Summer is the time of year for relaxing, enjoying friends and family, and taking advantage of the warm weather. What better way to do all of those things than to enhance your backyard by creating the perfect outdoor escape? Here are 7 ways to enhance your backyard for summer:
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1. Create a Comfortable Setting
One of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor space is to include a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating and lots of shade. If you don’t have a large patio area, you might consider having a concrete slab poured to allow for patio furniture and tables. While we don’t recommend having a pergola installed due to its fast rate of deterioration, a solid patio cover is a great addition to your backyard space. You can also include features like lighting, ceiling fans, and speakers to your patio cover to make your outdoor space more usable and add value to your home.
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2. Incorporate Fire and Water Features
Fire pits, mounted torch sets, and vertical firewalls are impressive features that can be both functional and aesthetic. Similarly, water features such as fountains, sprinklers, ponds, pools, and child water-play areas are unique ideas to incorporate into your backyard.
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3. Install an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens and living areas are big projects that require a significant amount of time and money. However, one can truly transform your backyard space into a usable extension of your home and the hub of your social get-togethers. Different features can be installed in your outdoor kitchen based on your preferences, such as your choice of grill, a beverage cooler, a cooktop, a sink, and more, making it a very customizable project.
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4. Consider a Pool or Hot Tub
While a pool is an expensive investment that requires consistent upkeep, it can really be a great addition to your outdoor space and can add value to your home. Backyard swimming pools are a fun way to keep kids active and entertained during the summer and they provide a great source of exercise. If you don’t have the space for a pool or prefer a more relaxing, spa-like experience, a hot tub might be the best choice for you. Hot tubs take up less space than a full-size pool, are easier to maintain and are usually more affordable.
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5. Choose Outdoor Games, Courts or Play Sets
Everyone loves some friendly competition! Whether you have an athletically inclined family or guests that enjoy the occasional game of monkey golf, outdoor games are a great way to bring together family and friends in your backyard. There are many temporary setups, such as bean bag toss, badminton sets, lawn darts, croquet sets, and frisbee golf. If you’re interested in a more permanent option, golf holes, tetherball sets, sand volleyball courts, or soccer goals can be installed for year ‘round enjoyment. For little ones, play sets and tire swings make for a good time.
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6. Include Lights and Speakers
Exterior lights and sound systems are a must for the ultimate, outdoor experience. We already mentioned having them installed in your patio cover for a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Other options include mood lights that can be permanently installed into your deck or pool, landscape lighting that can spotlight your greenery, or simple outdoor string lights that can easily be set up or taken down. Likewise, an outdoor sound system can add a whole new dimension to the backyard mood and atmosphere.
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7. Embrace Privacy
There is nothing quite as comforting as the privacy of your own home, which should include the backyard. Some homes are situated such as to give a private backyard experience, while others might leave the homeowner feeling exposed. In backyards that are lacking privacy, there are a few things that can be done: fences and foliage walls can be installed in appropriate areas to create privacy and aesthetic appeal. Screened in porches, awnings, and statues are other features that can help create privacy for your backyard escape.
Summer is the best time of year to enjoy your outdoor space with your friends and family. If you are interested in enhancing your outdoor space or would like to discuss the best options for your home, our team would be happy to help! Contact Medford Design-Build for more information!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Design-Build Team
