Creating a Getaway in Your Backyard

Anyone who works, has kids, or gets worn out by the daily stresses of life knows how important it is to have a space where you can go and relax. Some people turn their bathroom into a spa or their bedroom into a relaxing retreat, but others would rather be outside. Sometimes nothing relaxes you like the natural surroundings of trees, grass, flowing water, and warm sunshine. Even a small outdoor space may be enough to help you create a retreat that beckons you when you have had a tough day, you need a time out, or you just want to spend some time outside soaking up the sun. There are a number of ways to make your outdoor space feel like it is a million miles from civilization, giving you an opportunity to escape. From wind chimes to garden décor, there are a number of things you can do to make your space a unique retreat that the entire family can enjoy, or that you can use as your own personal sanctuary. You can start small and just add a few features to your outdoor space to make it more comfortable, or you can make drastic changes and create a whole new room in your outdoor space.

Begin by clearing out the space. Many people use their yards for storage, or they lack storage for outdoor equipment and the backyard becomes a repository for tools, lawn mowers, grill and garbage cans. Consider purchasing a storage shed so you can put these items out of sight, or if there is not enough space for a shed, find a bench that offers both storage and seating. These items are necessary to keep your space in good shape, but there is no need to look at the items while trying to enjoy leisure time. Next, clean up the yard like weeding, mowing, repairing the exterior of your home and outbuildings, and clearing up yard debris. If you live in an area with seasons that bring inclement weather, be sure you have enough seasonal storage space so your items are not damaged.

Seasonal Dcor

Once your space is clear and clean, decide how you will bring that Zen feeling into your yard. The key is to bring things into your space without creating clutter. Many people find that the sound of running water brings a feeling of relaxation, so a fountain may be a great addition to your outdoor space. Be sure to use the appropriate chemicals and use the fountain on the regular basis so stagnant water does not draw mosquitoes. Also be sure to keep the fountain and the area around it clean. Fire is another element that brings a feeling of coziness to an outdoor space. There are fire pits and outdoor fire places that come in all shapes and sizes and offer a great way to bring warmth into your yard. Finally, be sure you have plenty of flora and fauna in your space. If you are trying to create a Zen feeling in an urban outdoor space, you will need to add a few plants to bring green close to you.

Creating a Getaway in Your Backyard

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Selling in Summer? Don't Forget About the Backyard

Now that the long awaited warm summer weather finally came to our northern territories, people try to take the most out of it spending their free time outside barbecuing, camping, just walking in the park or sitting on the patio. That is why those who are looking for a new home this warm season pay extra attention to the backyard areas. People are looking for private cozy areas where they can relax after a working day with a glass of chilly something, play with their kids or pets and entertain guests. That is why backyard staging is an essential part of preparation of a house for sale. Even if your backyard leaves much to be desired, it's important to show the potential of the space. Here are some tips and ideas on how to get the most out of your backyard with minimum investments.
Clean up the whole area. As well the rest of the home your backyard should be neat, tidy and clutter-free. Hide all kids toys, empty flower pots, gardening tools, garbage bins, etc. Remove all dry flowers and shrubs, cover rusty spots with a fresh coat of paint, finish all unfinished projects. Create a designated dining area. Potential buyers are looking for a place where they can have a dinner with family or friends. A big 6-seat table looks great and inviting but if you don't have room for it or don't want to invest in a new patio furniture a small round table with 2 chairs would go as well. Flowers, flowers, flowers. Nothing is as pleasing for the eye as a bunch of blooming flowers. If you can't boast of good gardening skills, buy a pre-selected flower baskets and place them around you patio area. It will give your backyard a well maintained look and a punch of color. Add some color. If your backyard furniture looks old and tired a very effective method of bringing it back to life is covering it up with colorful slipcovers or just putting new decorative pillows. The main thing is that they have to be bright: yellow, blue, orange, red, green. The brighter the better, it's summertime after all. Create the mood. When we do staging projects for our clients, for showcasing purposes in backyards we usually create a small vignette out of a wine bottle and 2 glasses. That will allow you to create a certain mood and give the area a nice finishing touch. We wouldn't recommend setting up the table officially as it looks a bit unnatural and leaves a buyer with a feeling that they are intruding into someones feast.

Seasonal Dcor

Selling in Summer? Don't Forget About the Backyard

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