Pro Tips to Plan Your Summer Outdoor Makeover

Suburban Backyard Patio

Ready to dress up your backyard this summer? We’ve got some hot tips to help you relax and entertain all summer long. Check out these suggestions to spruce up your outdoor makeover.

Consider Your Functional Needs First

Your functional needs should always come first, whether you’re renovating your home or refreshing your outdoor furniture. How do you plan to use your patio and yard this summer? Will you mostly cook out, or will you spend your time lounging by the pool? Do you plan to host big parties or just hang out as a family?

Make sure your outdoor makeover accommodates your functional needs. Don’t crowd the patio with furniture if you need a big area to play games. Don’t install built-in seating if you need versatile seating arrangements. If you’re mindful of how you’ll use the space, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Lighting vs. Shade – When Will You Be Outside This Summer?

This falls in line with considering your functional needs. Will you primarily use your yard at night or in the middle of the day? If you’re mostly going to use the space at night, you may need to install outdoor lighting to brighten the space. If you’re using it in the middle of the day, you might want a canopy or pergola to block out some of the sun. And, of course, get a combination of the two if you’re going to use your yard for day and night activities.

Bring the Indoors Out

Many interior makeovers are built on the idea of bringing the outdoors in. For your outdoor makeover, consider bringing the inside out. Tie some of your interior design elements into the exterior. You can pull from the colors you use inside, as well as the style of your furnishings and interior architecture. The right balance will make your outdoor living space feel like an extension of your home.

Add Versatile Décor That’s Easy to Swap out

When you have a solid foundation of functional components, you can sprinkle in some design. Throw pillows, art, lighting, and outdoor rugs can personalize your space into something that uniquely reflects your personality. You can use neutral colors and finishes for your outdoor furniture to create a blank canvas, and then you can add seasonal pieces that are easy to change throughout the year.

Refresh and Restore Your Hardscaping

Since you’re using your patio and walkways more in the summer, you may notice some issues with your hardscaping. This is a great time to level your brick pavers and add new sand to the joints. Mortar City Masonry offers paver restoration and brick paving services. We can make your hardscaping look like new or expand it with complementary pavers. Reach out to (586) 533-1305 to learn more.