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During the summertime, outdoor living in your backyard is as important as your indoor space! Whether you are entertaining guests or relaxing with family and friends, your backyard space is an essential oasis. Studies have found that outdoor living spaces reduce stress levels and increase one’s mental health. Here are a few outdoor accessories that will improve your outdoor living space – and turn your backyard into an extension of your house!
Furniture
Choosing the right furniture for your outdoor living space is crucial to enjoying your backyard! Do you have family who will be eating outside often? Or children who will be swimming this summer? Consider the types of summer activities and the size of your outdoor living space to find the best furniture for you. Comfortable chairs with durable – and waterproof – cushions is important. You will want to ensure that the furniture will withstand water from summer activities and rain during the winter months.
Backyard Theater
Backyard theaters have become a popular and accessible idea that is perfect for the summer – and for your backyard! Great for entertainment, you can easily set up a DIY movie screen against a wall using a white curtain or sheet and a media player. Looking for a more permanent backyard theater? Easily install a video projector or portable screen against a brick wall or grassy area. Make sure to grab your outdoor chairs and cushions to transform your backyard into the perfect movie theater. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Water Features
As previously detailed, studies have found that outdoor living spaces reduce stress levels and increase one’s mental health. What better way to relax than to add a water feature like a fountain or a pond, focusing on sounds of tranquility and peace. Adding larger water features like a hot tub or pool is not just great for family fun: it can also increase the value of your home. According to estimates, an in-ground pool can increase your home’s value as much as 7 percent.
Add native plants to your landscape
Trying to be more drought conscious? Adding native plants to your landscape will equate to less water used! Krista Guerrero, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Water Efficiency Specialist, said the average lawn accounts for about 70% of a household’s water usage. California native plants require less watering in comparison to grass lawns, and therefore help to conserve water.
Some low-water and drought-resistant plants include:
- Agave species (Agave)
- Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus)
- Arctostaphylos species (Manzanita)
- Artemisia species (Sagebrush)
- Ceanothus species (California Lilac)
- Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton Waxflower)
- Cistus species (Rockrose)
- Dudleya species (Live Forever)
- Echeveria species (Hens-and-Chickens)
- Encelia californica (California Encelia)
- Galvezia speciosa (Island Bush Snapdragon)
- Grevillea species (Grevillea)
- Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)
- Lavandula species (Lavender)
I hope you enjoy transforming your outdoor living space into a summer getaway! Make sure to send me some photographs, or message me for inspiration! Happy Summer!
