By Nicole Ball and Amie Pisano  

 
We’re all more than ready to soak up fresh air and sunshine. Whether you live in a large home or a modest apartment, you can set yourself up to enjoy summer right at home. Here are a few easy ideas. 

Extend your living space outside 

Think about adding a patio, deck, or porch. This doesn’t have to be super expensive. You can build a small patio yourself with materials from a local stone yard or Home Depot. Pinterest and YouTube are great resources and offer complete how-to instructions. If appropriate, consider an outdoor rug to frame the space.  Get inspired with these deck design ideas, including multi-level decks, built-in seating, and creative lighting options.

Once you have a ground surface, think about seating, which can range from dollar store lawn chairs to Serena and Lily. It’s all about envisioning how you plan to use it and making the area inviting. Incorporating tables will give you the option of dining al fresco with family and friends, or simply enjoying a coffee by yourself on a quiet morning.  

For a finishing touch, add some pizazz: think potted or hanging plants (which add beauty and privacy), artwork, and weather-proof audio-visual equipment, like speakers or an outdoor TV.  You can visit sites like californiabackyard.com/patio-furniture/ to see furniture that you can avail.

Entertaining is back 

With many of us now vaccinated, the CDC has said it’s okay to socialize outside. Make the most of summer 2021 with a new grill, smoker, or even outdoor kitchen, and cook a summer feast for your neighbors. Again, there are options at every price point. Something as simple as a few chairs set up around a makeshift fire-pit can be a happy destination. S’mores, anyone? 

Don’t sell your space short 

Even the smallest and most awkward of spaces (think next to the garage or behind a shed) can be magically transformed into an oasis. One of our clients did a fabulous job turning a narrow side yard, between sheds, into an amazing spa-like space with a swim spa, strategic seating choices, outdoor lighting, potted palm, and outdoor art.  If you have the space in your yard, building a pool with above ground pool frames would be a great idea especially if you have kids. And to maintain your pool, regular swimming pool cleaning and inspection of pool equipment are highly recommended.

Even if you don’t have private outdoor space, consider arranging indoor furniture around a sunny window with some joyful plants and outdoor-themed decor. If you need concrete work for your outdoor space, consider hiring Concreter Darwin. You may also invest in durable outdoor string lights which will ensure they last through many seasons and weather conditions.

We’ve learned a lot during the past year, and one of the most important lessons is to love what you have. So go out there and make happy memories this summer!  

The authors are real estate agents at Compass.