Playful Ideas for Outdoor Spaces

Who wants to stay inside when the weather is so beautiful? Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy starry nights outside. If you thought being outdoors was nice before, then you will love these playful ideas that can transform your outdoor space into an even more desirable hangout spot.

  • Light it up. Hang string lights around your yard to create a whimsical atmosphere. String lights can set the tone for a party or a romantic evening. If you have an outdoor dining set, you can build a pergola and install string lighting so that you feel like you’re dining al fresco somewhere far away.
  • Get social. Creating spaces for your friends and family to relax in is one of the best ways to turn your backyard into a playful space. Marion, IL interior decorator Angela Rowe recommends using a fire pit as a social gathering space. A stone fire pit with large outdoor pillows surrounding it is a great place to chat and roast marshmallows. It can also be utilized late in to the fall and winter, keeping guests warm during chilly fall evenings.
  • Go with the flow. Add a water feature to your yard to create a calming environment. Purchase a small fountain or creating your own with stacked pots and a water pump. If you have the room for a small pond, have one installed and surround it with vibrant plant life. Add fishy friends to make the yard fun for the kids!
  • Soak up the sun. You don’t need to be at the beach to sunbathe. Create your own sun deck in a square patch of the yard where you can lay down a wood platform. Place a couple of lounge chairs and a small table on the platform and voila, you’ve created your very own sun deck.
  • Keep cool. If you prefer the shade, you can create a cool canopy that covers your outdoor furniture and creates a shady oasis. Find a canopy in a color or pattern that suits your existing backyard decor. If you have a large tree in your yard that provides plenty of shade, forego the canopy and make a circular bench to surround the tree instead.
  • Entertain the whole group. Create separate spaces for the kids and adults to hangout. Set up outdoor games like corn hole or horseshoes and designate an outdoor mini bar where the adults can unwind. For the kids, install a swing set or sand pit to play in while the adults relax. Don’t forget to set up a dining area! Designated spaces make entertaining a breeze.

There are simple ways, both big and small, to create a more playful outdoor space. A little bit goes a long a way and the transformations you make will not go unnoticed. Try some of these easy installations this summer to turn your yard into a playful space! For more quick and easy home improvement tips, contact the experts at Elmhurst painters.

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