6 Ways to Make The Most of Your Outdoor Space

Picture this: it’s the perfect summer weekend, not too hot, and you’re grilling burgers and fresh veggies on the back patio for an afternoon of entertaining friends. Or, maybe it’s a crisp fall evening and you’re wrapped in a blanket, unwinding next to a cozy fire with loved ones.

There’s nothing like having a patio or deck to make the most of nice weather spending time with family and friends. With a little planning and design, you can transform your backyard into a quiet sanctuary for relaxing, a vibrant spot for entertaining or a mix of both. No matter the size of shape of your existing outdoor space, make the most of it with the following six tips:

  1. Play with textures and materials. Add a pop of color or create depth with textured brick, pavers, stone or tiles, or use these elements to accent a wood deck. Natural materials will also work well with your outdoor surroundings and can help convey a distinct style for your space, whether you’re going for an elegant look or a more rustic feel.
  2. Find some shade. A pergola or gazebo adds an element of charm to your outdoor space while providing relief from the sun or passing summer rain storms. It also helps create the impression of a more secluded, intimate space—perfect for hosting dinner with loved ones.
  3. Cozy up to a fireplace or fire pit. There’s no better way to punctuate a perfect evening on your deck or patio than gathering around a fireplace. An outdoor fireplace immediately makes your space more welcoming and might even allow you to get more use out of it as the temperatures drop.
  4. Choose some mood lighting. Proper lighting for an outdoor space is often an afterthought but can be very important to helping you get the most out of your space when daylight dwindles. Choose soft or dimmable lighting or hang some string lights to help set the mood after hours. Step lights are a great way to make your deck or patio glow when the sun sets.
  5. Consider an outdoor bar or kitchen. An outdoor bar or kitchen may seem like a luxury, but it’s a great investment if you have the space and want to upgrade your backyard amenities to better accommodate your love of entertaining. Plus, you’ll save yourself the trouble of constantly running in and out of your house to cook and serve your guests—which means more time to savor the best parts of preparing and enjoying a memorable meal with others.
  6. Leave room for greenery. Your deck should meld with its surroundings. Adding planters, leaving room for a garden or shrubbery or working with the existing landscaping will ensure it truly feels like a personal oasis right in your backyard.

If you’re feeling inspired to do more with your outdoor space but don’t know where exactly to begin, turn to the experts at Kaz Home Improvements. They’ll work within your budget and space requirements on a custom-designed addition that brings your vision for a stunning backyard sanctuary to life.