Backyarding. It’s for real.
Well, one good thing the last two years have given us, is Backyarding. We all spent more time outside, mostly in our yards, than ever before. It was, and is, a way for us to extend living space in our homes which suddenly became much more crowded with remote working, learning and quarantining. Whether it's a large suburban yard, an enclosed space in a more populated area, or an urban balcony, we all made the most of what we have. After all, it's not the size of the space, but rather prioritizing how you will use it to best suit your needs (working, playing, entertaining or relaxing) while taking advantage of all that Mother Nature has to offer. There is no better prescription than fresh air to help cure all that ails you. In Sweden they call it "Friluftsliv"- which means "open air living and the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being." Now that most of us have grown accustomed to "living" in our outdoor spaces, it's time to create the perfect outdoor retreat. In this post I will give some ideas to help you utilize the space you have and extend that living space to the outdoors all year round.
1) Blur the lines. One of the easiest places to start is inside! Bring the outdoors in by removing window treatments or adding windows (if it's in the budget) for natural light and views of the trees, sky, skyline. Consider painting rooms in colors that complement your view and accessorizing with natural textures to help blur the lines between outside and in. Conversely, you can decorate your outdoor space to be a relaxing extension of your indoor style. Using an outdoor sound system, a fire pit or fireplace, television and/or comfortable seating with pillows and rugs you can be just as cozy outside as in!
2) Privacy! Most homeowners want a friendly relationship with the neighbors, but privacy, at least sometimes, is a MUST! Some people may want to enclose their entire yard while others want a designated area for private times with family, friends or work. You have options. A fence will offer years of privacy with minimal maintenance and there are so many styles to choose from. It can make your yard resemble a fortress or just a subtle hint to neighbors that their yard ends where yours begins. And…You can pretty much find a fence option that will fit any budget, or if you are so inclined, you can do it yourself! But, if a fence isn't your style or if you feel that it will be too strong a statement for your liking, a living "fence" is a wonderful alternative. Planting trees and shrubs along lot lines and in designated areas in your yard adds beauty as well as the ability to create designated areas for different uses as well as trim and prune to the height you feel is acceptable for your situation.
3) Create an outdoor office. We have all become very accustomed to zoom calls, teams meetings etc over the last two years. I have spent the majority of my workdays in front of a computer in my home office. This is a complete 180 from all of my previous years in real estate, and quite honestly wreaks havoc with me personally as being outside, out of an office and having a more fluid work day is a huge part of why I love my job. Creating a workspace outside was a literal breath of fresh air. My mind got clearer, my mood changed and my productivity increased dramatically. Even in the winter. Being outside in a warm coat in a comfortable designated office area during the warmest part of the day, does wonders for my state of mind. When setting up your outdoor office space, be sure your wifi is strong; set up a comfortable workstation that is durable and can withstand the elements, and have access to electrical outlets for powering up. If you want to be outside during the colder months, maybe a patio heater would be a good idea! You may also want to pay attention to the back drop if you are on video calls as a regular part of your job.
4) Eat outside. We have all eaten dinner outside. For some people it's what they do all summer, while others save it for special occasions. Using your outdoor space to dine ‘al fresco’ is a wonderful option for all meals. Morning coffee as you plan out your day, a lunch break in the sun or sitting around the table as the sun sets, creates an opportunity to take in some fresh air and enjoy your surroundings while taking your meals. You can set up a dining table on your patio or deck...or build one to accommodate an outdoor dining area. To make things easier, use materials that don't require frequent repainting and that will withstand your climate. If you want to really commit, invest in an outdoor kitchen with grill, counter space and running water. Maybe add some string lights for nighttime ambiance. There are so many options depending on what fits your needs. It can be as simple as a picnic table in the grass to a fully loaded designated dining area.
5) Don't forget the fun! Yard games are an incredible way to use your outdoor space. So much fun, a bit of exercise and lots of memories. Mix it up with some old school favorites like badminton and croquet and some newer finds like corn hole and can jam. Invest in a projector and watch outdoor movies, or create a summer oasis by adding a pool or hot tub. When you create an area that is inviting and fun you take away the need to go look for it outside the confines of your home and yard. You begin to feel as though your home is your stay-cation paradise all year round.
There are no rules for designing your outdoor space. As long as you start by making a list of your favorite ways to spend time outside, and prioritizing your needs and wants, you will create an area that is perfect for you and your family. If you are nervous about taking on the challenge yourself, employ the help of a landscaper, contractor or architect to ensure that your vision becomes reality. So what are you waiting for? Winter will be gone before you know it and you can start putting your plans into action. I mean, have you ever heard anyone say they regretted spending more time outdoors? Me either…