You can add personality to your backyard or deck (big or small!) with these three simple elements!
If you’re an Albertan like us, you probably look forward to summer all year. We love to get our hands dirty in the garden, and we love to kick back and relax with our family, friends and fur babies in our backyards.
But what makes the perfect backyard oasis?
We’ve boiled it down to these 3 simple elements to help you create the perfect outdoor space! And the best part is – they can be done at any budget!
Let there be light!!
How to use different lighting options to create a beautiful backyard oasis:
Albertans enjoy the most hours of sunshine in the summer months, but that’s not to say you should leave all the lighting to Mother Nature. Much like inside your home, having the right lighting can accentuate the areas you want to show off, make a space feel larger and can help set the mood.
For overhead lighting, Brewer’s lights (or string lights) are a popular choice. Zig-zagged across a pergola or strung along your eaves or deck railing, Brewer’s lights are a functional and fun way to add some ambiance.
Without fussy electrical wiring, solar lights can bring life to even the darkest corners (ie. furthest spot from a plug!) of your yard with the least amount of effort! Simply push the stake into the ground along a walkway, garden wall or flower pot and wait until sunset. Added bonus: solar lights shine in the cold, dark, winter months too!
LED candles are also an easy way to add some warmth and glow to your backyard. Play with sizes and groupings. Designer tip: Odd numbers work best. Put them on the picnic table or in a patio lantern (cue Kim Mitchell!). There are so many options!
2. Now add some colour!
How to add some personality to your backyard space with colour:
One of the easiest ways to add personality to a space is simply by adding colour. Whether you choose a monochromatic colour scheme, go with opposites, or simply follow your heart, there are countless ways to brighten up your space!
Flowers easily add colour to any outdoor space. You can pick a colourful container, choose vibrant blossoms, or both! With many local gardening centres to visit (one of our favourites is Greenland Garden Centre), the possibilities are endless.
Another way to add colour is with throw cushions on your patio furniture. Plenty of bright options are available, the only rule is to remember to pick fabrics that can withstand the elements. Even still, tuck them inside when not in use – just in case we get snow in July!!
Lounging in our backyards is great, but we love to entertain! Tableware and linens help infuse colour to any patio personality. Do you like traditional? Go with a classic white and red check tablecloth! Like to keep it fresh? Try watermelon or papaya print napkins! It truly doesn’t matter – as long as the cooler is full!
3. Let’s get cozy!
How to add warmth and comfort to your backyard (so you can enjoy it even when the sun goes down!):
The last tip to create your perfect backyard oasis is to plan around your comfort! Think about how you like to enjoy your space and if there are any elements that take away from the experience.
- If you like to have lunch outside, but your patio is in full sun, add a patio umbrella for shade.
- Evenings in the prairies can get quite cool. A basket of washable blankets is a handy way to keep your guests warm and the conversation going after the sun goes down. An outdoor space heater or firepit also adds cozy warmth!
- If pesky bugs ruin your fun, keep a few citronella candles (and lighter) close by. For wasps and hornets, check out these tips on how to get rid of them (and keep them away!).
- If you love your neighbours but don’t want to feel like you need to invite them over every time you light up the barbecue, find a privacy screen at your local hardware store, like the Home Hardware in Sherwood Park.
When you keep these 3 simple elements in mind as you plan your outdoor space, you’ll create an area of your home to appreciate for seasons to come.
Because as realtors, we want you to not only love your home, but we want you to enjoy every square inch of it too. And as Albertans, we want you to enjoy every last ray of summer sun we get.
But what happens when you still don’t love your outdoor space, despite your best efforts? It might be time to contact a REALTOR® to learn about your options.
Buying and selling your house can be a daunting task without the right people by your side. Here are the 5 questions to ask any realty professional to help you decide if they are a good fit for you.
If you’d like to ask us those 5 questions, we would be so happy to answer them. Please reach out and book a call with us. We are really looking forward to getting to know you!