Summer is officially here, and for most people that means spending as much time outside as possible. That might include going to the beach, heading to a campsite, or even a local park with your family.
But, if you’re lucky enough to have your own backyard, you could use this summer as a perfect opportunity to reimagine and transform it. Whether you want to use your yard for work or play, there are a few things you can do to turn it into the perfect paradise.
From sipping coffee on the porch in the morning to late-night barbecues and games with the kids (or neighbors!), let’s look at a few ways you can shake up your summer and add something new and exciting to your backyard.
Out With the Old
One of the best ways to transform your backyard is to get rid of the things you don’t use or want anymore. Whether it’s old patio furniture, decorations, or even yard tools that have seen better days, decluttering your space can help to open your mind and give you a clearer vision of what you want your yard to look like. Decluttering has multiple benefits, even when you’re cleaning up an outdoor space. Some of those benefits include:
- Boosted self-esteem
- More energy
- Reduced stress
- A sense of accomplishment
- A happier outlook
When you’re getting rid of outdoor/patio items, you might want to consider hosting a yard sale. Items like furniture and fire pits are often valuable, and even if they need a little TLC, people are usually willing to buy them. If you’re busy and don’t have the time to host a traditional yard sale, try putting your items online to sell, so people can pick them up at your convenience. It’s a great way to get rid of things and make some money to put back into your yard.
Once your yard is clean and organized, you can start to view it as a clean slate for your imagination to run wild.
Utilize Your Space for Your Needs
With so many people working remotely nowadays, you might want to turn your backyard into an outdoor office space. Or, maybe you just want to use it as a relaxing spot to read, journal, write, or meditate.
Cleaning up your backyard is half the battle. But, redesigning it functionally and practically can help you meet your needs and use your space more often. One way to accomplish that is by using Feng Shui. Most people have at least heard of this practice but may not know exactly what it is. If done properly, Feng Shui is a design aesthetic that promotes the idea that furniture arrangement can impact things like:
- Prosperity
- Relationships
- Wealth
- Creativity
While some people question its effectiveness, it’s hard to deny that arranging your outdoor furniture in different ways can create a different “vibe”. Feng Shui focuses on more open concepts that allow for a natural flow. For a yard or porch, try creating open pathways from the entrance(s) to your home. Create a cozy environment that doesn’t use too much furniture to overcrowd things.
Whether you use the practice of Feng Shui or not, your outdoor setup should be a reflection of what you’re going to use it for. Create a design that makes you feel productive, relaxed, and comfortable, and you’ll use it more often.
Create an Inviting Environment
A backyard is meant to be shared. It’s a place for your family to come together, and for friends and neighbors to gather for a cookout or outdoor game night. If you love entertaining or just want a place for your family to relax all summer, create the ultimate inviting environment for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to make your deck/patio area more inviting, there are easy ways to do it that won’t take a lot of time or money, including:
- Using quality, comfortable seating
- Adding live plants
- Making repairs
- Bringing in lights and music
- Adding pops of color
Your surroundings should be just as inviting. Consider planting a flower or vegetable garden in your backyard. It adds visual appeal, familiarity, and can even boost the value of your home. Plus, there are countless benefits to gardening, including lower stress levels and more energy.
Again, when you’re thinking about creating a comforting space, consider both your needs and what others might enjoy, as well. Reimagining your backyard is about more than just making it nice to look at. It’s about bringing it to life in a way that will cause you to use it more. Going somewhere else to explore the outdoors is always an option in the summer. But, when you have the opportunity to enjoy your backyard every day, it’s worth the time and effort to spruce it up and reimagine it. The work you put in now can last for years to come, so you’ll always have your backyard sanctuary to turn to.
