Summer is on the horizon, is your backyard ready? If not, you should consider making a few improvements. Upgrading your backyard can transform it into a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis where you can relax, entertain and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Following are a few backyard upgrade ideas. Keep them in mind as you plan the backyard of your new home in Santa Rita Ranch.
Spruce it Up with Plants
You don’t need a landscape architect to help you spruce up your backyard. Just incorporate flower beds, shrubs, trees and perennials to add color, texture, and visual interest. Create natural borders with hedges or fences for privacy and define pathways with stepping stones or gravel. A trellis adds charm and can be easily constructed. If you have room, plant a garden. If you don’t, plant a container garden. Either helps subdivide your backyard which can make it feel larger than it is.
Add Water
Enhance the tranquility of your backyard with a water feature like a fountain, pond, or waterfall. The sound of flowing water can create a soothing atmosphere and mask unwanted noise from nearby traffic or neighbors. A beautiful and fun water feature is a swimming pool or hot tub. Hot tubs are great places to relax after a long day. Be sure to place it on a covered deck. Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, so installing one in a small backyard is possible. Swim spas are smaller, heated pools you can use year-round which are another great backyard upgrade ideas.
Personalize with Outdoor Decorations
Add personality and charm to your backyard with decorative accents like outdoor artwork, sculptures, pottery, and garden ornaments. Incorporate textiles like outdoor rugs, cushions, and curtains to add color and texture to your outdoor space. If you enjoy dining al fresco, be sure to cover your outdoor table with an umbrella or awning if not on a covered patio. You’ll stay cooler and have fewer bugs to shoo away. Use a combination of overhead lights, pathway lights, string lights and lanterns to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure safety after dark.
Go Big with Outdoor Features
If you just purchased a new home in Santa Rita Ranch, be sure to talk to your builder about extending your patio and installing an outdoor kitchen or fireplace. An extended patio helps you create zones for cooking, dining and entertaining. An outdoor kitchen usually features a built-in grill, counter space for food preparation, sink, storage area, and mini refrigerator. A fireplace or firepit can serve as a focal point in your backyard and provide warmth and ambiance for evening gatherings. Another great addition is a pergola to provide shade and structure to your backyard space. Hang outdoor curtains, string lights, or climbing plants like vines or wisteria for added privacy and ambiance. Be sure and get any exterior improvement approved through the HOA to comply with the Guidelines.
