BACKYARD
OASES
MAKING THE OUTDOORS AN EXTENSION OF OUR INDOOR LIVING SPACES
BY MARGARITA COHEN
T
he emergence of spring’s warm weather brings a growing feeling that we might finally be turning the corner and are on the road to normalcy. However, as someone who spends a lot of time helping people enjoy their yards, there is one change that I hope will live on after this pandemic – how backyards have transformed into outdoor oases. Last summer, families were forced to spend more time at home. Travel plans were put on hold; many neighborhood pools were closed; and events like concerts, plays, and festivals were cancelled. As a result, the role of the backyard in our daily lives increased dramatically, and with that came an outdoor project boom. For example, deck projects grew by 275%, landscaping was up 238%, and fencing was increased 144% nationwide.
a masterplan and then slowly bite off smaller projects. This not only minimizes how much money you spend upfront, but it can also accelerate completion of the projects and will quickly increase the use of your outdoor oasis. This approach will work whether you are contracting someone to do the work for you or if you are tackling DIY projects. Regardless, some thoughts to consider are: – Lighting: In addition to extending the hours of use you can get from your outdoor space, lighting also enhances mood and beauty. Consider pathway lights, tree lights, or even string lights. Their type and placement will often depend on your choice of power supply, but there is also always the option of using solar lighting or tiki torches where power is not available.
During the pandemic, many began to view their home’s outdoor areas differently. The role of the backyard expanded simply beyond being a place where kids played or adults grilled, and it instead became a more integral part of our living spaces. Families spent more time in them than ever before. Will this trend continue? It’s likely that a post-vaccine world will make us more comfortable leaving our homes. The result of this could be that less time will be spent in the yard this year in comparison to last year. However, I do believe that our eyes have been opened from this experience, and I am convinced that the trend will continue. I know that making our backyards an extension of our living rooms is not just a passing fad. The first step in planning a backyard project is determining the space’s use. For example, are you looking to create an outdoor entertaining space or rather a cozy spot for intimate conversations? Do you want to enhance your grilling area or perhaps create a fullblown outdoor kitchen? You might even be considering a play space for kids or adults that could range anywhere from adding a new pool to simply creating more areas for games such as corn hole, horseshoes, or volleyball. Maybe you just want a private retreat where you can read, listen to music, or just sit and relax.
The stage is set for unlimited possibilities! At Kiddie Academy® of Wake Forest, we encourage your child to step out, be bold and act on their natural curiosity. We believe that sense of discovery helps nurture a love for learning that reaches beyond our walls and lasts a lifetime. Schedule your visit to find out more.
Now pre-enrolling at Kiddie Academy of Wake Forest 945 Gateway Commons Circle Wake Forest, NC 27587 kiddieacademy.com/wake-forest (984) 251-1550
For whichever project interests you, it is a great idea to start with 24
CIRCA Magazine
| April
May
June 2021
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circamagazine.com
