Whether you have a large home or a small one, if you have an outdoor space that you can easily access from your back door, you have an opportunity to expand your living space. Create a comfortable place to spend time in the fresh air that everyone will enjoy.
Install a Sturdy Deck
A deck is the perfect outdoor extension of any home. Of course, you need to ensure that you only use high-quality materials, such as timber decking, to guarantee that it stands the test of time and withstands the constant usage it will inevitably undergo. Install the deck just off the back door of your home for easy access. Alternatively, consider installing a sliding glass door that allows you and your family to move freely from inside to outside and back again with a simple step over the threshold.
Add Strategic Lighting
Something that will make your outdoor area, and especially the new deck, even better is the addition of lights. When you are deciding where to place them, think about function. If you have a roof extension over the deck or a pergola directly above it, this is an ideal place to install a light with a fan kit. It will give you enough light to comfortably dine with your family after the sun goes down or read a great book in the morning with a cup of tea. You can also adorn a nearby tree, the fence, and the pergola with string lights. These will add ambience and visual interest whenever the sun sets.
Watch this video to learn how to add garden lighting around your home.
Invest in Additional Storage Options
If you have a dining table and chairs outside that have accompanying pillows and blankets, you need a place to store them all, especially when the weather turns cold, windy, or rainy. Invest in high-quality and waterproof storage benches that double as extra seating, or consider making them yourself for a DIY approach. Some pieces do not even look like storage solutions. You can use these benches to store your kids’ outside toys and sports equipment, along with dog toys and cleanup supplies.
Create a Kitchen Garden
If you have never thought a kitchen garden could work in your yard, it is time to reconsider that notion. A kitchen garden can include anything you would like to plant; however, they should consist of garden staples that you enjoy eating. Herbs are commonly planted and are relatively easy to grow. Tomatoes, melons, and a wide variety of greens are good additions. Go ahead and sow some seeds for flowers, too. That way, you can have a lovely tablescape of freshly cut flowers with your beautiful garden-grown produce.
Create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience by incorporating these ideas into your home and property. By adding a deck along with a beautifully appointed space, you will increase the value of your property, but more importantly, you will make a place that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. Add lighting, plant a functional and beautiful garden, and then see what comes next!
