It’s not too early to start thinking about how you’ll transform your backyard come springtime. It might be hard to imagine a warm, charming escape space if you backyard is blanketed with snow, but we promise—it will melt. Actually, now is a great time to start making bigger purchases. It will give you an opportunity to spread it out, so you don’t find yourself with empty wallets come May. Better Home & Gardens is the go-to place for outdoor design. Here are our favorite tips to consider before planning a summer of R&R.
Planning Your Backyard Escape
- Break up your up your space. Designate areas for dining, playing and relaxing.
- What better way to be covered outdoors than by nature herself? Vines are classic and might be the piece that brings your entire space together. Instead of doing a covered pergola, cover it with clematis or other flowering vines.
- Use wicker on the patio. If you’re in the market for new outdoor furniture, wicker is a classic choice. Brighten white will soften and brighten your space while brown creates a neutral look to blend with your landscape. Use potted plants, beds and trellis vines to fill blank spaces against your house. Mix it up and don’t hold back.
- Create shade and do it in style. Umbrellas are not just for the center of the table. Use a pattered umbrella beside your lounging area as well. We love Pottery Barn for their classic, yet modern collection.
- Use garden stools. They’re colorful, chic and easy to move around. Three in a row are a great alternative to a coffee table and will serve as extra seating for your party. In the cold weather, these can work indoors as accent pieces, too.
- Splurge on amenities like outdoor lighting, fire-pits, and fountains. These goodies are going to be the difference between your backyard and your place of respite. A fountain or fireplace can serve as a focal point that defines the space, around which you and guests gather for a glass of wine. Lighting and/or fire also make the space that much more useful.
- Add a hammock. This might be close to your backdoor if you plan to use it every day or as a piece of décor. Or, it can in a corner far away from people and reality. If you aren’t lucky enough to put a hammock between two giant oaks, don’t worry–a rustic hammock on a wood frame can look as chic as it feels.
Image: iStockPhoto
