Our homes are considered our sanctuaries. But while most of us optimize our bedrooms and living rooms for rest and relaxation, the same can’t be said for our outdoor living space.
Some people make a point to spruce up their backyards and front lawns as soon as they move into a new home. Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners fail to make the most of their outdoor living space.
Does this describe your situation? If so, it’s time to take action. The following are six ways to optimize your outdoor living space:
Upgrade to luxury patio furniture
Is your patio furnished with cheap plastic chairs and tables bought at your nearest home improvement store? If so, consider making an upgrade to better quality options. High-end teak or rope patio furniture from reputable brands like Harbor Classic makes a huge difference in the comfort and convenience of your outdoor living space. It looks beautiful, feels comfortable, and has the durability to withstand the elements for years. Before long, you’ll be spending plenty of time enjoying your luxury patio furniture, wondering how you went so long without it.
Build an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen might sound like an extravagant splurge if you already have a traditional indoor kitchen. But there are several benefits to outdoor kitchens. For one thing, they’re easier to clean. They’re also safer than indoor kitchens. It also makes it easier to host outdoor gatherings of friends and family members. Given the high frequency of sunny days in Southern California, you’ll end up getting your money’s worth within the first year. You can check out this guide to outdoor kitchen cabinets to ensure quality throughout the years.
Put in a pool
As a homeowner in Southern California, you either have a pool or want one. If you’re in the latter category, consider having one put in this winter. Sure, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly home improvement project, but an inground swimming pool will instantly revitalize your outdoor living space. Quick dips in the morning and relaxing soaks in the evening will become daily rituals for you and your family members. Just make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent drowning and ensure cleanliness.
Construct a high-end playhouse
Do you have little ones running around? If so, that means they’re probably always underfoot. Providing them with a high-end backyard playhouse or playground is a great way to optimize your outdoor living space while also helping keep them happily entertained. Just make sure any structure you build is safe and secure. What’s more, pick a part of the backyard that you can see clearly from the house in order to keep your eyes on your kids as they play.
Get into gardening
Have you always wondered what it’s like to grow your own flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables? Depending on the size of your yard and the amount of direct sunlight it receives, you could turn part or all of it into your very own garden. While taking seeds and turning them into beautiful plants and delicious produce is easier said than done, the learning process is part of the fun of becoming an amateur gardener.
Go back to all-grass
While concerns over ecological disruption and water usage are valid reasons to limit the amount of lawn you have, there’s no denying the nostalgically suburban charm of solid green grass covering your entire outdoor living space. Again, Southern California has a love-hate relationship with well-manicured private lawns, given the environmental consequences of their popularity. But homeowners can opt for drought-ready Bermuda grass to limit water usage. They can also take other steps to offset the harm of a traditional lawn by installing solar panels and driving electric cars.
Are you making the most of your outdoor living space? Chances are there’s something more that can be done in order to maximize the benefit of the outdoor space surrounding your home.
Michael Driver is a freelance writer from Texas. He enjoys covering topics related to history, real estate, and technology. Michael can be reached at ReddishRaddish87@gmail.com.