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So, what could you do? Well, it depends on you and the people you surround yourself with. But here are a few suggestions that we hope you find useful.
#1: Add a swimming pool
If you have space in your outdoor space for a swimming pool, why not consider the option. For inspiration, take a look at these design ideas for your pool and look at those belonging to your friends and neighbors too. Admittedly, you will lose some of the space you might use for other things, but you might not mind the sacrifice once you start having pool parties at home. Of course, swimming pools are also great for exercise, so there is more than one reason to consider a pool renovation.
#2: Add a play area
For the young and the young at heart, a play area is a great idea. You could section off part of your outdoor space for giant garden games, water play equipment, swings, slides, and cornhole boards. You could even match the play equipment to your home's aesthetic, using colors that match your home exterior and garden. You could also add the personal touch with personalized cornhole bags and other pieces of equipment that can be tailored to your family.
And what about a treehouse or playhouse? These are great additions to any outdoor play area and they can be themed to match your children's interests. Let them escape into their own private enclave, with everything they need to have fun inside. Build your own if you have the know-how, hire a professional, or source something you can find online. If you are able to come up with your own creation, remember to add safety features and include flooring that can easily be cleaned.
#3: Create a space for entertaining
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A patio area is great for entertaining as is a summerhouse or a sheltered area under a pergola. There are things you will need, of course, such as comfortable furniture for your guests to relax in. A grill or an outdoor kitchen is a must if you want to feed your guests when they come to enjoy your company. You might want to add a fire pit too, as this will be something your guests appreciate, especially when the evening air turns a little chilly. And what about a hot tub? That will really warm your guests up when they complain about the cold. It can also be a great place to relax in, with or without other people to share it with.
#4: Create a reading nook
Remember reading? It's something people used to do before the advent of movie streaming sites and Facebook! We are being sarcastic, of course, but if you need an incentive to read more (by which we mean books and not social media posts), it might be that an outdoor reading nook will be ideal for you. Your kids might spend more time with a book in their hands too, which is great news if they're a little too involved with screen time.
All you need to do is set up a garden canopy with a comfy sofa or chair underneath. You could hang outdoor lights around your searing area too, which will be perfect for those late evenings when the sun decides to go to bed. And you could also add a water feature or some wind chimes to drown out the sounds of anything that could distract you from your reading time.
#5: Create a haven for local wildlife
Why visit a wildlife sanctuary when your garden can become the go-to place for local birds and animals? Of course, we aren't suggesting you set up your own zoo, as your neighbors wouldn't appreciate an elephant living next door (especially if it tramples over their fence and geraniums). But they won't complain if your garden is set up to welcome birds, hedgehogs, toads, bees, and other such creatures into your outdoor living space.
You could install birdbaths, nesting boxes, and feeders for your winged friends, for example. You could also plant nectar-rich plants to attract more bees. Hedgehogs might wander in if you provide areas of lush undergrowth, with decorative grasses, shrubs, and leaf piles. And if you add a pond or another type of water feature, you might see more dragonflies and frogs coming into your garden too. When you're relaxing in your garden, you will have a great time watching local wildlife going about their daily business. And your children should be thrilled too.
Check out the following advice if you are interested in creating a wildlife sanctuary in your outdoor space.
#6: Set up an outdoor movie theater
This may be something you have done already, as many people decided on this option when local movie theaters were closed during the pandemic. But if not, it's worth considering the option. There are certain things you will need, including a movie screen, speakers, and projector, so there will be a few costs involved. You might also want to pay for extra seating too, although you could always use your existing garden seating or a blanket or two. Once set up, you would be able to watch movies outdoors, be that a big Hollywood blockbuster or a nice rom-com with your partner.
There is information here on what you need for your movie theater, so have a read for advice on the best equipment to buy.
Let the fun times commence
So, there we have it, 6 fun things to do with your outdoor living space. Do whatever makes sense for you and your family and give everybody the incentive to spend more time outdoors in the coming days and weeks.
Thanks for reading!
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