There is a common fear among home owners that revamping the outdoor living space is going to do some serious damage to your bank account. This fear, usually results in an outdated garden, finished off with a couple of dying pot plants, and $10 chairs that you picked up from your local hardware store. It’s funny, we spend so much time and effort perfecting our interior areas, that we neglect the exterior – a space that should really be the extension of the inside, not the Amazon jungle. If the idea of entering your overgrown yard makes you cringe, perhaps it’s time for a makeover! Whatever your budget, here are some simple ideas to transform your garden into a relaxing oasis.
Freshen the Walls with a Coat of Paint
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for reviving and old space. If timber is already a feature in your backyard, you’ve probably noticed that without the right maintenance, they struggle under the harsh elements. You’ll firstly need to prepare the surface before you start coating over with a fresh lick of paint. Simply peel the existing paint, and lightly sand the area to provide a smooth base for re-painting.
Revamp Your Outdoor Accessories and Furniture
Unless you plan on keeping that plastic outdoor setting – which I’m assuming you don’t – a dining or lounge suite is essential to creating a relaxed and comfortable vibe. If you have pre-existing outdoor furniture that’s a bit faded, there’s nothing a colourful pop of fresh paint can’t fix. However, if you plan on purchasing a new suite, consider outdoor coverage for the wet months, or a product that is durable enough to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it. You could include a love seat for a private feeling, a wooden dining setting for potential dinner parties, and a large weather resistant umbrella to keep it protected.
Create a Magical Feel with Outdoor Lighting
Your home isn’t left in the dark, so why would you treat your outdoor space the same? The right lighting can truly make or break a space. If you’ve packed it out with a sea of bright lights, you’ll constantly feel like you’re under interrogation. If you’ve got a few candles sparingly placed around the yard, you’ll likely spill your supper. There are a plethora of garden lighting products to choose, with the favourite being weaving fairy lights around the trees to create a magical and whimsical ambiance. Another option is including inbuilt spotlights along your garden bed to create a light feature on your wall. Even if you have a limited budget, you can always opt for garden lamps and lanterns, which have a rustic appeal.
Make an Entertainment Area with an Outdoor Patio
Even the most inexperienced D.I.Yer has the ability to install a patio in their backyard. This is a highly effective way to dress any garden, creating a designated space for entertaining. Start from scratch with concrete slabs, wooden panels, bricks or tiles, or if you’re feeling a bit scared at the thought of arranging your space, call on a specialist like Additions Building to help you through all the planning and process.
Have you recently updated your garden space? What are your simple yet effective ways of sprucing up an area? Leave your ideas in the comments below.
