Many people look forward to the warmer and sunnier weather because they can’t wait to spend more time outside. With the right backyard upgrades, you can take full advantage of the warmer weather. It’s all about upgrading the atmosphere of your home so that it transforms into a comfortable and inviting space. The atmosphere in your backyard should be welcoming and enjoyable to you, your family, and your guests. This article looks at the top five benefits of investing in the atmosphere of your outdoor space and provides examples of some of the best investments that you can make
1. Spend More Time Outdoors
Many people find themselves spending much of their time indoors thanks to things like a comfortable couch, air conditioning, and entertainment. However, you are missing out on the many benefits of spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. You’ll find that if you set up a comfortable backyard space with a good atmosphere, you’ll be just as motivated to spend more time outdoors. The truth is that being cooped up inside all the time isn’t entirely healthy. Spending more time with Mother Nature amongst the trees and wildlife can bring about a ton of benefits, and it’s not hard to see why.
Having a lot of trees and greenery around means you have plenty of cleaner and fresher air. Trees and other green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they photosynthesize. The result is cleaner air that is better for your health. Spending more time outside carries less risk of respiratory problems compared to some indoor areas, which can contain a higher concentration of air pollutants.
Another benefit of spending more time outside is more sunlight. Sunlight is important because it helps boost vitamin D levels in your body. Exposing yourself to more sunlight can also work wonders on your sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the light/dark cycle of the sun has a huge influence on your circadian rhythm. Increased exposure to direct sunlight helps you fall asleep at night and improves the quality of your sleep. Natural light is much better than electric or artificial illumination.
When you have a well-designed backyard with an inviting atmosphere, it is also beneficial for your overall well-being. Natural elements like trees and flowers can help stimulate relaxation and lower stress levels. If you need to unwind, the calming atmosphere in your backyard can help facilitate metal restoration, especially when you take time to appreciate your surroundings. To fully realize these benefits, take the time to find out which backyard improvements resonate with you. Maybe you have always found the sound of water to be calming. In that case, installing a water feature can enhance your mood and state of mind.
2. Increase Your Living Space
If there’s one thing that many homeowners would like more of, it’s space. If your home feels small, your backyard could be the perfect opportunity to expand and create a wonderful living space. Even if you have a small backyard, there are ways of maximizing the available space. The end result will be additional living space that you will enjoy.
Start by analyzing your backyard to earmark any empty space that you can use. If you don’t already have one, installing a deck or patio could be one of the best things you can add to your yard. If you have a multi-story home, consider installing a second-floor deck and then a patio beneath it. This is the perfect way to make use of empty space without significantly increasing your structure’s footprint.
If you want your backyard to feel larger, make sure you use the space efficiently by creating zones. Zoning allows you to organize the available space quickly. You can easily connect the different zones with pathways and walkways. This makes the navigation of your outdoor space both easy and beautiful.
Further, when it comes to increasing your living space in your backyard, you will need proper seating. The good news is that there are so many ideas for outdoor seating arrangements. For example, you could build a sunken pit-style bench or you could install a comfortable, family-sized sofa. You could choose a bespoke bench or even set up an open-air, laid-back office. The point is to create a unique space where you can relax in comfort.
It’s important to create the right atmosphere in your backyard by adding beautiful decor elements as well. Some decor elements you could incorporate include outdoor rugs, flower pots, garden sculptures, wind chimes, lanterns, and more. It’s important to have focal points in your design that are both eye-catching and help to bring out the rest of the environment. Examples of focal points to incorporate include a fire pit or a waterfall.
3. Create More Entertainment Options
Your backyard can be a great source of entertainment and the perfect venue for barbecues, dinner parties, and family get-togethers. Creating a relaxing and appealing space in your backyard can make the outdoors an appealing getaway for you, your family, and your friends. The trick is to have a backyard that reflects your interests and those of your family. For instance, if you want to create a relaxing destination, consider hanging a cozy hammock. All you need is two trees or a hammock stand to get started. In fact, a hammock is a great start to improving any backyard. Then, consider planting some shrubbery to add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Another way to liven your backyard space is by building a firepit, adding a jacuzzi, building an outdoor kitchen, or installing some mood lighting. A firepit can significantly improve the functionality of your outdoor space. With a firepit, you can light a fire to keep you warm and continue to entertain during the cold months. Another practical addition is the outdoor kitchen or snack bar, which eliminates the need to track back and forth since you’ll have all the essentials close by to keep the drinks and food coming.
If you’re thinking more along the lines of luxury entertainment, a jacuzzi is the ultimate investment that will help you and your family and friends relax after a long day. Even if your budget is tight, you don’t need much to create a great backyard space with an excellent atmosphere. Sometimes it’s as simple as installing a comfortable seating area complete with blankets, cushions, or pillows for added comfort. With the right set-up, you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment activities such as lawn games and BBQs. When you invest in the atmosphere of your backyard, it becomes the ultimate destination for both kids and adults.
4. Increase Energy Efficiency
There are many ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, including upgrading your roof, windows, and HVAC system. The idea behind this is to ensure your home remains cool when it’s hot outside and vice versa. That way, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which lowers your energy bill in the long run. The good news is that making the right changes to your backyard can also improve the energy efficiency of your home. For instance, strategically-placed trees help to block the sun’s rays so that less heat is absorbed by your roof into your home.
According to Arbor Day, it’s possible to save 3% on your energy bill in five years by planting a tree on the west side of your house. The Department of Energy also recommends tall shade trees as an effective method for protecting your home against solar heat and cold winter winds. Therefore, which trees to plant is just as important as where to plant them. Look for trees that will grow tall with a wide canopy. These trees will provide the most shade. However, be wary of planting them directly adjacent to your house. It is safer to space them out so that limbs don’t hang over your roof.
Besides planting trees for shade, you can also shade your home with hardscaping elements. These include fencing, pergolas, and trellises, which can help block the sun and wind and create cool spots in your backyard. Planting ground covers and other ornamental plants can help reduce wind velocity so that you have fewer cold drafts getting into your home. These changes not only improve your home’s energy efficiency but also boosts the comfort and privacy of your backyard space. When it comes to energy savings, it all adds up in the long run.
5. Improve Your Property’s Value
Making interior updates is not the only way to improve the value of your home. Landscape updates can also boost property value. Therefore, if you’re looking to impress potential buyers and get a high figure after your home evaluation, it might be time to transform your backyard. If you’re interested in backyard improvements that add value, it’s important to focus on sophisticated design. For instance, if you’re planning to add a deck, you will want to use only the best materials and finishes for an excellent and professional polished look. Decks, in particular, are bound to be popular among new home buyers that understand the value of spending more time outdoors.
By turning your backyard into an extension of your home, you can create a space that’s perfect for leisure. Nothing beats being able to relax outside where the weather is pleasant and the nights are cozy. Your home will have better value when there are plenty of beautiful views all around. In addition, you can reap more value by focusing on improvements that make your space water-efficient. This can be done by planting drought-resistant plants, installing a water-efficient irrigation system, and adding permeable pavement.
Another practical area to focus on to boost property value is security. One way to do this is by upgrading your outdoor lighting. This also helps add a welcoming feeling and allows you to enjoy your outdoor space in the late evenings. Buyers are more likely to prefer a ready-made backyard, so they don’t have to make the investment themselves.
Choosing the Best Backyard Upgrades
Before you start investing in the atmosphere of your backyard, make sure you do as much research as possible to discover the best upgrades you can make. Usually, there are some great ideas you can’t go wrong with. For instance, building a deck or patio is always a good move, because you need dedicated seating areas where you can spend time doing all the things you love, whether that’s reading a good book or having great conversations with friends. Another great idea for investing in the atmosphere of your backyard is to make your surroundings as beautiful as possible. Flowers and shrubbery are a great way to accomplish this.
Make sure that everything flows together, and be sure to consider the architectural style of your home when putting together different aspects of your landscape. Create a stunning backyard by adding a charming stone path, a tranquil deck, and lush, colorful blooms that lend to a relaxing atmosphere. Place flowers in colorful pots to decorate your outdoor living space and keep things exotic. Work on ensuring that you have all the privacy you need with improvements, such as new fencing or a wall with hanging plants. That way, your backyard can feel like a safe retreat away from prying eyes. Good lighting is also essential if you want to enhance the atmosphere. These are some of the best backyard improvements to improve the atmosphere of your exterior space.
Upgrading your exterior space comes with several benefits. It encourages you to spend more time outdoors, which brings its own health benefits. It also has many other practical benefits, such as more usable living space, better entertainment options, and improved energy efficiency. If you’re planning to sell your home down the line, you might want to consider remodeling your outdoor living space. This is a great investment choice that can increase your property value. Even if you’re not planning to sell, having a backyard space with a great atmosphere can greatly enhance your lifestyle. The best time to start improving your backyard space is now, so you can unlock all the benefits your property has to offer. Call or stop by Gateway Home & Garden Center today to get more inspiration for your outdoor living space or to find the perfect supplies and materials for your next project.
