In 2020, 75% of American homeowners used their own private outdoor spaces to get some time outdoors. This averaged out to 14 hours a week outside, which is up 3 hours from pre-pandemic times.
Getting some fresh air outside has always been important for our physical and mental health. And now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, this is more vital than ever! In fact, 73% of American homeowners said that outdoor time’s been therapeutic!
If you’ve got a yard but it’s neglected and unused, you’ll want to take advantage of your small outdoor living space.
Here are some outstanding ways to make your outdoor living space cozy all year round!
Put Up String Lights
A quick and easy way to perk up your outdoor space is to put up some string lights. These can provide extra lighting if you hang out after dark and won’t be too harsh on your eyes, as some other forms of lighting might be.
What’s great is you can get creative with these. If you’re a simpler type of person, just string them across your fences and call it a day. On the other hand, if you love to go wild with design, you can put up lights across your yard for a light canopy!
You can also swap out the lights according to season. For example, for Independence Day, you can put up red, white, and blue lights to show off your patriotism. And similarly, you can put up string lights of ghosts and pumpkins for Halloween, and red and green lights for Christmas.
Get a Firepit
Almost everybody enjoys a good firepit, so why not have one in your backyard? Some nights can get chilly, and even if you’re snuggled up in a warm blanket, a firepit adds that special touch to enjoying your outdoor space, especially if it’s nighttime.
You can go with a traditional firepit where you burn logs. But your clothes can get smokey and your eyes might sting.
A better choice is an ethanol burner. Because it has no smoke, not only is it more eco-friendly, but it’s also cleaner for you and your guests. An added benefit is it looks cool and modern since you get flames behind glass that look like they’re burning without any outside forces.
Use a Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella can provide you with some much-appreciated shade in the hot summer sun. But that’s not all!
When fall and winter come, this umbrella can also shield you from rain and snow. You won’t have to worry about running inside when there’s inclement weather, because you’re nice and protected.
Put in a Hot Tub
Need to get even warmer and have a somewhat generous budget? Then consider putting in a hot tub.
This can be a wise investment if you’re always stressed out and need a good way to relax at home. You can also spend some quality time with your family in the hot tub since it’ll allow you to kick back and enjoy one another’s company, even if it’s freezing outside!
The hot tub is also excellent for entertaining guests or someone you’re dating. The possibilities are endless!
Plant Tall Shrubs
If you don’t already have them, you should plant tall shrubs in your around the perimeter. These can act as a windbreak so nights in your backyard don’t feel as chilly.
Tall shrubs also have the added bonus of providing you with more privacy, especially if you have nosy neighbors. And not to mention, they just look nice! It’s perfect if you wanted to make your outdoor living space look better but didn’t want to resort to hardscaping.
Get the Right Furniture
When it comes to outdoor living space design, you’ll want to invest in quality pieces. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, after all, so you don’t want pieces of furniture that’ll break down and/or look crummy after a few times of use.
Opt for weatherproof materials, such as teak, powder-coated steel, and polyresin wicker. And be proactive in bringing in less durable things, such as pillows, cushions, and cozy blankets.
Build a Patio Roof or Enclosure
If you’ve got the budget for it, then one of the best outdoor living space ideas is to build a patio roof or enclosure. This will make things a lot more sheltered!
In addition to these things, you should put up outdoor curtains. Not only will this keep the living space warm, but it’ll also provide you with more privacy too.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen will make it a lot easier to entertain in your outdoor living space. You won’t have to cook inside while everyone’s having fun outside, nor will you have to keep running in and out to check on your food. Plus, the outdoor appliances will help heat up the space!
If you can’t afford an outdoor kitchen, at least consider buying a nice grill. This will still allow you to cook for your guests without feeling left out while everyone’s hanging out.
Spruce up Your Small Outdoor Living Space
If you’ve got a small outdoor living space, make good use of it! It’s great for extending your indoor living space, and you’ll be able to enjoy some fresh air without having to leave your house. And it’s excellent for entertaining guests in non-pandemic times.
We’ve given you some fantastic ideas above, but there’s so much more you can do with your outdoor space. So dream big and make your own little backyard paradise!
For more DIY outdoor living space ideas, check out the rest of our blog page now.
