Home used to be a place where you can relax after a long day. Now, many people’s homes have become offices, schools, and even theaters. After spending almost a year of confinement, homeowners are looking for ways to improve their homes to suit their new lifestyle. One of them is upgrading their outdoor living spaces to create a place of solace and sanity.
Although outdoor living spaces have been popular among homeowners, industry experts see a growing demand due to the restrictions amid the pandemic. They also expect new planning strategies and interest amenities this year.
Homeowners Focus on Larger Outdoor Projects
Since the stay-at-home protocols, people get to use more areas of their homes. Many homeowners have looked at their homes with fresh eyes and thought of enhancing how it functions and feels.
A survey from Houzz shows 79 percent of homeowners said they were thinking about making changes to their homes to make them more enjoyable. At the top of their wish list are outdoor (35 percent), bathroom (34 percent), and kitchen projects (32 percent). Nine in 10 homeowners who have home improvement visions, however, plan to pursue the project after the pandemic.
Home improvement projects can be small or large, depending on the extent of the project. The size affects the cost of the project as well as the value it adds to your home. That is why it’s essential that you choose the project you invest in carefully to make the most of your money.
A survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) shows most remodeling activities focus on outdoor areas, including landscaping, decks, and outdoor living rooms. Apart from enhancing the overall aesthetic of their home, many homeowners undertake home improvement projects to make their homes more comfortable during the lockdown period.
Before you look for a life deck distributor or landscaping professional, make sure to plan your outdoor living project carefully. It’s ideal to design it in a way that will allow you to use it all-year-round.
Upgrading Your Outdoor Space for All-Year Use
According to design experts, designing your outdoor living spaces for year-round use will be one of the hot trends to expect in 2021. With all the health safety protocols, it’s not wise to have your backyard remodeled or changed as the season changes. Plus, it will cost you more.
Here are five ways you can make your outdoor space ready during winter and beyond.
1. Brighten Up the Place
Lighting is a valuable addition to your outdoor living space. Not only lights can illuminate the area in the evening, but also creates a beautiful ambiance. You can choose from a variety of light fixtures, including spotlights, path markers, and patio string lights. They can also be solar or LED.
Work with a landscaping professional to help you place the lights in the right positions. Proper placement of the lights is crucial to the overall look of the area.
2. Add Weatherproof Furniture
If you’re planning to use your outdoor living space for the whole year, invest in outdoor furniture that can withstand extreme temperatures. This includes heavy-duty blankets, sofas, and other novel amenities.
Most furniture made from materials like teak, powder-coated steel, and polyresin wicker can withstand elements and can last through different seasons. Maintenance is also important to keep them in pristine condition. Make sure to cover them and bring in the cushions when it rains or snows.
3. Heat Up The Space
As you spend more time at home, you would want to go out to get some fresh air. Adding a source of heat near seating areas can make your outdoor living space cozier, especially during cold evenings.
You can add a firepit, outdoor fireplace, or an outdoor heater. This is where you and the people inside your bubble can gather around and roast marshmallows or drink your favorite hot beverage.
4. Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Since the pandemic started, a great number of restaurants shuts down, forcing many people to cook at home. Although more restaurants are open again, eating out is still not a good option. Building an outdoor kitchen allows you to enjoy your meals al fresco without exposing yourself to possible carriers of the virus.
Invest in a quality grill or a pizza oven. You can also build outdoor kitchen cabinets to store your items. Look for outdoor kitchen ideas to find the right style that suits your home.
5. Install Patio Roofs or Enclosures
Having a roof on your patio can encourage you to spend more time outside day and night. It gives the area some shade, especially in the summer. It can also prevent your furniture from getting wet when it rains.
Add enclosures to serve as a partition between your patio and your yard. You can also use outside curtains for privacy and keep the place warm.
Since your home became an office, a school, and a place for entertainment, you should enjoy some peace and quiet without leaving your place. This may be the perfect time to work on the outdoor project you’ve been planning. For bigger projects, consider working with a professional so the project runs smoothly.
