Home Improvements That Let You Spend More Time Outside
Spending time outside is very beneficial to you and your health. It allows you to soak in some vitamin D and it can even help you improve your mental health. If you’re looking to spend some more time outside, then perhaps you should focus on making home improvements that facilitate that.
Clear the Landscape
To start off, you should create a space that you will actually want to spend time in. This includes clearing your landscape so it’s more appealing and accessible. To start off, make sure you remove all debris. This includes dead leaves, tree branches, and anything else that has collected in your yard. Now is also the time to decide which plants are dead and maybe some that you simply don’t want around anymore. You should also make sure you clear any hazards like exposed tree roots or holes in your yard. Once you’ve cleared away everything undesirable, take some time to define the edges of flower beds and to prune all trees and bushes. Make your landscaping clear and attractive. An added benefit of clearing your landscaping is that it’s already helping you spend more time outside.
Put in a Pool
Having a pool is a great way to encourage you and your family to spend more time outside because it has a lot of uses and appeals. First of all, your pool allows you to have somewhere to swim. This can be a good place to swim laps or tire out the kids. The pool can also be a place to casually hang out. A lot of people simply like wading in the water and spending time with each other. Lastly, many people like to lounge around the pool to work on their tan or to simply have a reason to be outside. Remember that a pool also involves some maintenance. Fortunately, this also requires you to spend more time outside. Additionally, owning a pool can make it fun and easy to host parties or gatherings.
Create a Patio Space
Having a patio creates a designated space for you to spend time outdoors. It’s a place for you to sit, relax, and use your yard without having to worry about getting dirty or stepping in wet grass. A patio also makes it very easy to host people. You can add outdoor furniture, a grill, and anything else that is conducive to having a party. Your patio functions as an extension of your indoor space and allows you to be comfortable while also being outside. It’s also easy to get creative when building your patio. You can use a variety of materials and you can even consider adding a pergola or some kind of cover to help protect from inclement weather.
Add a Deck
Unlike a patio, a deck is a raised structure. They can be very useful if your backdoor is elevated or if you simply want to have your outdoor space farther off the ground. Building a deck can be an expensive investment, but they do add value to your home which comes in handy when you eventually sell. There are numerous deck features that let you relax or give you a space for hosting friends. You can add simple features to your deck like some lighting or features to increase shade. Incorporating grow boxes and planters into your deck is a great way to add some vibrancy to your outdoor space. If you’re looking to host a lot of parties or gatherings, then you can consider adding some outdoor kitchen features such as a grill.
Include Outdoor Furniture
The most basic way to encourage you to spend time outside is to include outdoor furniture on your deck, patio, or just in your yard. Outdoor furniture gives you somewhere to sit and relax and possibly even a space to eat. It helps to make your space more comfortable and convenient. Make sure you are thoughtful about the materials in your furniture. Some are more durable and will require less maintenance.
Add a Fire Pit
The best thing about a fire pit is it’s functional all year long. You can roast marshmallows in the summer or use it as a heat source when spending time outside in the winter. Your fire pit can be a great source of entertainment as it allows you to cook food over it, keep warm, or use it as a gathering spot. Another benefit of fire pits is they come in a variety of forms and you can pick one based on your intended use. They are also surprisingly affordable and can even add value to your home. Just make sure you take all safety measures and instruct people on how to use them properly.
Create Ambiance
If you want to spend more time outside, then you need to create an ambiance that will be appealing. There are many ways you can do this, but one place to start is with the lighting. Having the right outdoor lighting can help you enjoy your outdoor space more. There are three main types of lighting: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting includes anything like string lights, lanterns, or even candles that provide soft lighting. Task lighting is anything that is purposeful like lighting a pathway. Accent lighting is used to emphasize features in your yard such as spotlights directed at your trees. Working on the lighting in your outdoor space can help to make it an enjoyable place to spend time at night.
Add an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a feature that is typically attached to a deck or patio. It allows you to continue cooking while still being able to socialize if you have guests over. Your outdoor kitchen can simply be made up of a grill and some outdoor furniture. You can also elevate it to include a prep area, a sink, and even a fridge. You can get creative with your outdoor kitchen and add anything that fits your needs.
As you make home improvements around your home, it’s easy to find yourself focused on the interior. However, outdoor home improvements are just as important, and they can help you find more reasons to spend time outside. If you put time and effort into your outdoor space, it’ll be more enjoyable for you and your family to use.
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