Maximizing Outdoor Space
Posted: April 25, 2024 by Kate Dabbs
Now that the weather is warming up and we’re spending more time outside, it is the ideal time to liven up your outdoor space. Your outdoor living area is an extension of your home and should be a place to relax and unwind. If you are seeking inspiration to bring new life to your yard (while repelling unwanted insect guests), read on for some of our favorite ideas.
Go Big with Hardscaping or Added Structures:
Pergolas and Gazebos: Depending on your space, installing a pergola or gazebo is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your backyard while providing a shaded area to relax. You can add color and comfort with cushy seating, as well as some soft yellow lighting. Yellow lighting is calming and an effective way to keep mosquitos and gnats away.
Water Features: Adding a water feature to your yard is an elegant way to elevate your home, and the sound of flowing water has proven to have a calming effect. Consider installing a fountain, koi pond, or even a simple tabletop water feature.
Add an Outdoor Activity or Gathering Spot:
Fire Pits: A fire pit is an idyllic addition to any backyard area and comes in many shapes and sizes. Fire pits serve as central gatherings, and can be used throughout the year. Surround it with comfortable seating, or your favorite foldable chairs and you’ll have the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows or enjoying a glass of wine.
Outdoor Cooking: If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, an outdoor kitchen or bar can be a great addition to your backyard retreat. From the cult following of a flat top griddle like a Blackstone to the classic Weber charcoal grill, adding an element of cooking al fresco brings life, tantalizing smells, and flavor to your yard.
Send the Insects Packing:
No matter how you enhance your outdoor spaces, it’s important to keep them clean, especially in areas where food is eaten. Certain plants like marigolds, lavender, and citronella naturally repel insects and can be planted around your home, yard, garden, etc. Essential oils from these plants can also be used in diffusers or candles for the same effect.
Encourage insect predators by installing birdhouses, bat houses, and plants that attract ladybugs and lacewings. Eliminate any sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed. The smell of cedar mulch or cedar oil can also help repel insects. You may also consider installing fans to keep air circulating, as most insects avoid excessive air movement. With these eco-friendly tactics, you can craft an inviting outdoor oasis while effectively warding off the unwanted six-legged guests.
Enhancing your backyard into a beautiful and peaceful retreat requires a combination of creative landscaping and functional decor. At Marchant, we know that your outdoor space is a vital part of your home’s charm and value.
For more ideas on home improvement or to find your next dream home with an ideal outdoor space, visit us at Marchant Real Estate.