Spring Refresh: Planning your Outdoor Space

Written by Rachael Baihn

There’s no better way to beat the winter blues than by planning for spring. Instead of moping about that carpet of snow, concentrate on that green carpet of grass that will soon cover your lawn. Now’s the perfect time to plan a makeover for your outdoor living space. Carpeting, a new deck, outdoor kitchen, and sculpted landscaping can really improve the look of your outdoor paradise.

1. Lighting

One of the simplest ways to spice up the patio is with lighting. You can string hanging lights or place separate fixtures in open spaces. Outdoor solar lights convert sunlight into electricity, and they’re easy to install and maintain. Solar lights won’t increase your electricity costs. They illuminate gardens, landscapes, lampposts, entryways, and pathways.

2. Pergola

These wooden outdoor structures dress up walkways, decks, and patios with their filtered shade. Sizes vary, but many options are available. Some types have attachable panels or canopies to block the sun. Build a pergola over the deck or patio and place hanging flowerpots on the rails. Grow vines and ivy over crossbeams and lattice.

3. Container Gardens

Flowers, vegetables, and shrubbery brighten up front and backyard landscaping. Short on space? Try container gardening. Design the garden with hot and pastel colors. For example, petunias grow in all shades—pinks, purples, reds, yellows, whites, and stripes. Cardinal flowers are bright red. Zinnias bloom in single- or double-flowered stems. Hang a few containers on your porch or attach a couple of wicker baskets to an outdoor wall filled with annuals and greenery. Native plants adapt to the climate as they repel pests and disease.

4. Seating and Decorating

Dump those old broken lawn chairs. You can find bargains this time of year at your favorite home improvement store. Chaise lounges, rocking chairs, and swings are comfortable for backyard decks, patios, and front-facing porches. Color things up with standout hues—how about peacock blue or flamingo pink? Buy some new cushions or re-cover the old ones. Drop a runner or two on the picnic table. Dress up the deck with an outdoor carpet and large urns. Hammocks are a great way to relax on a lazy summer day. Pergola These wooden outdoor structures dress up walkways, decks, and patios with their filtered shade. Sizes vary, but many options are available. Some types have attachable panels or canopies to block the sun. Build a pergola over the deck or patio and place hanging flowerpots on the rails. Grow vines and ivy over crossbeams and lattice.

5. Outdoor Bar and Kitchen

It’s like getting the best of both worlds: a kitchen on the patio! You’ll no longer have to run back inside during those cookouts. Talk to a contractor about space and structural requirements. One thing to consider: The temperature and humidity inside the house differ from the outside, so your cooking experience will vary.

6. Outdoor Carpeting and Area Rugs

Outdoor carpeting is resilient for the patio all year long, but you can place area rugs here and there to protect bare feet. If you really want to be creative, paint a few patterns on the deck that surround strategically placed rugs. Check out weather-resistant outdoor rugs.

Outdoor living has gotten high tech. Smartphone apps control lighting, heaters, security, and even the barbecue. “Alexa, turn on the grill!” With these upgrades, you’ll now have another “living room” to entertain guests. Hidden Storage Because you never seem to have enough room to store things, utilizing every spare inch is a plus! Build an accessible cabinet or pullout drawer underneath a raised deck to hold barbecue tools, mosquito repellents, and lawn toys. Benches with lift-up seats make great storage places, too.

Indoor/outdoor area rug by Couristan | Style: Palmette Color: Navy/Ivory

7. Hidden Storage

Because you never seem to have enough room to store things, utilizing every spare inch is a plus! Build an accessible cabinet or pullout drawer underneath a raised deck to hold barbecue tools, mosquito repellants, and lawn toys. Benches with lift-up seats make great storage places, too.