Nothing quite beats spending time at home in your outdoor space for relaxation or gatherings with your family and friends. While summer is coming to a close, it’s never a bad time to think of ways to enhance your backyard, patio and other outdoor areas.

Whether you’re dreaming big, or your goal is to make smaller tweaks, here are some DIY project ideas that will get you started.

Put in firepit

Set the mood with a touch of class by installing a fire pit. A fire pit will both enhance the ambiance and come in handy. You can roast marshmallows or keep toasty when the nights turn cold. With tons of available options, you are sure to find a right fit at a favorable price. You can go as grand or as simple as you want on the design, which can feature stones, a seating area and safety features.

Spruce up landscaping

Maybe it’s time to redo your landscaping with something that’s a little more environmentally friendly and visually appealing. Keeping up with a lawn requires plenty of water. Yet, artificial grass will keep its green year-round without any watering at all.

Adding stones, shrubs, plants and art will bring new life to your outdoor space and boost the home’s curb appeal.

Let it flicker

Once the sun sets and everyone gathers outside for drinks or an outdoor movie, you want to make sure there’s just the right amount of ambient lighting. Outdoor string lights, lanterns and other light sources will elevate everyone’s experience.

It’s up to you on how complex the lighting arrangement will be. An assortment of lighting fixtures add some magic to the evening. Imagine how cool string lights will appear wrapped around trees, bordered along frames and hung from above. Plus, it won’t cost you too much or require a huge time commitment. In no time at all, you can design and install an inviting outdoor space that flickers with style.

Set up outdoor games

If you have the room, incorporate some outdoor gaming and activities to mix things up. Cornhole, ladder golf, oversized Jenga or even a smaller net for badminton, will translate into hours of outdoor fun. These games are designed for any skill or age, so no one will feel left out.

Play sets, trampolines or sandboxes are other good ideas. They will create a special kids’ zone, which will open up some time for the adults to unwind.

Construct a bar

An outdoor bar doesn’t have to take up too much room. You can use a dedicated space just for storage and serving drinks.

Whether you opt for a stand-alone bar or something more elaborate, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a nearby fridge and all the accessories you need to whip up your favorite cocktail whenever you please.

Install privacy screen

If you plan to spend a lot of time outside and value extra privacy, then this is the perfect project to take on.

A privacy fence or screen is both functional and stylish. Vertical or horizontal wood slates or other materials will do the job. You can add ornamentation or plants along the screen for added bling.

If you are thinking about selling or purchasing a new home, make sure you contact us with any question about a home loan!