Summer is here! With warmer weather and plenty of hours of sunshine, it’s safe to say you’ll be spending a lot of your time outdoors. These tips and tricks to creating the ideal outdoor space so that you can enjoy all that the summer season has to offer. 

1. Determine the purpose of the space. Step one in the design process is to create a list of your needs and wants, then prioritize. How do you want to use your yard? Will you be entertaining a lot with food and drink? Consider an outdoor kitchen or an al fresco dining room – the perfect gathering place for friends and family. Will you be enjoying your yard in the peace and quiet of the morning? A comfortable place to read and write and a small garden can create a tranquil setting ideal for these activities. For inspiration, make use of free online resources that help gather and organize ideas, like Pinterest and Houzz. 
2. See it as a room. Treat your backyard like any other room in your home. Don’t set limits  – consider any option and think big. Some people have difficulty seeing how a room without walls can be decorated, but as soon as they picture a pergola or outdoor structure, it’s easier to define the space. This may include simple pillars for stringing lights or hanging ivy on full-size structures to create privacy walls.
3. Create a landscape plan. Make efficient use of your time by working with a professional designer or landscape architect who will analyze the site, provide solutions and develop a scaled plan that includes all of your desired elements. Besides offering valuable building and layout ideas, a professional will be able to provide a rough estimate on project costs. If you’re looking to DIY the landscaping, find inspiration on HGTV. 
4. Prepare a timeline and stick to your budget. Be sure that a savings plan and budget are in place to cover the cost for new items, renovations, and services. Determine which parts of the project can be done in phases to meet budgeting needs. With a structured plan, it is much easier to work in phases and not end up with a mismatched or unfinished looking final result.
5. Do your homework. The Uniform Building Code was written to enhance public safety and protect property owners from unsafe construction. Local codes take precedence, so it’s important to check with planning and zoning boards. For some landscape projects and outdoor rooms, a permit may be needed. Also consider any foundation work such as laying pavement, staining, landscaping, gas lines, or installation that may need to be done by contract workers. Be sure you know the lay of your land, as some items that require installation may need a flat area. 
6. Save time and money – hire the experts.  Find local talent to help with set up, assembly and manual labor – especially the heavy lifting.  It may take time up front, but finding a qualified contractor can save you time and effort in the long run. If you’re into the DIY scene, you can save some money by managing some tasks on your own. Buying a pre-finished Fire Pit or Pergola Kit that only need to be put together can save you more money than you would need to build one on your own. Completing certain tasks within your scope leaves you more money to spend on plants, furnishings, and other accessories.  
7. Add a centerpiece. Think of fire either as an anchor or centerpiece for your outdoor living space. Setting a fire pit in the middle of your furniture can create a cozy focal point. Similarly, a fireplace just outside the perimeter can bring natural warmth to the whole yard. Fire pits, fireplaces, solar lights, or hanging lights add ambience, warmth, and an outdoorsy glow. 
8. Be mindful of little details. Strategically placed plants and accessories add the finishing touches to your yard. Consider decorative options like hanging plants, outdoor rugs, artwork, and potted plants. Pull in colors and textures from your home’s architecture to create a seamless transition.

Your yard should be a relaxing and enjoyable home investment. Think of it as an upgrade that can be added at a fraction of the cost of indoor construction, in a fraction of the time. By knowing the right steps to take, it’s possible to turn your yard into a little oasis! For great products to complete your space, check out The Outdoor GreatRoom Company.