As summer approaches, most of us see the sun and long for the outdoors. That’s why it’s important to have an easily accessible space outside where you can take in the fresh air and the warmth, whether for solo time to read and relax, to entertain guests, or both.
Refreshing your backyard for the sunny season can seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into steps and consider these summer backyard ideas, you’ll have a picturesque space in no time.
Assess Your Backyard
Before implementing any backyard ideas, it’s important to take some time to assess the space. There are a few things to consider during this step, such as:
- The size of your backyard; what you can realistically fit, and what you can’t
- The layout and where any additions to the backyard will go
- What you want to keep about the backyard already and what you don’t
It can be helpful to jot down some notes to keep yourself centered or ask the opinions of friends and loved ones on existing features. If you plan to make big changes, then taking measurements will be invaluable so you don’t end up investing in something that doesn’t fit the space.
Create a Design Plan
Next, you can go ahead and create a design plan. This involves choosing a style and theme, if you want one, as well as setting your budget for the refresh. Some backyard ideas are more budget-friendly than others, so make sure to price up any changes you want to make so you don’t end up disappointed later.
Build a Deck or Patio
If you don’t already have a deck or patio in your backyard, consider adding one. They can be expensive additions, but they’re worth it so that even during those summer storms and rain showers, you don’t have to be chased inside if you have an enclosure.
Building a deck or patio with an enclosure also gives you the opportunity to add outdoor furniture that doesn’t have to be waterproof or outdoor cookware to entertain guests with.
Add Custom Sun Shades
If you’re going to build a deck or patio—or if you have one already—outdoor shades are crucial to protecting it and anyone enjoying it. There are many benefits to having patio sun shades, including:
- Protection from the elements like rain and wind
- Protection from the sun and the heat if it becomes too much
- Keeping any patio furniture and other amenities safe
- Keeping out bugs such as mosquitos with screened enclosures
If you invest in custom outdoor shades for your patio during your summer refresh, you’ll also be able to make use of them year-round.
Create a Garden
There’s nothing quite like breathing real life into your backyard ahead of the summer. Creating a garden with a variety of different plants can make your backyard feel like it’s truly alive and give you plants to care for. You could even plant fruits and vegetables and add a homegrown touch to your kitchen—just make sure to do your research on their care.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Adding outdoor lighting is something else that can make your backyard seem warm and inviting during the summer. During this season, it stays warm even when it gets dark, so decorating the yard with some string lights or investing in a couple of lamps for the patio can ensure that you don’t have to go inside the second it gets dark.
Instead, you can stay outside and enjoy the cooler temperature as night falls and the aesthetic of your new backyard.
Install a Water Feature
Installing a water feature can be another great idea if you have the budget. A fountain at the center of the yard, for example, brings the whole outdoors up a notch, as well as provides a serene sound as you listen to the water falling.
You could also choose to have a pond in your backyard and even introduce some wildlife to the environment that you can enjoy observing for years to come.
Incorporate Outdoor Art and Decor
Art and decor aren’t just for the indoors. Consider garden hanging decorations or ornaments to place throughout the year.
This will ensure that the yard truly feels like yours. You’ll be able to personalize it with the sort of things you like, so that the yard isn’t just a great place to relax for your guests but feels like home.
Protect Your Outdoor Space with Enclosure Guy’s Custom Patio Sun Shades
At Enclosure Guy, we know how hard our customers work on their outdoor space, and that’s why we’re committed to protecting them. Our porch sun shades are wind and rain tested for those surprise summer storms and highly durable so you can keep enjoying them when summer is over, and they can keep you protected from pesky bugs during the warmer months.
Our years of experience in the business have also taught us that outdoor shades aren’t one-size-fits-all, and we will ensure our shades match your deck perfectly.
To ask questions or get a no-obligation quote, call us today at (512) 641-9421 or fill out our online form!