Outdoor Living: What’s In and What’s Not

We all love the outdoors and when the pandemic was in full swing we rediscovered our love of being in nature. You can do everything outdoors that you can indoors but with some extra space and fresh air. However, if you are redesigning your outdoor space or want to install something that wasn’t there before, you will have to balance good looks with functionality. So, let’s talk about what’s in and what’s not when it comes to outdoor living.

In: Stylish Comfort

With people spending more time than ever in their yards, it’s only natural that they would want to be comfortable. However, they certainly don’t want to sacrifice style since they may also be inviting guests over more often. Gone are the white plastic chairs that were so common a few years ago. Now it’s all about cushions and padded seats, for starters.

Colors other than white that will not attract heat are very popular. That includes gray, green, blue and natural wood like the Adirondack chairs on our cover from Reeves Furniture. The key is finding flexible furniture to accommodate people of all sizes and heights. Patio sofas are big right now since they can be used for people to sit in large gatherings or as a place to put your feet up for an afternoon snooze or to read a good book. If you’re going to be out there, you might as well be comfortable, right? Reeves Furniture and Rabun Flooring have outdoor rugs for your patio and Reeves has many patio furniture and outdoor accessories to make it look great!

In: Sensory Walkways

Extended living space is not the only reason that people are spending more time outdoors. It’s also about having a space where you can relax and enjoy nature. So much of what is great about being outdoors is what the surroundings can do to your senses. The smells, the things you feel, the sounds, and the sights can all be a wonder to behold. With that in mind, designers and builders specializing in custom homes and outdoor living are considering the senses when designing homes and yards. Lorenzo’s Landscapes is a good option to install rock walkways, walls or steps. For one, meandering pathways can be created with a variety of materials that create a pleasant feel on your feet. They could be stone, wood, or even gravel. There will also be variations in the colors and types of plant life, so there is a feast for your eyes and nose. Reeves Feed and Farm or Harvest Moon Antiques and Garden Center might have the plants you’ve been looking for. Wind chimes and other accessories will provide a lovely background as you doze off or focus on your reading.

In: Outdoor Exercise

You might not have the space for a home gym indoors, but your yard might be the perfect place to complement your Your Time Fitness gym membership. Usually, it’s a good idea to have natural shade or a pergola so that you can exercise comfortably. The area should have level ground which is often difficult in the mountains, but you can either install a patio or do your workouts directly on grass.

You can run wiring out so that you can have a stationary bike while working out. If you want to be even bolder, you can create a basketball court or even a mini golf course out there. Your imagination is your only limitation. Either way, you can put your outdoor space to work for you.

Not: Sweltering Heat

Nobody likes to roast in the sun if they don’t have to. Unfortunately, it seems we are hitting temperature records every year, and it’s become increasingly uncomfortable. Not only that, but there can be serious health complications from overheating or sunburnt skin.

That’s why awnings are popular and come in more sizes and styles than ever a great place to discuss this option is Bill’s Aluminum in Franklin, North Carolina. They can offer many options for your space. A good choice is a retractable awning that can provide shade when needed, and you can put it away when the sun is not beating down on your space. They come in a variety of materials, so you can choose one that’s right for you. An awning will protect you and also your deck from the harm of the sun and the heat.

You can also go with a screen which can significantly reduce the sun’s effects. Michael’s Screen Service is a local company that provides screening options for your home. These come in many patterns and are retractable for your convenience. You can have a screen up on one side of your deck to block the sun, then retract that and put up another. This will keep the breeze coming while guarding you from the sun.

If you are looking to enclose your space that can offer indoor/ outdoor convenience from heat, pollen and pests, in which case you may want to talk to Porch Living in Clayton.

Not: Bugs and Other Pests

Having people over for a BBQ or playing games on your deck is fun. Grills can be found at Reeves Hardware or Blossman Gas in Clayton. However, uninvited guests can ruin things, and we don’t just mean your nosy next-door neighbor.

Bugs and pests can make your space uncomfortable to the point that you won’t want to entertain or spend time outdoors. Luckily, you have some options. For instance, a bug screen around your deck or in a certain area will protect you from most creepy crawlies. Also, tiki torches with citronella can help keep insects at bay and provide an appealing source of light. Both of these options can also be found at Reeves Hardware.

Spending time outdoors is great. You have the fresh air and smell of the grass and flowers, and you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the neighborhood around you. However, the more time you spend outside, the more your experience should be tailored to what you like. Of course, you want to be comfy, but you also want your space to look and feel appealing when you’re entertaining or sitting outside on your own. Use these tips to create the backyard paradise of your dreams.