You’re never going to want to go back inside.
A good dose of outdoor lighting allows you to maximize your enjoyment no matter the hour.
Lighting can be used to create a mood and to highlight elements of your landscape, she says.
Photo:Antonina Potapenko/Getty Images
For a classy look, less is more.
Shine uplights on multi-stemmed trees and place path lights where additional light is needed for navigation.
ensure path lights are at least six inches apart.
DIY kits are readily available and often require no specialized skills beyond basic electrical knowledge.
Solar-powered lights are particularly convenient and cost-effective, requiring no wiring at all.
Kessler says a system to repel these pests is essential for every backyard.
You don’t need a lot of space to create a bit of habitat.
If you have sun, plant milkweed, coneflowers, mountain mint, and liatris for beautiful blooms.
An Herb Garden
An herb garden is a small feature that can have a big impact.
OBrien is also a fan of herb gardens.
Comfortable Outdoor Living Furniture
Gone are the days of hard plastic patio chairs.
You’ll be surprised by how much more time you spend in your outdoor space.
Her favorites are fromLemieux et Cie.
In terms of materials, Kessler likes powder-coated aluminum furnishings for a lower-maintenance experience, especially for dining sets.
While teak is also worth considering, it may require more maintenance.
I always cover my outdoor furniture between uses.
This is especially important in cold or rainy climates, Kessler advises.
But adding shade to your backyard makes the heat a bit more bearable.
Adding a shade sail, umbrella, or pergola can completely transform your outdoor experience, says Kessler.
Umbrellas with tilt capabilities are nice because they provide flexibility throughout the day.
A Water Feature
Lastly, a little water can go a long way.
Bonusthey provide clean water to birds and butterflies, explains Kessler.
A birdbath or small fountain can do the trick.
