How to Create a Backyard Living Space

Life is better when you spend more of it outside. Not only does daily exposure to sunlight improve your health, but the fresh air also makes you feel better. One of the best ways to encourage yourself and your family to get outside is by making your backyard an excellent place to hang out. How do you do that? There are a number of simple projects that will turn your yard into a true living space.

 

Carve Out Some Space

 

If you want a liveable backyard, the first thing you’ll have to do is reclaim the space from nature. Left to its own devices, your yard will strive to return to its original, natural form. You’ll need to cut branches, pull weeds, and lay mulch or pebbles until you’ve made this patch of Earth your own.

 

Invest in Comfortable Seating

 

Given a choice between uncomfortable deck chairs and the living room sofa, people are going to choose the indoor option every time. That’s why investing in comfy outdoor furniture is so important if you really want your yard to become its own living space. There are all sorts of lounge chairs and weatherproof couches that will make your yard every bit as comfortable as the rooms inside.

 

Get a Retractable Awning

 

No matter how beautiful you find your yard, you’ll never sit outside if it’s uncomfortably hot. A barbecue is no fun when everybody is sweating through their shirts. A retractable awning is a good way to provide shade when it’s needed, but then allow the sun (or stars) to shine through when the weather is cooler.

 

Get a Hammock

 

There’s something about the gentle swaying of a hammock that makes it the perfect symbol of an outdoor paradise. This is a simple addition that will add a lot of value to your yard. Not only will it be a hit with guests, but you’ll also enjoy it yourself in quieter moments. Before you know it, an afternoon siesta might even become part of your daily routine.

 

Install an Outdoor Sound System

 

When hanging out in the yard, the focus should be on the joys of nature, not on modern entertainment. With that being said, some tunes never hurt a relaxing afternoon. With a proper sound system, you and your guests can enjoy music in every part of your yard.

 

Get a Decent Grill

 

Barbecues are the quintessential American outdoor activity for good reason. Not only are they fun and delicious, but they also bring people together. If you really want to get the most out of your yard, you’ll need a decent grill. It’s with the burgers sizzling and the steam rising that your yard will really come into its own.

 

Install Lighting

 

There’s no reason your yard should be limited to daytime use. With a decent set of lights, you can enjoy the great outdoors well after sunset. When guests are around, the lighting will mean the party never has to stop. On quieter evenings, you’ll be able to curl up outside with a glass of wine and a good book.

 

Build or Buy a Fire Pit

 

If you really want to enjoy your yard at night, then a fire pit is the way to go. Nothing infuses a bit of life into your yard like the crackling of a flame. Fires are also great for making memories and having a laugh with old friends. Kids will love toasting marshmallows, while adults will swear that a beer tastes even more delicious around a flickering fire.

 

By completeing a few small projects, you can make your yard an extension of your living space. An unused yard is a wasted opportunity. Take these simple steps to turn your yard into your home’s best feature. Soon enough, you’ll be spending more time outside your house than in it.