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.
If you’re considering an exterior home remodel this spring or summer, now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether you want to take on a simple exterior remodel or totally change the exterior of your house, being prepared and building a detailed home project plan can help reduce your stress and help keep you on budget.
Continue ReadingIt’s hard to imagine we’re living in the year 2020. While we’re not surrounded by robotic butlers and flying cars, home design trends in 2020 will feel revolutionary in style, texture and color. Whether you’re looking at new home building trends for 2020 or want to update your current home’s exterior design, we’re tackling your biggest design questions and providing ideas for inspiration.
It’s that exciting time of the year when paint industry pros unveil their new paint colors. 2020 is already a landmark event, marking the start of a brand-new decade. Will it be known by bold, upbeat shades or demure neutrals?
If you live in the Northeast, your home is likely to represent or be surrounded by great examples of Dutch Colonial architecture. While the traditional Colonial home is a quintessential American design, the Dutch Colonial style is different, and made popular by Dutch Colonists who settled in the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut areas in the mid-1600s.