6 Outdoor Features That Will Take Your Backyard to the Next Level
Having a backyard can be like having a little piece of heaven all to yourself. It’s your little corner of nature that you can cultivate however you please. Odds are you’ve been spending more time in your backyard lately, especially with the current pandemic situation. If all that time has you thinking your yard could use an upgrade and you’re interested in taking your small slice of paradise to the next level, consider adding some awesome outdoor features that will make it really stand out.
An Outdoor Koi Pond
Koi ponds are beautiful additions to a backyard. Essentially a swimming pool for fish, the traditional koi pond lacks the slope or steps common to a regular swimming pool or water garden. This helps keep the fish safe from predators. Regular koi pond maintenance promotes the health of the fish and the cleanliness of the pond. Many people find that having a koi pond in their backyard brings an added sense of peace and tranquility. The brightly colored fish often become beloved, low maintenance pets that can be mesmerizing to watch. Adding a koi pond to your home can also have a positive impact on your home’s market value. Many times people are willing to pay more for a home that has a koi pond than they would for the same home without one.
A Fire Pit
Summertime is often associated with camping and campfires. If the pandemic has you uneasy about camping, you can bring the camping experience to your own backyard by adding a fire pit. Having a fire pit in your own backyard can be great for rustic outdoor cooking. It can also make your yard more cozy all year long, even if you live in an area that gets snow in the winter. Fire pits can improve the ambience of your yard too. Few things are as mesmerizing as staring into open flames. If you choose this backyard addition, make sure you are familiar with proper safety protocol. Prioritizing safety is what lays the foundation for having fun.
A Deck
Decks are great spaces to host parties in your backyard. If you were into party hosting before the pandemic hit, but didn’t have a deck to host them on, adding one now might be the perfect way to prepare for your next one. If you have extra time on your hands, building a deck might be a good way to use some of it up. Otherwise, there are plenty of professionals who can do it for you. Once you have your deck built, add some outdoor furniture and decorations to make the space comfortable for yourself and others. You can make this as simple or as intricate as you want. It all depends on the look and feel you’re going for. Take the climate in which you live into consideration when choosing deck furnishings. It won’t do to spend all that time, money, and effort only to have it all ruined by the weather.
An Outdoor Kitchen
If you’ve picked up cooking or baking as a hobby, adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard can be a fun option. An outdoor kitchen can be placed on a patio or a new deck and can be a great addition that brings family and friends together. While the cost to add an outdoor kitchen can fluctuate depending on how elaborate it is, it can add significant value to your home and be worth the cost. When designing your kitchen, keep functionality in mind. You should have adequate counter space, the appliances you are likely to use, and good lighting that will keep your food preparation area well lit whether you are cooking during the day or at night.
A Putting Green
If you love golf, a putting green might be the perfect addition to your backyard. This can be a great option if you aren’t able to visit your favorite golf course or just need to practice to improve your short game. If you have a smaller yard, don’t worry. You can still have a putting green. It might not be as extensive as one in a larger yard, and you may have to limit the features and obstacles you add, but you can still design a green that will allow you to have a good time. There are multiple benefits to adding a putting green. Like many other awesome features, it can improve the value of your home. It will also make your home stand out from others in your neighborhood, elevating it and giving it more of a luxury feel. And, of course, it gives you a chance to get out, get some sun and fresh air, and practice a bit of golf whenever you like.
A Gazebo
If you want to give your backyard a timeless, elegant feel, consider adding a gazebo. Gazebos can be a great place from which to enjoy the outdoors and nature. The roof provides shelter from excessive sun and precipitation, while it’s open structure creates an open, breezy, light environment that is perfect for relaxing outside. If you are an avid reader, this might be an ideal addition that allows you to read your favorite books outside in a comfortable setting. If you’re a fan of movies, you can try hanging a screen from the gazebo to create an outdoor theater setting, or you can convert the gazebo into a theater for a home theater outside of your home. If gardening is your hobby, you can use it as a greenhouse, a place to hang or set various planters, or use it as a structure for plants to grow up on. You might also consider using it as a source of income by renting it out for events.
There are lots of outdoor features you can add to your backyard. Doing so will give your yard personality, and many will increase the value of your home and property. Whatever option you choose, consider the cost and maintenance, as well as the impact it will have on your yard’s aesthetic. Your backyard is your space. You should make it your own.
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