying up with friends and family in the evenings. It may also set the perfect backdrop for opening a bottle of wine or playing relaxing music.

3.   Add a Deck or Patio

A deck or patio extends your outdoor living area, giving you more room to utilize your backyard. These features also make your house appeal to homebuyers if you choose to sell it down the road.

 

If you already have a deck, enhance it with a fresh coat of stain to make it stand out. You could also use a stencil to paint a bright and inviting pattern on the wood pallets to set it apart from everyone else’s.

4.   Invest in Comfortable Seating

The perfect outdoor space should promote leisure and relaxation, whether you’re reading a book, socializing, meditating or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. Consider investing in comfortable seating. An outdoor sofa, chairs and coffee table will create the perfect living space. Add pops of colour with brightly patterned cushions, or give life to old furniture with spray paint.

5.   Spruce up the Landscaping

Spring is ideal for landscaping and planting seeds in your garden beds. Come summer, you’ll be able to admire lush flowers and greenery. Native plants are even better low-maintenance, eco-friendly options for reintroducing pollinators to the backyard.

 

Other ways to elevate your garden designs include:

 

• Creating a border with pavers
• Using rocks or gravel
• Laying stepping stones

 

You may even include outdoor decor, sculptures, fountains or wind spinners for added interest.

6.   Construct a Pergola

A pergola is ideal for shading part of your deck or patio, helping define the seating area and adding character to your backyard. Do-it-yourself kits usually come with an open lattice, metal roofing or a removable canopy.

 

Once erect, add hanging plants or allow vines to crawl up the vertical posts. Some people also string lights across the top to set the mood in the evening.

7.   Illuminate With Lighting

String lights aren’t the only lighting upgrade you can include in your outdoor space. Uplighting, spotlights, walkway lights and solar garden decor are all ways to illuminate the backyard hangout. Lanterns and tiki torches are other options for a more unique ambience.

Create Your Outdoor Happy Place With a Few Upgrades

Choose upgrades for year-round happiness when designing the perfect outdoor space. This means elevating the backyard, whether for entertaining or relaxation — the possibilities are endless.