Category

Exterior Décor

Christmas Garden Decoration Ideas for a Festive Front Yard

December 18, 2018
Derek Lotts
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Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s high time to prepare your home for the upcoming festivities. Since your front yard is the first thing everyone will notice when they come to visit, it can serve you as the ideal spot to show off your décor skills and inspire everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. In order to help you make your front yard absolutely festive in no time, we have singled out our top garden decoration tips for you to try out. Let’s spread the holiday cheer.

Fairytale vibes with Christmas lights

First things first, Christmas lights represent a great and easy way to add a magical touch to your outdoor décor. You can start by illuminating the walkway to the front door with multicoloured floodlights. Additionally, if you want to achieve the wow effect, you can hang solar-powered led Christmas lights on your trees which accumulate power during the day to create a romantic holiday atmosphere in the evening. On top of that, if you want your home to become the talk of the town, you can invest in remote-controlled laser lights which could enhance the look of your entire outdoor decor arrangement with a soothing ambient flare.

Have fun with front door ornaments

This Christmas you should try to express your creative side with front door ornaments. For example, instead of simply hanging your usual decoration, you can opt for a special faux wreath, add tiny pines to it and sprinkle it with fake snow for a beautiful statement piece. Alternatively, you can take a different route and design a nice garland by combining Holly, Spruce, Eucalyptus, various foliage and tie it all together with a red and green ribbon. Another easy way to style up your front entrance and brighten up everyone’s day is to switch your boring welcoming matt with one that has a funny Christmassy motif on it. Don’t forget to add a personal touch to the decor by hanging a classy banner over the door frame with your family’s name on it.

A luxurious Christmas tree

Planting a fir tree in your front yard is a great idea since you can use it as a nice decor piece for many years to come. In order to make the tree more visible, you should go for fabulous electric candles that can shine in different patterns and colours. What’s best, they are usually controlled via an App. Furthermore, when one fir is not enough, you can find a couple of gorgeous pots and plant a few trees inside for an evergreen front yard look. As far as Christmas tree ornaments are concerned, feel free to experiment and hang small plush toys, candy, pinecones or even framed family photographs. Lastly, if you are bored of your regular star tree topper, go for an unexpected item like the Harry Potter sorting hat, or something geeky like a Death Star replica.

Create your very own Christmas theme

Last but not least, it’s time to transform your front yard into an enchanting scene with Christmas theme ideas. If you’re more into a traditional style, you can build a couple of snowmen, place plaques on them with heartfelt messages and cover the space around them with large gift boxes. However, if you want to express your humoristic side, you can place sitting rattan reindeer next to Santa’s sleigh and hang an “Out of Order” sign on it for a funny sketch. Finally, you can even get a light-up polar bear set to complete your Christmas theme and warm up everyone’s hearts with this magical decor idea.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to create a winter wonderland in your front yard for the upcoming holidays. All you need to do is to follow your decor checklist, don’t be afraid to express your creative side and add your personal touch to the design. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

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Designing a Modern Terrace With a Charm

December 14, 2018
Tracey Clayton
1 Comment

The personality of every home is heavily influenced by its relationship with the exterior. And is there a better way to create indoor-outdoor connection than to turn your terrace into a place for real relaxation and pure enjoyment? If you decide to do this, you first have to get the design of your terrace right and make sure it stays in strong contact with the rest of your home. We have come up with 5 tips that are guaranteed to help. Make sure you check them all out.

Image source: houzz.com

Use light for setting the scene

Right lighting options are always going to help you create a perfect setting for your terrace. Recessed floor lights are one of the most popular options today as they can make almost any space appear more inviting. But of course, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t also introduce a sconce or two to your terrace walls. No matter which lighting option you go for, make sure you use LED lights since these both last longer and use less energy than the standard incandescent ones.

Image source: styleestate.com

Add a protective roof

By adding a protective roof to your terrace, you’ll get a chance to embrace it all year long. As long as there is a comfy chair, you’ll be able to dine or read on your terrace, regardless of the weather conditions. Roofs made of glass or transparent plastic are usually the best choice, since they don’t block sunlight completely. Furthermore, a protective roof will also shield your terrace and all the furniture on it from excessive rainfalls and snowfalls.

Image source: mydecor.org

Use no more than three colors

Using too many colors on your terrace is hardly going to do you any good. In most of the cases, this will make your terrace look just too busy and cluttered. Therefore, you won’t need more than three colors in order to make your terrace as stylish as possible. Choose one focal color and two more that are going to accompany it. Ideally, this will be one color, accompanied by two neutral colors such as white, gray, and beige. When it comes to your focal color, orange, yellow, or blue are guaranteed to do the trick.

Image source: markatosdesign.com

Choose the right doors

With so many different door types available today, choosing the one that will complement your home’s architectural style can be quite difficult. Not only this, but you also have to find doors that will fit into the space nicely and won’t take up too much space. The perfect option for your terrace might be the stylish timber sliding doors that will allow you to let in as much air and natural light as you want.

Image source: mit24h.com

Create privacy

If you want your terrace to be a place where you can completely relax, you’ll also want to do whatever you can to create some privacy. Greenery is always a great solution, as there are plenty of potted plants that can provide you with some additional privacy. Installing reed or bamboo fencing can also be a great idea, but bear in mind that these will block your view almost entirely. And if you want to go for a different look, you can also a put up sheer curtains and create little den of your own.

Follow all of these tips and your terrace is guaranteed to look great. Once all the work is finished, you can finally take some time to relax on your new terrace and enjoy fresh air.

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Outdoor Halloween Decorations – Make It Spooky and Magical

October 26, 2018
Stella Van Lane
1 Comment

“Boys and girls of every age,

Wouldn’t you like to see something strange?”

Fall is finally upon us, which means that it’s finally time to, once again, show our creativity and delight of fright and decorate our homes and yards in a way that will send chills down your neighbor’s spines.

It’s finally the time of ghoulish light, wacky witches and smoking cauldrons. The time to get a bit innovative and a bit freaky, without anyone having the right to judge you. And while some people start their Halloween decoration efforts as soon as the last days of September roll around, others wait to get closer to All Hallows’ Eve to showcase their ghostlike charms. So, if you still haven’t decorated your outdoor area, here are some interesting ideas.

“I am the one hiding under your bed, teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red”

image credit: https://wallpapercave.com/w/bgaz9wp

This idea is quite simple, wherever you have a dark corner or a poorly-lit cranny you can make eye-shaped cutouts made of cardboard and place them in the dark spot. Glue some glow stick behind them and have a bunch of ghoulish eyes welcome everyone who approaches your home. This works particularly well in areas under your porch and stairs.

“Ghosts and goblins and witches roaming the streets, in moonlight”

For the next idea, you’ll need some gauze, wire or wire hanger, a ball, some sort of glue or Mod Podge. Now, keep in mind that, depending on the circle of creatures you wish to create, the ingredients may vary. So, for example, for a ghost circle, you should place the ball on a wire construction to give your ghost a person-like shape. Next, cover the construction with a gauze you previously soaked in Mod Podge or another decoupage solution. Once dried, remove your “ghost” from the construction and repeat the process until you’re happy with the amount. Arrange them in a circle and add glow sticks inside, or fairy lights below them t make the scene more dramatic. If you want to create a circle of witches, the process is the same, just replace the gauze with trash bags and make a few witch hats.

“Bowls of candy and goodies delicious and waiting…”

Next, let’s turn to your front door ornaments. Of course, a Halloween-inspired wreath is a must, but you should also consider filling your porch with: a fun witch doormat; carved Jack-o’-lanterns; a sleeping scarecrow guarding the candy bowl – you can make this one by using some old jeans, a checkered flannel shirt, a balloon (for the face), a straw hat and some hay to fill out the suit and give it shape.

“I’m a master of fright, and a demon of light, and I’ll scare you right out of your pants”

image credit: http://www.npnurseries.com/5-halloween-outdoor-decorations-on-a-budget/scary-outdoor-halloween-decorations/

Of course, Halloween decorations are simply not complete without a good jump scare. Therefore, come up with a way to implement an interactive piece of decor in your design. It can be anything from motion-sensored laughing Jack-o’-lantern, witch or scarecrow to the classic pop-up zombie hand in the candy bowl. Some of the more elaborate and more demanding ideas include a drone-powered Grim Reaper, but this idea might be too much for some people. Whichever you opt for, make sure you give your neighbours and visitors a good scare.

“Our man Jack is King of the Pumpkin patch, everyone hail to the Pumpkin King now!”

image credit:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166773992428956119

Finally, every Halloween decoration simply has to include a pumpkin patch. It doesn’t have to be particularly big, but it should be well-organized. So, get your hands on a dozen or so pumpkins – 13 to make things super spooky – of various sizes, shapes and colour and arrange them according to your liking. Next, add a bale of hay and some faux ravens. Top everything off with a few con stovers, a couple of sunflowers and faux cobwebs to give it that spooky glow. Additionally, you can even make a Pumpkin King – the process is very similar to the scarecrow one, just use a carved pumpkin for the head – to guard the entire patch.

 

So, let your creativity run wild and get down to decorating. And remember, your Halloween decorations are done right if you manage to frighten or jump-scare at least one person.

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6 Sustainable and Experiential Landscaping Trends

October 2, 2018
Chloe Taylor
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Recent gardening trends mostly concentrate on eco-friendliness and experimentation with technology and gardening philosophy, compared to past years where the color of flowers was the main concern. This is due to our rapidly-changing climate that poses a threat to human survival, especially if we keep on wasting resources. So, if you’re interested in becoming more sustainable, here are the most interesting landscaping trends to keep an eye on.

Water conservation

Water conservation has been a buzz subject in the landscaping industry for a few years now, but this season it will be on everyone’s lips. It’s actually more than a trend, but more of a guideline for new garden designers and outdoor architects that will completely change the way landscapes are created. The use of drought-resistant plants, smart irrigation systems and xeriscaping will soon become a norm in every garden.

Planning with climate change in mind

home weather
The climate is getting more and more unpredictable and with it comes the need for more resilient landscaping that can survive these capricious weather patterns. For instance, extreme heat waves that often strike Australia, especially Sydney, can be destructive for many plants, but they can also ruin the garden’s functionality. However, planting greenery and building protective structures with weather in mind can allow people to use their outdoor spaces even during the most extreme conditions. Resilient plants that provide shade combined with pergolas with ceiling fans in the summer and patios with heaters in the winter will allow homeowners to push through the extreme temperatures. Consulting with professionals in landscaping who know the punishing climate of Australia can help many Sydneysiders get the garden of their dreams.

Implementation of tech

Technology is slowly making its way into every aspect of life, outdoor spaces and landscaping included. So, it’s not a surprise that many designers and architects opt for tech implementation in gardens that can help people get more personalized outdoor spaces that require very little care. Traditionally pieces of gardening equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers are getting replaced by battery-powered models that create no pollution and have a reduced noise level. Additionally, there are also robotic lawn mowers and smart sprinklers that reduce maintenance time and water waste.

Landscaping design is also getting a tech-up. The use of 3D modeling, mobile apps and drones can help designers create and present their innovative landscaping ideas to clients.

Upcycling

Using salvaged items in the garden design can do a lot of good, both for your space and for your environment. Upcycling helps keep the landfills empty and it enriches your garden with many interesting and “think outside of the box” design and décor solutions. For instance, using old gardening boots as planters or old beer barrels as ponds is a very eco-friendly way to add some interest to your landscaping.  

Sensory gardens

garden
Usually, most of the garden elements are there to impress your eyes only. However, new gardeners and garden owners want to interact with their gardens a bit more. For instance, you can install a giant chess set that will entertain your eyes and mind and keep you moving and touching the pieces. Another way you can awaken the sense of touch is with reflection pools. These small water features will not only provide you with a beautiful visual effect, but also allow you to touch and play with water for a multisensory experience.

Meditation and mindfulness

For many, the hustle and bustle of urban living are becoming unbearable and they are choosing to retreat to their gardens. That’s why mindfulness, meditation and Zen spaces are becoming more prominent in gardens. In order to achieve this sense of tranquility, people choose to utilize mirrors, privacy screens, interesting planting, water features for relaxing sounds and strategically placed seating to help with relaxation and garden immersion. Early birds even choose to place their seating facing east to have a clear sunrise view every morning.

Gardens like these will both improve human interaction with their outdoor spaces AND protect the environment that needs all the help it can get.

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How to Decorate Your Home’s Entrance

May 11, 2018
Derek Lotts
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If you are taking care of your backyard, front yard, walls and balcony, you shouldn’t forget to show your entrance some love as well. Even though it may not seem like a big deal, the front entrance can do wonders in terms of your home’s overall appearance. In other words, a stylish entrance can make the entire building look a hundred times better.

With all that being said, here is how to help your entrance complement your home’s curb appeal the best way possible.

Door

The first and probably easiest part of the entrance to is the door itself. Your options are pretty much limitless and entirely depend on factors such as your personal preferences, the overall style of your home, the façade, etc.

Before getting into the decoration part, make sure you are satisfied with both the condition and the color of your door, and that the color goes well with the rest of your home’s exterior. Neutral-colored doors look great on boldly colored walls and vice versa, while light colors look amazing with dark backsplashes and, again, vice versa.

Since spring is approaching, there is one great seasonal idea for you. We all love flowers, especially during spring. Go through your attic and find some old items you will use as flower pots for faux or real flowers. For example, you can hang an old umbrella with an antique watering can on your door with a wreath hanger and fill them with faux flowers. It will look so Pinterest-y. Alternatively, you can make a door flower basket and fill it with real fresh flowers. Basically, anything you can find can serve you as a door flower pot – even things that may seem ridiculous, such as your toddler’s old rain boots.

Or, you can take an old, empty picture frame, embellish it using your favorite craft supplies and, again, hang it on your front door.

On the other hand, maybe antiques and flowers just aren’t your thing, maybe you are more into minimalistic decorations such as monograms. They are easy to create, simple, but still make quite an impact. You can make a monogram yourself out of foam board and decorate it with anything you like – as long as it matches the rest of your home’s exterior: sea glass, shells, paint, twine etc. On the other hand, you can opt for a simpler version of it by painting an old tray with chalkboard paint and hanging it on your door. This way, you’ll be able to change your home’s ‘headline’ once you get bored of it.

Finally, dress down your now wildly decorated front door with a stylish minimalistic doormat to balance the whole look out.

Front porch

Whether your porch is tiny or large, there are many tips that work for both cases equally.

The first and probably the most important tip is to make sure your porch is as bright as it can be. Don’t hesitate to play with lighting fixtures or even add a pop of bright color. Also, make the most of daylight by replacing one wall with a glass wall and/or installing a mirror or two that will reflect the sunlight even more.

Besides lighting it up, you can repurpose your porch into a cool lounge area, for example. Just by placing a simple piece of furniture such as a sofa or an armchair on your front porch, you will boost the inviting feel of it and make it look so much cooler. And not to mention that your home is going to get a whole new laid-back vibe that is always attractive. After all, one simply cannot go wrong with using furniture as decoration.

Stairs

If you are blessed with minimalistic stairs that lead to your front door, consider giving them some depth and texture by installing those beautiful downward facing yellow or white lights. This solution is both practical – since it illuminates the stairs, which makes them easier to use during the night, and aesthetic – since lighting fixtures can make anything look way better and more luxurious than it already does.

Pathway

When entering a home, the pathway is the first thing you see, and if you really want to increase the beauty of your entrance, you have to make sure it is aesthetically pleasing. Lately, designers have been going crazy about Japanese aesthetics, since they are simple, easy to achieve, but still make a huge impact. Take a couple of dark geometric slate slabs and surround them with a bunch of those big white decorative stones. Finally, soften the look with a couple of tropical plants and voila – you have an awesome Japanese-styled aesthetic pathway.

And that’s it. What do you think about these ideas? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Great-Looking Inflatable Hot Tubs to Compliment Any Garden

April 17, 2018
Robert Clayton
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Soaking in a warm, bubbly hot tub after a long day might just be at the top of the list of little pleasures in life. And, if that hot tub is in the privacy of your home… it certainly takes the winning position! So, if you want to have a cool and relaxing hot tub in your garden, there are some factors you might consider before opting for the model of your dreams.

Consider the size

First things first, consider how many people you want to fit in your hot tub. Do you want to accommodate only you and your significant other, include your kids or even invite your friends over for a soak? When it comes to size, remember that portable models tend to be smaller (usually accommodate only two or three people). However, fixed models can be big enough for up to six adults, and some even have raised sets for children.

Find the right location

The most attractive feature of inflatable hot tubs is that they are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, but they offer the best relaxing feeling when placed outside so that you can feel the fresh breeze and enjoy the stars while soaking. Luckily, you don’t have to have a huge garden to accommodate your hot tub. Small models can be only 6 feet wide (around 180 cm) and all you need for installation is a portion of flat lawn, deck or patio! Just be sure to take area measurements before picking the hot tub size. Additionally, inflatable hot tubs can be easily stored in the winter. Just drain, deflate, fold and put them in your garage!

Get the right jets

The next thing you should consider is the jets. It usually depends on the size of the tub and the manufacturer, so choose wisely. Most models come with bubble jets placed around the hot tub base that give a mild yet relaxing massage. The number of these little bubble air jets ranges from 100 to 200 and they provide a great hot tub experience. The more power your hot tub motor has, the stronger the jets can get. But, keep in mind that powerful motors consume more energy. Some users report a huge surge in their electricity bill when using the tub, so if you want to keep your utility bills as low as possible, opt for a less powerful motor. However, the motor that powers the air bubbles also inflates the tub, so if you want faster setup, get a better motor.

Heating options

Once you fill your tub with water, it can take anywhere from 12 hours to a whole day to reach a warm temperature. The time it takes to heat up depends on the weather outside, the amount of water, the size of the tub and the model. So, if you don’t want to turn your hot tub on one day in advance, make sure to get one with a better heater.

Get protection

Aside from these top four main concerns, there are other things you can consider. For instance, getting an inflatable hot tub with a cover will help you keep leaves, bugs and pets out and maintain water hygiene. If you chosen model comes without a cover, know that you’ll have to buy one separately which will push up the price. Also, some models have an additional filtration system that helps prevent (or minimize) the calcium deposit in your hot tub. However, even if you opt for a model with a feature like that, you still need to maintain the proper water chemistry to keep your tub running smoothly.

These are most elementary inflatable hot tub features you should keep an eye on when buying your own model. Make sure to buy one that fits your needs and your garden the best (even though it means spending more money) and you’ll enjoy a private spa pampering treatment whenever you want without even leaving your backyard!

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Expand Your Living Space with an Outdoor Kitchen: Design Tips

December 20, 2017
Sara Solomon
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For me, every meal tastes better al fresco. If you agree and love preparing and eating food outside, it’s time for you to expand your living space and invest in an outdoor kitchen. It will allow you and your family and friends to spend time outside while making tasty lunches or hosting fun dinner parties. In case you don’t know where to start with your design, here are some outdoor kitchen design tips for every outdoorsy chef.

Carefully plan the location

One of the first rules of building: location, location, location! Probably the most common mistake people make when designing their outdoor kitchen is not looking at the wind pattern in their yard. You don’t want all the smoke and smells to get sucked into your home every time you’re using your outdoor kitchen, so place the grill and smoker accordingly. Also, people often place their outdoor kitchen too far from the inside kitchen, which makes carrying heavy platters and drinks quite inconvenient. Additionally, if you love the view from the inside of the house, don’t block it with the outdoor kitchen. Instead, place it to the side or pick an angle that will not ruin your view.

Choose the right materials

Your outdoor kitchen needs to be a bit sturdier than your indoor kitchen in order to resist the elements, such as winds, rain, snow and extreme heat. So, during the process of designing your outdoor space, opt for materials that are weather-resistant and easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel is always a good option for countertops because it’s tough and durable, easy to clean and looks very sleek. If you want something more rustic and warmer, you can opt for tiled countertops. Tiles come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and they require minimal maintenance. Also, pay attention to your floors. Tile and marble floors can get very slippery when wet or greased, so you might want to skip them. Concrete, brick and natural stone, on the other hand, are much safer and they will give your space a stylish look.

Opt for high-quality appliances

No matter how well you’re planning to equip your outdoor kitchen (some only opt for a grill, a sink and a small fridge, while others include beer taps, smokers and even warming drawers), you have to make sure your appliances can take both rain and sun. Stainless steel works great, requires little maintenance and is quite popular nowadays. Additionally, hire a licensed electrician to install your appliances and make sure everything is up to code.

Provide storage

Like every kitchen, your outdoor kitchen also needs storage for cooking tools, gadgets, food, and drink. Also, the outdoor storage should be waterproof and well insulated to endure temperature changes. With some storage, you’ll always have things on hand and your countertops will be clutter-free.

Build shelter from the elements

If you don’t want the weather to stop you from enjoying your outdoor kitchen, you should build a shelter that will keep the elements away from your grill. A tall roof, pergola or even some simple umbrellas will allow you to show off your culinary skills ever in the rain or scorching sun. You can also equip your outdoor kitchen with a fan for the summer and a heat lamp or a fire pit for the winter. Additionally, if you live in an area with pesky mosquitoes and a lot of flies, you can equip your kitchen with repellents and bug zappers that will keep them away from your food.

Install good lighting

Good lighting will allow you to prepare food when natural light is scarce and it will provide your outdoor space with a soft ambience that’s perfect for relaxing. You will need overhead lighting for food prep (hang the light from the roof or install a pole yard light) and add some string lights or tiki torches for ambient lighting.

Add comfort

An outdoor kitchen isn’t just a place where you cook food. It also serves to enjoy those delicious meals you make and for entertainment. So, make sure you put out some chairs, tables and decoration that will make your outdoor kitchen the star of your home. Choose durable pieces and weather-resistant fabrics so you can enjoy them all year round.

Once your outdoor kitchen is finished, get ready to break out your spatula, tongs and fork and prepare the perfect BBQ for all your family and friends.

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Make out in Again: How to Toddler-up Your Backyard

November 23, 2017
Faith McGregor
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With more and more children immersing themselves in the virtual world instead of discovering the beauties of the outside, physical inactivity has become a serious problem even among the youngest ones. Since physical activity contributes not only to children’s health and fitness, but also to their cognitive development, parents need to motivate their little ones to spend more time outside playing and discovering the wonders of their own backyards.

But first, safety

Before transforming your backyard into a child’s haven, you need to create a safe environment where your children can play. Make sure that your entire backyard is fenced in order to prevent your children from wandering off. If you have a pool, you should place a safety fence around it. Afterwards, you should clean your backyard from all debris and any hidden dangers. Checking whether you have any toxic plants, such as barberry, calla lily, oleander and others, is another important step. Finally, you should put all of your cleaning supplies, chemicals and tools under lock and key so that your children can’t reach them.

Make it appealing

After childproofing your backyard, you can move on to styling it up. Introducing plenty of colours and interesting decorations will help you create a playful atmosphere that will appeal to your children. Using colourful decorations will spark your children’s imagination and creativity, and contribute to their general development. In addition, this will draw their attention away from their video games. Yarn bombing is a great way to add colour to your backyard in a fun, playful way.
You should also consider what kind of activities you want to plan for your children. If you want to motivate your children to be more artistic, you’ll need to design an arts and crafts corner where your children can paint and create.

For the mind and body

boys on the lawn

Physical activity is not only for the body, but also for the mind, so you should plan activities and games that will contribute to your children’s both physical and cognitive development. A backyard obstacle course is a great activity that can promote your children’s general development, including their motor skills, coordination, balance, agility and spatial awareness. For an obstacle course in your own backyard, you can include balancing obstacles like books or eggs on spoons, bunny hopping through ladders, jumping rope, doing push-ups and even some teamwork activities, such as a “mummy” obstacle where one child wraps their partner in toilet paper. Of course, the difficulty of your backyard obstacle course will vary depending on your children’s age, but make sure to design a course that is neither too easy nor too difficult.

Giving your children their own private area for relaxation and play is another great idea for your backyard. You can use an old tent, lovely tepee or design a playhouse. For younger children, you can design a sand box with all the necessary items, such as shovels, scoops, buckets, etc. However, make sure to add a large umbrella to provide them with enough shade.

Backyard isn’t a battlefield

mother and child

Joining your children in their play will contribute to their development and awaken your inner child. By being active with your children, you’ll be a great role model, sending a message that regular activity is important and valued in your home. However, you also need to distance yourself and let your children learn and play on their own, as well as discover their own inner world. As long as you keep your eye on your children from a distance, they will remain safe and protected.

Enjoy the perfect chaos

You, as a parent, can relax and appreciate your children’s night of sweet dreams after a day of fun and activity that you ensured. You can spend a quiet, relaxing evening indulging yourself, not worrying about the perfect chaos in your backyard.

 

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5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Yard

October 24, 2017
Lana Hawkins
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Like clothes and accessories for a human, the different elements that make up a front yard help enhance its appearance. Since this is often the first thing people see when arriving, be it a visitor or the homeowner themselves, it is normal to want to make sure that the front yard looks its best. Luckily, in most cases not much is needed to make this part of the property look good. Here are 5 front yard renovation projects that are budget-friendly and easy to complete.

1) Painting the fence

This job is a perfect weekend DIY project! Fence painting doesn’t require as much skill as other painting projects, unless you are an absolute perfectionist. Of course, not all fence materials can receive paint in their current state. Some will need to be sanded and primed beforehand. However, do know that paint is a great way to add a dash of colour to the front of your home.

White is a classic and timeless colour for fences, as is black. For a more daring look, reds, blues, yellows, greens and other bright shades can be great options, depending on the colour scheme of the rest of the front yard.

2) Installing paver stones

A friendly and welcoming stone path makes for a great way to come home! Paver stones are easy to install, and they add a nice Zen touch to a front yard. These elements come in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes, adapting to your needs and preferences. The most common stones are travertine, slate, and granite. Concrete and porcelain are other options for paver materials, but they are not as durable as the latter.

 

3) Cleaning the home’s facade

This may seem simple, even trivial, but cleaning the home’s facade can make an enormous difference. Perhaps you bought the house and have never taken the time to remove the accumulated dirt and grime? This means that you may be in for a surprise once you’ve finished with the cleaning process.

For this action, the tools and techniques you employ will depend on the type of cladding material that is installed on your home. A pressure washer will be extremely efficient on plastic-based materials. Other types such as wood paneling need special treatment, and hand-washing may be best to ensure good results. Do proper research regarding the most recommended techniques and go to the effort of doing things properly. In the end, you may realize that your beige facade is actually mustard yellow!

4) Doing minor landscaping

Large-scale landscaping jobs are not accessible to everyone, and thankfully, smaller ones can also have a major impact. Although gardens are usually set up behind a home, flowerbeds and even small herb gardens are a great way to add life to a front yard. It’s all a question of space and personal preferences. Searching for privacy, some will even decide to create an oasis in front of their home, with trees, plants, and flowers. This little corner of heaven can become a nice spot to relax if you set up a few lawn chairs or hang a swing from a tree.

5) Installing or transforming a carport

This last project is the most onerous of those described in this list. If you don’t yet have a carport and are currently parking your car in a yard, with no roof, setting up this structure can be a great option, both for esthetical and practical purposes. In cold and snowy climates, carports can be extremely useful as they protect the car and keep the snow away, ensuring that you save time in the morning. In terms of appearance, are also carports interesting architectural elements, making the home more unique.

If your home is already equipped with a carport but you feel that you aren’t using it to its fullest, consider transforming it into a patio. This area which spills into the front yard can be turned into a wonderful getaway spot or a place to entertain guests under a roof but outdoors at the same time.

Transforming a front yard: endless possibilities

Other, bigger renovation projects are also possible if you have more money and feel that your home’s exterior needs major changes. For example, people often opt to replace the exterior cladding that covers and protects the home. However, as stated in the previous paragraphs, there is often no need to spend a fortune to make a front yard look nice. Simply set aside a weekend, head to the hardware store and let your imagination run wild. Otherwise, if you have no manual skills whatsoever, hire a trustworthy contractor!

Article was written by Léa Noémie Plourde-Archer from Renoquotes.com

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Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

August 28, 2017
Lillian Connors
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After a tiring day, we probably just want to relax on our patio or on our deck. Additionally, we spend most of our time there while entertaining our friends and relatives.  Being said that, making our deck comfortable is very crucial. The best way to start doing a patio or deck make over is through your flooring.

Here are some flooring ideas for you.

Traditional Wood Decking

Wood flooring is one of the most adaptable kinds since it looks good on any furniture and fixture. It can also be very versatile in terms of appearance because it can give a rustic ambiance that can be very laid back but with a modern touch. With wood, you will be sure that your choice will not go out of style.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Tile Flooring

Making tiles as your flooring can have many benefits. First, tiles can be very flexible because there are countless of designs you can choose from. There are tiles that look exactly like a stone to give your patio a natural-looking one, or you can select a contemporary design. Second, it is very affordable, especially when compared to other floorings. Applying tiles can only cost you around $2 – $15 per square foot depending on the design, quality, and size that you want. Lastly, tiles are very easy to maintain as you just have to occasionally sweep or mop the area. Sun and rain don’t damage them, unlike wood floorings.

 

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Artificial Grass

A high-quality artificial grass looks and feels like a real one already. Additionally, using this kind of flooring can also be very convenient for you. Unlike real grass, you do not have to worry about spending a lot of time mowing the lawn just to maintain the grass. You do not also need to water or set up a sprinkler for it. It can be a great alternative if you have allergies to real grass. While it is true that artificial grass is more expensive than that of a real one, just imagine how much you can save from maintaining it all throughout the year.

Concrete

If you are thinking concrete can be very boring for a patio floor, think again. You can use staining or stamping methods to vamp up your concrete and create a stylish design on your patio. Firth an expert in concrete paving says that another reason why you should choose concrete is that you will undoubtedly be able to keep it for the entire time you live there. It can also be very easy to clean and it is a super cheap option.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Brick

Bricks can give you a lot of flexibility in your flooring because there are so many designs and patterns you can do with it. As a very durable material, it can cost you a lot up front but you will still be able to technically save money from it because it doesn’t break unless you do it intentionally. It is also a slip resistant material. You also just have to do minimal works to maintain your flooring.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring can be a very affordable option for you. It will just cost you $2 per square foot but there are still more expensive choices but they are still cheap enough compared to other flooring types. Additionally, rubber floorings are very comfortable for walking. It is highly advisable to use this if you have small children or older people in your house because rubber floorings are slip resistant even if it gets wet. Just do not expect that much longevity to your rubber floors and you might have to replace it after some time.

Foam Tiles

Even though foam tiles are not created the same, there are still a lot of benefits. Just try to be specific if you will put it indoors or outdoors. Foam tiles are best for floorings beside the pool area because they are very slip-resistant and they are anti-mold and mildew. However, the downside is it is the least durable materials on this list.

Outdoor Carpet

Carpets can generally feel you more comfortable as it gives the more homey feel. It can make hanging outside more relaxed compared to other materials like bricks and tiles. When it comes to style, carpets have a lot of styles available in the market. You can mix and match the design to make it look better. It is a very cheap material because it can cost as low as $1 but it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good shape.

Stone Steps

While the stone material is very expensive, buying one can ensure that it will last for a very long time and it doesn’t need extensive maintenance. For some cases, you don’t even have to sweep or clean it. It can add a simple but natural feel to your home. Just consider putting in some natural designs for your outdoor flooring needs.

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Patterned Patio

You can use different materials to make a patterned patio. For instance, a checkered flooring design with an oversized green and white color can be best for red handprints on the edges. With this kind of patio, your imagination is the limit. You can do a lot of design whether you want a retro, contemporary, or modern ambiance to your whole deck.

 

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