Enhancing the space around your home can not only improve the appearance of your property and increase its value, but it can also potentially double your living space.
For those of you with very little homes, that can really boost the enjoyment of your home. Your front yard, backyard, driveway, and patios are all major outdoor features of your property, so it’s important to make the most of them and make them work for you and your lifestyle.
As well as enhancing the visual impact of your home, renovating your outdoor space can be a fun, quick and satisfying project. Especially in the summer months when you are itching to spend more time outdoors.
To get the most out of your property, take a look at these top tips and start beautifying your outdoor space today…
Outdoor Upgrades For Your Home
This post may contain affiliate links – which means if you click on them and buy something, I may earn a small commission. For full disclosure policy, click here.
1. Add exterior lighting
It’s essential to have decent lighting outdoors at any time of year. In the warmer summer months, you may spend your evenings relaxing in the backyard, while you may be trudging up and down your path in the dark throughout the winter. As well as creating an attractive ambiance, outdoor lighting helps to make your property safer by reducing the risk of slips and falls.
With endless lighting options, there are styles to suit every property. From string lights for outdoor events and parties to permanent features to illuminate your entranceway, exterior lighting captures the best features of your home and illuminates them. And nothing is too fancy or over the top! Think outside the box. No one says you can’t have a chandelier outside. How cool would that look over your patio table?
2. Make your driveway a work of art
Your driveway has an important practical purpose but that doesn’t mean it can’t be visually pleasing too. Instead of settling for a sheet of asphalt or cracked mismatched stones, why not choose a design with some wow factor? Make your driveway something that fits your landscaping and home style instead of just a necessary slab of concrete.
Driveway interlocking is a fabulous way to create a stunning aesthetic and it’s an effective way to maintain your property too. An interlocked driveway features custom pavers and is built to spec, which means rainwater and groundwater won’t be able to seep underneath, giving you years of enjoyment. Plus, the variety of pavers allows you to customize the look and colour to suit your preferences. This makes your driveway highly personalized to your home and not just a copy of your neighbours’.
A professionally installed driveway can be costly but it is an expense worth investing in for so many reasons. Besides adding instant curb appeal, your driveway must withstand everyday use without caving and buckling due to the weight of your cars and it should minimize the risk of flooding and water damage to your home too. A poorly designed or installed driveway will cost you more in the long run.
Offering effortless style and easy maintenance, an interlocking driveway is a must-have feature for house-proud homeowners.
3. Create another living space with comfortable seating
No matter what size your yard is, it’s nice to be able to relax outside from time to time. With innovative outdoor furniture design, you can find comfortable seating for any location and to suit your individual style and needs. Sunken seating is ideal around a fire pit or other focal point, while a classic bench is perfect for smaller spaces and courtyards.
The first thing you should do is decide what kind of space you wish to create before you go shopping. It is far too easy to get excited by in store displays! You don’t want to buy something and then find out that it looks great but you never use it.
Personally, I hate to eat outdoors. Bugs and heat. Yuck! I know I’m weird. lol So my outdoor space is used for lounging, having conversations and curling up with a good book. That is why I chose seating, specifically papasans, that are relaxing and super comfortable. Be sure the outdoor furniture you select will suit your needs.
Want more patio ideas? Check out these dollar store, weekend projects.
4. Use vertical space
When you’re revamping your outdoor space you probably spend a lot of time evaluating the horizontal aspect of your patio and gardens. But you need to think vertically too! You’ll want to make use of every inch of your yard that’s available, especially if your backyard is small or awkwardly shaped.
Trees, shrubs, and climbing plants are a great way to add height to your yard economically plus add privacy and sound barriers.
While fencing, a pergola and arbours are a little more costly, they can create an elegant atmosphere while incorporating practical functions too.
5. Think about the maintenance of your outdoor space
When you’re redesigning your outdoor space, remember to consider the potential maintenance that will be required with your choices. If you’re green-fingered or love a bit of DIY, you may be happy to opt for more high maintenance features.
Alternatively, choose low maintenance designs that will look great all year round, without the need for constant upkeep and preservation. That way, you can maximize the enjoyment of your outdoor space without it becoming something you despise on your to do list.
The outside of your property should serve as an extension of your home. It needs to be both aesthetically pleasing while functional to your individual needs. I hope you make your outdoor space a place you love to be in this summer with the above upgrades.