Tricks for Enhancing Your Outdoor Space on a Budget
By Tammy Pitts
As the temperature heats up across Ohio, everyone is eager to spend more time outdoors, but is your outdoor space ready? Upgrading your backyard or patio doesn’t have to be costly. Here are some affordable ideas to transform your boring backyard into a delightful retreat.
Add a splash of color
Rather than splurging on new and expensive patio furniture, pick up a few cans of spray paint and refresh your patio table and chairs with a vibrant new hue. You can also bring worn patio furniture to life with new throw pillows and blankets. Consider adding a trellis with bright colors to make it pop amidst the greenery in your garden.
Install a porch swing
Porch swings scream relaxation. They are the perfect addition for anyone who wants to sway carefree in the sun. Swings can be quite affordable, or you can build one yourself to save even more. Hang it on your back porch or from a sturdy tree in your yard and enhance it with cozy pillows and blankets for the ultimate relaxation spot.
Add lights
Jazz up your backyard and patio with lights. Globe lights are stylish and affordable, and set the right mood for your outdoor area. Drape them around trees or over bushes near your patio for that extra special touch. Consider wall or pathway lights to brighten up your patio economically and add table lanterns for a refined atmosphere. You can also craft your own stepping stones using quick-mix concrete to add charm.
Perk up the patio with plants
If you love greenery, add a few planters to your front porch, deck, or patio. Vertical hanging planters are great for creating the illusion of lush flower beds in tight spaces. Save money by building the wooden planter boxes yourself and filling them with your favorite herbs or flowers. You can hang them from your porch ceiling, covered deck, or pergola.
As you’re reworking your outdoor space, keep an eye out for termites, as they love to feast away in wooden structures. Look for these signs of termites in your home.
Seasonal decorations
One of the best ways to economize on backyard decor is to choose versatile items usable throughout the year. Choose Adirondack chairs and change their cushions and throws according to the season — flannel and knit for colder months, and linen or cotton for warmer evenings.
Heat it up
Notice how people seem to gravitate towards fire pits? Portable fire pits are not only budget-friendly, but they also bring a cozy ambiance to chilly nights. Plus, they are perfect for roasting treats like s’mores and hot dogs on those late summer nights!
Consider the benefits of an outdoor kitchen
Why not build your own outdoor kitchen? It's an excellent way to entertain guests and can also help lower your energy bills since cooking outside prevents indoor heat buildup, reducing the need for air conditioning. If you're worried about the cost, don't be. Creating an outdoor kitchen doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some ideas to get you started without maxing out your credit cards:
Living fence
For a stylish and budget-conscious addition, try creating a living fence. This involves planting trees or shrubs and training them to grow in decorative patterns, adding a sophisticated texture to bare and boring walls.
Enhance your outdoor spaces to make them modern, chic, and inviting so you can have a relaxing haven without draining your wallet.
Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.
