Outdoor Home Ideas to Keep Your Heart Warm This Winter

 As the winter season sets in, we all crave warmth and cozy spaces. However, staying indoors all the time can be monotonous. Why not explore your home's outdoor space and make it warmer and more inviting, even during winter? This article will cover some amazing outdoor home ideas to warm your heart this winter. You'll be eagerly waiting for the winter season to end so that you can enjoy these outdoor upgrades.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is a perfect outdoor upgrade to keep you warm so you can enjoy your yard throughout the winter season. Gather your friends and family around the fire pit and have a fun night with hot chocolate, marshmallows toasting, and storytelling. You can choose a fire pit that fits your style and budget. Whether you opt for a simple DIY fire pit or a grand custom-built design, a fire pit will be an excellent addition to your outdoor space.

Patio Heater

If you have a patio in your outdoor space, investing in a patio heater can be an excellent idea to make your patio warm and comfortable. Patio heaters come in different styles, designs, and sizes. You can choose from freestanding, tabletop, or wall-mounted heaters. Coupled with a sturdy awning, a patio heater can keep you warm even on the coldest nights while you enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Winter Garden

A winter garden is another excellent outdoor idea that will add beauty and warmth to your outdoor space during the winter season. Add some winter-hardy plants, such as hollies, evergreens, and winter jasmine, for a beautiful green space in your yard. Adding outdoor lighting will help make your winter garden look inviting, even on the darkest winter nights.

Outdoor Kitchen

Who said outdoor kitchens are only meant for summer? You can build an outdoor kitchen that can be used year-round to invite friends and family for some barbeque or a warm soup in winter. You can opt for a grill, a smoker, a pizza oven, or other outdoor cooking appliance. A custom-built outdoor kitchen can be a bit expensive, but it's worth investing in your outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the winter season.

Outdoor Hot Tub

Finally, nothing can beat the luxury of soaking in a hot tub with snowflakes falling around you. Install a hot tub in your outdoor space and enjoy its warmth during winter. You can choose from different materials, shapes, and sizes of hot tubs according to your preferences and budget.

Winter is beautiful; you can make the most of it with these outdoor home ideas. The options are endless, whether it is a cozy gathering around the fire pit or enjoying a warm soup in your outdoor kitchen. Add some warmth and cheer to your outdoor space during winter, and you'll have a beautiful winter wonderland in your backyard.

A Guide to Crafting an Accessible Backyard for Any Season

The backyard is the perfect space for cookouts, aperitifs, and playing with your family. Your yard space can yield a bountiful crop, too, if you have a green thumb and a passion for growing fruits and vegetables. 

However, many backyards aren’t particularly accessible. Wonky walkways and narrow garden paths present real challenges for folks with mobility disabilities and may jeopardize the health and well-being of older guests. 

Build an accessible backyard for any season by redesigning your yard space with accessibility in mind. This will promote a sense of inclusion at home and create an oasis that all your guests can enjoy. 

Accessible Features

Folks who visit your home deserve to feel welcome regardless of their mobility needs. This means you need to make accommodations for common issues that your guests may face. Get the ball rolling by embracing accessible backyard design guidelines like: 

• Install Ramps: Make sure the slope follows a 1:12 of slope to length and add handrails to any ramps that have a rise greater than six inches. This ensures that your ramp doesn’t turn into a slide when wheelchair users try to navigate your space. 

• Clear Porches and Patios: Wheelchairs require five feet to make a full turn. This means you need to remove obstacles that may encourage a radius of 5ft. You may need to bring in some landscapers to level your patio, too, as uneven surfaces can put a strain on wheelchair users. 

• Remove Obstructions: Navigate your space with mobility in mind and look out for potential obstructions. This means you may need to lower your tables, as some wheelchair users cannot use a table that exceeds 34 inches in height. 

• Adjust as You Learn: You can’t foresee every possibility but you can take feedback into account. When you have guests over, observe them and see if your design is really working. If it isn't, make changes and reposition your pots and plants until folks feel comfortable. 

It’s worth noting that accessible yards can still be beautiful. In fact, this year’s RHS Chelsea Best In Show winner featured accessible design elements. The garden, created by designers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg, is designed to be navigable in a wheelchair and is a sanctuary for all who may have faced a spinal injury in their lives. The garden makes great use of water features, structures, and flower beds to invite all kinds of guests into the space. 

Maintenance  

Any green thumb knows that gardens require constant upkeep. This is particularly true if you want to invite folks with mobility needs into your space. Clean up your yard in the fall by taking care of tasks like leaf blowing, mulching, and weeding long before folks come to visit. This helps you create a sense of serenity in your yard and helps you establish areas for seating. 

When cleaning up your outdoor area, remember to dress appropriately for the season and encourage guests to do the same. Your space heater may feel warm now but there is no replacement for lightweight base layers and beanies when the cooler fall months roll around. Choose clothing made of wool or down to keep extra warm. You may even want to invest in some insulated blankets to keep folks warm during the winter months if you want to keep your yard open. 

Consider adding privacy features to your yard if you expect to entertain guests who live with a disability. Everyone deserves to feel safe in your space and no one wants to see neighbors peering into your yard when they come over. Make tactful use of landscaping features like trees and shrubs or plant towering gladiolus to break the wind and keep your space private. 

Conclusion 

Building an accessible backyard requires careful planning and flexibility. Keep your spaces open to allow for easy wheelchair navigation and minimize the incline on ramps so folks can navigate the space with independence. When you do have folks listen to any feedback they give and try to notice areas where their mobility is limited. Make accommodations as you go and adjust to create a more inclusive space over time. 

Live in a Warm Climate? How to Still Use Your Backyard During a Mild Winter

Living in a warm climate has its perks, especially when it comes to enjoying your outdoor space year-round. However, even in more mild winters, it can be hard to motivate yourself to spend time outside. Since the weather is not frigid, the temptation to stay indoors is real. But it doesn't have to be this way. In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to make the most of your backyard during a mild winter.

Create a Warm and Cozy Atmosphere

When the temperature drops, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere is essential to making your backyard feel inviting. Invest in some outdoor heating lamps, fire pits, or even outdoor rugs and cushions to make your space feel both comfortable and stylish. You can even string some lights and lanterns for some added warmth and ambiance.

Cook Outside

Cooking outside is a fantastic way to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the winter months. A simple grill or outdoor stove can provide a perfect place to gather and prepare some delicious meals. Not only does this give you a change of scenery, but also the smell of a barbecue can also add to the cozy atmosphere of your backyard.

Enjoy Your Hot Tub or Pool

If you're lucky enough to have a pool or hot tub in your backyard, don't let the cooler weather stop you from using them. Hot tub or heated swimming pool construction can be a great way to extend those pool days, even in the wintertime.

Plant Winter-Friendly Plants

Just because it's winter doesn't mean your backyard has to look drab. By adding some winter-friendly plants and flowers to your space, you can add a pop of color and freshness to your backyard. Some of the best plants for cooler weather include pansies, dianthus, and snapdragons. You can even plant vegetables in your garden that can resist winter weather. 

Use Your Backyard as a Workout Space

Winter is notoriously difficult to stick to our fitness routines, but with proper space and preparation, we can make it a little easier. Try using your backyard as a workout space. This can be as simple as placing a yoga mat on the grass or as elaborate as installing a workout area in your yard. Getting out in nature can boost your mood and make even the toughest workout a refreshing experience.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your backyard throughout the winter months. Creating a warm and cozy atmosphere with outdoor heating and stylish decor is a simple way to make everyone feel more comfortable. Cooking outside on a grill or enjoying your hot tub can extend the hours you can spend outside. Adding some winter-friendly plants and using your outdoor space as a workout area can help you keep up with your healthy lifestyle even during the colder season. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying your backyard space in the wintertime.

5 Benefits of Having a Back Deck in Your Yard

Having a backyard deck is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of your home's outdoor space. Backyard decks can serve as an additional living or entertainment area, providing you with a comfortable and inviting space to host guests or simply hang out with family. If you're considering adding a back deck to your yard or are curious about the advantages of having one, keep reading. This blog post will look at five benefits of having a back deck in your yard.

Increased Property Value 

One of the most significant benefits of having a backyard deck is its ability to increase your property value. A well-maintained and beautifully designed deck can add value to your home, making it more desirable and appealing to potential buyers, should you ever decide to sell your home.

Versatile Use 

Decks are versatile spaces, providing you with a variety of ways to use them. You can use your deck as a gathering place for your family and friends, an outdoor dining area, a relaxation zone, or a play area for your kids. The possibilities are endless, making a deck an excellent investment for your home.

Improved Aesthetics 

A deck adds aesthetic appeal to your home. Whether you want a rustic, natural look or a modern, sleek design, a back deck can provide your yard with a visually pleasing space that complements your home's style. You can add outdoor furniture, décor, and plants to enhance your deck's look further.

Increased Living Space 

If you have a small home, a deck can increase your living space. It provides an extra area where you and your family can relax, enjoy the outdoors, and entertain guests. With comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and heating systems, your deck can become an extension of your home, perfect for relaxing evenings, family barbeques, or parties with friends.

Low Maintenance 

Decks require little maintenance, making them an attractive option for homeowners. Unlike other outdoor projects that require constant upkeep, such as landscaping or a pool, decks only need occasional cleaning and repairs. Additionally, decks are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, or wind.

A back deck is a versatile, low-maintenance space that provides numerous benefits to homeowners. It can increase property value, add visual appeal to your home, and create additional living and entertaining space. Whether you plan to relax on the deck or use it for entertaining guests, it is an excellent investment that will enhance your outdoor living experience. Consider hiring professional deck builders to help you design and build your dream deck, and enjoy the many benefits that come with having a back deck in your yard.