Domicile Take Your Yard from Ordinary

TAKE YOUR YARD FROM Ordinary TO Extraordinary

BY MARK HAGEN

10 EASY IDEAS THAT TRANSFORM OUTDOOR SPACES

The higher the mercury rises, the more anxious Cream City homeowners are to jazz up their outdoor living spaces. Sprucing up the backyard doesn’t have to cost a lot or monopolize your entire weekend, however. If you’re looking to beautify your yard in a hurry, consider these fast (and fabulous) hints.

Let Your Light Shine. From patio string lights to solar-powered spotlights, outdoor lighting brings drama to your yard. Start by illuminating any interesting architecture your house might have. Next, move on to archways and gates, as well as walkways, decks and porches.

Make a Colorful Entrance. A splash of color is a surefire way to add interest to drab exteriors and increase curb appeal. Home enthusiasts understand the benefits of an inviting front door, but don’t forget to dress up the back and side doors too. A bright orange or brilliant blue patio door, for instance, quickly adds whimsy to backyards. Up, Up & Away. One of the quickest ways to makeover your yard is to add height. This can be as involved as installing a pergola or as simple as planting a tree. If time is really short, add a few hanging baskets to help draw the eye and break up the landscape.

“Man Cave” the Grill. You’re the grill master at your home, aren’t you? Let everyone know you’re a flame-broiled fanatic by creating a spot for your grill. Whether you have an elaborate smoker or your dad’s rusty old Weber, think of this new area as the man cave of the backyard. Lay pavers for your grill, add a small table to hold food and utensils and hang a few patio lights and you’re good to go. Throw in Some Throw Pillows. Never underestimate the power of a throw pillow. These little guys instantly breathe new life into outdoor spaces and dress up tired patio furniture. Get creative with colors, patterns and textures, and you’ll be amazed at the speedy makeover.

It’s a Lounge, Baby! With its flashy umbrella and ample seating, the focal point of nearly every backyard is the dining table, but don’t let your patio set steal the show. Carve out another spot that beckons friends and family to kick back and relax. The additional seating area makes any yard feel a bit more special. Set a bistro table in a corner of the yard or deck out an open space with a comfy sectional

and candlelit coffee table. Your goal is to create a cozy spot to read a book, take a nap or share a bottle of wine with a few friends.

Dress Up Your Deck. Don’t have time to re-stain your deck? Lay down an outdoor area rug instead. Add a few planters and a brightly colored sun umbrella for a pop of fun. Set flower arrangements on dining or end tables to really put your deck over the top.

Too “Mulch” Is Never Enough. Actually, you can have too much mulch, but you get the point. Fresh mulch keeps yards looking clean and crisp. Consider adding a basic mulch pathway through the garden or from the side yard to the back for added flair.

Fountains, Fire and Festivity. Water features and fire pits instantly enhance backyards. Freestanding water fountains as well as small tabletop fountains bring serenity and interest to spaces. Similarly, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces make yards feel special…and the spot where everyone wants to party.

Belly Up to the (Outdoor) Bar. Outdoor bars are more popular than ever, adding convenience, interest and even a bit of kitsch to today’s backyards. Big-box stores and web sites offer these bars in a wide range of sizes, materials and prices, but why not get creative? Hit secondhand and antique stores for bar carts as well as bookcases or furniture pieces that work just as well.

Mark Hagen is an award-winning gardener, former caterer and Milwaukee lover. His work has appeared in Fresh Home, Birds & Blooms and Your Family magazines.