Who says you need to travel to get away? Look no further than your own backyard to offer a setting worthy of your staycation this summer. If your backyard could use some sprucing up before then, follow these six steps to make it worthy of all your free time this summer.
A well-manicured lawn will make or break your overall aesthetic. Lawncare can be finicky, but there are some simple tips to tackle it without a hitch.
The biggest mistake? Over-mowing. You may be tempted to cut your grass short for less frequent cuts, but over-mowing can actually stunt the health of your lawn due to overgrown clippings that can’t decompose quickly. A good rule of (green) thumb is to cut one third of the grass blade. Consistent watering is also key. The experts agree watering before 10 a.m. is best.
Take your landscaping up a notch by planting flowers that’ll create a welcoming, Zen-like atmosphere. Lavender is a summertime triple threat that adds a colorful pop, has a pleasant aroma and also repels pesky mosquitoes. Marigolds, hydrangeas and daisies are other summertime show-stoppers.
Gone are the days when a shed’s sole purpose was just storage. Homeowners are increasingly trending toward sheds that are both functional and eye-catching. Check out some ideas in LP’s gallery.
“Within the past few years, we’ve seen an increased interest in premium sheds that are considered a true extension of the home to create an interesting backyard focal point,” says Andrew Gutchess, Sales and Accounting at Pro-Shed, who builds and retails sheds made with LP products designed for durability and aesthetics. “Rather than just storage, homeowners are using sheds as dedicated activity spaces that they actually want to spend time in.”
Just because the sun is setting doesn’t mean it’s your cue to head indoors. Add functional outdoor lightning that’ll bring your aesthetic up a notch. For example, add tea candles in mason jars to string across your backyard for an ethereal touch. String bistro lights for a low-maintenance approach. Or, line your walkway with tiki torches for a tropical vibe.
Add a functional bench, outdoor swing or hammock for relaxing seating alternatives aside from the typical chairs around a table. Statement cushions can also step up your seating game.
The difference between a backyard and a backyard oasis is all in the details. Once you have the essentials down, incorporate the details that will bring it to the next level. For example, add a playful outdoor rug, placemats and planters.
Follow these six simple steps, and you’ll want to forgo the vacation and just take a short stroll outside for some much-needed summertime R&R.
In recent years, designers have offered new visions of this classic style and have dubbed it the “modern farmhouse.” Chip and Joanna Gaines from the home improvement show Fixer Upper were relentless promoters of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, which helped make it chic and add “shiplap” to more people’s vocabulary. Last year, Builder magazine named the modern farmhouse one of the top 5 trends in floor plans. While craftsman homes still account for about 25 percent of all house plans, the modern farmhouse is rapidly gaining ground and now has about 15 percent market share.
Continue ReadingIn many parts of the U.S., a shed can get unbearably hot in the summer unless you take steps to ventilate it and prevent the sun’s radiant energy from penetrating. Too much heat in a shed is a bad thing, as it can damage liquids like paint or chemicals, sensitive equipment and items affected by humidity.
Your home’s exterior serves as an important first impression and may make or break your property’s value. So, sometimes it is what’s on the outside that matters most. With summer in full swing, it’s time to take on those much-needed outdoor projects that were neglected during the winter months. You may have several home improvement projects you want to tackle, so how do you know which will provide the best value?
Summer outdoor entertaining season is officially here! Ensure the atmosphere is just right for guests by creating eye-pleasing symmetry among your home’s exterior, landscaping and outdoor elements. And much of that eye-pleasing symmetry starts with a harmonious color palette. One of the best (and easiest) ways to ensure your home’s exterior and outdoor color scheme is working together? Buy a color wheel at an art supply or home improvement store to effortlessly reference color cohesion before getting started on any projects (however big or small).