Have you been spending more time outside in your backyard this year? Since the pandemic began, homeowners have reported updating their backyard space more than ever, and spending more time there, too! Now that cold and dark nights are upon us, it’s time to consider how you can make this space more usable and comfortable in the months to come. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to offer some suggestions!
1. Add heating elements. As temperatures drop, you’ll need heating elements to keep your outdoor space cozy. The cheapest option is to add a fire pit. Choose a portable one, or have one built into your yard. Have fires in the evening, with s’mores as a bonus! A more expensive option would be to add an outdoor fireplace. You could also invest in some portable heaters, like outdoor restaurant patios have. A different approach would be to add a hot tub!
2. Add lighting. The time change will be here before you know it, but even now, we’re losing daylight hours. By adding lighting options, you can comfortably hang out in the backyard well past sunset. You’ve got lots of options here, it’s all about personal preference! You could hang strands of lights, add permanent light fixtures, or decorate with lanterns, tiki torches, etc., which you could move around.
3. Add cozy features. Once your space is lit and warm, you’ll want to add cozy features to your space. Invest in some plush cushions for your outdoor furniture, so you don’t have to sit on cold or hard surfaces. Add a throw rug to your deck or patio, to keep your feet warmer. Add throw blankets or pillows to your furniture, for a cozier atmosphere.
4. Add wind obstructions. Find ways to keep the wind out of your sitting area. You could put up a privacy screen on the side of a deck or patio, which adds both privacy and wind blockage. If you’ve got a covered patio or gazebo of some sort, you could add curtains, which can be closed to keep the cold out. If you want to go all out, add a shed or bonus room in the yard, which you can decorate as you wish. Make sure to check on necessary permits for that.
As you can see, there are lots of ways to improve your outdoor living space, so that you can continue to enjoy it in the fall and winter! It’s a safe place to entertain family or friends, it’s a great place to cook or grill up dinner, and it’s a great place to tell stories and roast marshmallows under a blanket of stars.
Looking for more indoor or outdoor space as we head into the fall and winter months? I am here to help! Whether you’d like to buy, sell or both in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to make your North Shore real estate goals a reality this fall!
Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert
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