As a homeowner, you are always on the lookout for high-impact moves that can transform your gardens or spaces. What exactly works? How can you get the garden that you want using maximum leverage techniques?
Add a covered patio, pergola or shade structure
One of the most powerful things you can do is add a covered patio pergola or shade structure. This keeps the rain and sun off your back so you can enjoy the outdoors in more weather. It’s also great if you’re planning on having guests come over for dining, or if you just want to eat alfresco one evening. You’re not constantly battling the heat and the rain.
Install a patio or deck
Installing a patio or deck is another high-impact move that changes your outdoor areas, turning them into something you can really use on a daily basis. For example, you could add a paver patio or a stone patio. You could also have a multi-level deck with a chest underneath to store all of the outdoor items that you need, especially if you have children. Just choose materials that will naturally blend with the rest of your home.
Incorporate a fire pit or outdoor fireplace
You might also want to incorporate a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace. These are perfect for when the weather turns cold and you want a source of extra heat. Fire pits and fireplaces tend to work much better than infrared lamps. Plus, you can use wood that you chop in your own garden to fuel them, so you don’t have to rely on the electrical grid. An outdoor fireplace is the best if you want to create even more heat, because it can direct heat towards the people sitting around it.
Add lighting strategically
Lighting is another tool you can use to transform your outdoor areas. Many homeowners are finally cottoning on to the fact that it creates incredible moods and atmospheres, especially at night.
For example, you could put spotlights in trees or string lights over your lanterns. You could also place them around your pergolas or the fencing surrounding your patio areas. These options are inexpensive to run but can create a sense of depth and welcome, especially in the evening.
Redo your lawn
It sounds simple, but getting some turf and redoing your lawn is one of the highest leverage things you can do to transform your outdoor spaces. Lawns can start to look tired and worn out over several years, especially after a few harsh summers. Replacing them or adding extra green to your outdoor areas is often beneficial.
Don’t try to seed your new lawn from scratch. That takes a long time and requires a lot of effort. Instead, buy rolls of turf and then roll them out on the ground.
Create an outdoor cooking area
Finally, you could create an outdoor cooking area. These are becoming increasingly popular and allow you to entertain guests while cooking at the same time, so you can continue conversations without a break.
