It is of vital importance that we unwind now and again, especially after a hard day at work. Spending hours staring at a computer screen, or doing physical work can take its toll on both the mind and the body. However, jetting off to a remote beach isn’t always an option. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, travel restrictions have been put in place. Although a lot of these restrictions have been lifted, people are still opting to spend more time at home.
You might not have known how lucky you were to have a backyard on your property prior to the pandemic. However, when the coronavirus started spreading across the globe and governments started to enforce lockdowns to help reduce the spread of the virus, homeowners were able to enjoy the great outdoors without having to put others at risk by relaxing in their backyards. These unprecedented times have motivated a lot of people to invest in their yard to make it even more appealing. Some find it the best area to relax, and by making transformations to your yard, you can create a tranquil environment where you can switch off from the rest of the world. Here’s how to turn your backyard into an oasis:
1. Swimming Pool
You don’t need to install an Olympic sized swimming pool at home, but a small sized outdoor pool can completely transform your property. Most swimming pool companies offer a range of different pools, so you are bound to find one that suits your yard. There is nothing better than diving into your own pool at home during a hot day. Kids can spend hours splashing around without getting bored. It will encourage your friends and family members to pop over for a visit (which might be a good or bad thing!) more often. You can spend your afternoons relaxing in the pool, but swimming is also a great exercise. Click here to know how to make your pool sustainable.
However, purchasing a pool can cost a pretty penny, and the maintenance cost can add up too. You will need lots of cleaning equipment and chemicals to keep it spotless. If there are small children in your family, make sure that you install a sturdy fence around the pool so kids are unable to gain access to it.
2. Install a Deck
If you have a lot of free time on your hands, you might be interested in designing and building a deck in your yard. A deck is a great place for families and friends to enjoy a meal and socialize with one another. Kids can enjoy playing in the yard while their parents can keep an eye on them while relaxing on the deck. Some people hold birthday celebrations and other events on their deck, especially during a nice day.
A deck creates another space for people to hang out, which is ideal if you are expecting a lot of visitors. You can set up a BBQ on the deck, along with tables and chairs. Families can enjoy eating outside on the deck on a regular basis.
Installing a deck without experience can prove challenging, especially if you don’t have the proper tools on hand. You will want to make sure your deck is completely safe so nobody sustains an injury while on it. It might be a good investment to hire a reputable company like McNish deck builders Orlando to build and install your deck.
If you wanted to go all out, you could consider installing an outdoor kitchen on your deck. Outdoor kitchens are becoming extremely popular nowadays, and if you love to cook, then it might prove to be a superb investment.
3. Plant Flowers
Unlike installing a pool or a deck, planting flowers is easy, so you don’t need to spend money on hiring a professional to do it for you. You don’t have to be an expert to plant and enjoy flowers, and you can even get the kids to give you a helping hand. They will add color to your landscape and brighten up your property. When the flowers are in bloom, you can take cuttings and give them away as a gift or put them in a vase in your home.
Gardening itself can be a lot of fun, and it can help reduce feelings of stress. It’s an inexpensive hobby people of all ages can enjoy. Flowers can help add curb appeal to your home, so if you are planning on selling down the line, you can expect potential buyers to take notice. Consider hanging plants in different areas around your yard as this can help add to the ambiance of your home.
4. Declutter
Adding new things to your backyard is one thing, but sometimes taking away a few items is the best way of creating a backyard oasis. If there are lots of objects lying around your yard, it is going to be hard to feel relaxed. It might be time to dump some of the items in your yard or move them to a different area if you want to create a peaceful environment. Get rid of things that aren’t any use to you, even if they have been in the same position for several years.
For example, if there are children’s swings in your yard but the kids don’t seem to use them anymore, perhaps it’s time to give them away or put them up for sale. You can then utilize this free space for something else. Damaged furniture can be an eyesore, so either refurbish them or replace them with new comfortable tables and chairs.
5. Invest in Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting
Solar powered outdoor lighting to help enhance the mood of your backyard. You won’t need any electrical wires connecting to the mains in the house if you invest in solar powered lights, and you should have no issues installing these lights into the ground. You can create a pathway around your yard with lights, or even use them for security purposes. Some even have a dimmer feature so you can alter the brightness of the lights depending on the type of atmosphere you are hoping to create.
Solar powered lighting won’t increase your utility bills and they are extremely easy to maintain. Most online marketplaces stock a variety of solar powered devices, so you should easily find nice lights for your home. A compact 200W solar panel is more than enough to handle your lighting needs.
6. Build a Fire Pit
Another area where people like to socialize with one another is by a fire pit. A fire pit or an outdoor fireplace could be exactly what your yard needs to transform it from a basic yard to an oasis. Building a fire pit is easy, and there are several DIY stores selling all the equipment you will need to create this beautiful feature. Having a fire in your yard can provide people with heat and comfort. Even when the temperatures drop, your guests and family members might want to stay outside by the fire.
If you do install a firepit, make sure that young children are aware of the dangers that a fire can cause. Consider having fire safety equipment, like a fire blanket and an extinguisher close by in case an accident occurs. Before calling it a night, make sure that you put the fire out.
