The days are getting shorter and cooler, signaling the end of peak outdoor entertaining season. But just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your outdoor living area. In fact, now is the perfect time to make some upgrades so you can hit the ground running once warmer weather returns.
You’ve spent all summer enjoying meals al fresco, lounging with friends, and making memories in your backyard oasis. Why not invest in simple improvements that will make your space even more inviting for seasons? From comfy new seating to mood lighting, here are eight upgrades you can make to your outdoor living area this fall.
1. Create a Cozy Seating Area with a Fire Pit
A cozy fire pit is perfect for relaxing on a cool evening. To create an inviting space, start with comfortable seating. Look for weather-resistant chairs, loveseats, or benches that encourage people to sit back and stay for a while.
Once the seating is situated, pick out a fire pit that suits your needs. A wood-burning pit gives off that crackling fire vibe but requires logs and kindling. Gas-powered pits are convenient since you just turn them on, but you’ll lose the smell of burning wood. Either way, place the pit on a fireproof surface like concrete pavers, stone, or brick.
2. Change Out the Hardscaping
Upgrading your hardscaping is a great off-season project that will enhance your yard for years.
Widen existing sideways or create new paths to improve access around your yard. Use flagstone, gravel, or pavers to create rustic yet durable paths. For small yards, winding paths create an illusion of more space.
3.Install an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen allows you to take your cooking and entertaining outside year-round. No more running in and out or being stuck indoors during nice weather. With some strategic upgrades, your outdoor living area can become a fully functional space for dining and socializing any time of year.
4. Add Stylish and Durable Outdoor Furniture
With winter approaching, now is a great time to upgrade your outdoor living space. One easy way to improve your outdoor area’s functionality and style is by investing in new furniture.
Replace old, worn-out chairs, tables, and cushions with weather-resistant outdoor furniture built to last. Look for pieces made of aluminum, steel, resin wicker, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials can withstand sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes without fading, rusting, or cracking.
5. Improve Ambience with Landscape Lighting
Adding landscape lighting is an easy way to improve the ambiance of your outdoor living area and extend the hours you can enjoy the space. With the advancements in LED technology, outdoor lighting fixtures have become more energy-efficient, affordable, and long-lasting.
6. Build a Pergola for Shade and Style
Apergola, an open-framed structure that allows filtered light to pass through, creates an inviting space for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Pergolas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A square or rectangular pergola works well for covering a patio or deck. For a free-standing pergola, consider a round or oval shape. The posts and beams can be wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel.
7. Add a Roof or Cover
A roof, awning, or pergola over part or all of the space will protect it from the sun or rain. Retractable awnings give you the flexibility to open or close as needed. Permanent roofs should be properly ventilated and insulated.
8. Install a Fountain
Create a little paradise in your outdoor space by including a fountain. There is no better relaxing sound than that of moving water. A stylish fountain is one of the outdoor living space ideas, using a simple stream of water to create a masterpiece for the small, recessed area.
So there you have it: 8 upgrades you can make to your outdoor living area once the summer and fall fade away. By the time spring rolls around again, you’ll have a whole new space to enjoy the warmer weather.
Now pour yourself a warm drink, curl up inside, and plan how you want to transform your outdoor space. Before you know it, you’ll kick on that new deck furniture, grilling something tasty on your upgraded grill and enjoying your perfected patio paradise. The off-season never looked so good!
