Spring is definitely here, summer's on the way, and I never thought I’d write a blog post title with the word quarantine in it! Oh well, such is life. Since we've been spending just about every waking moment at home lately (much like the rest of the world), it's nice to be able to throw open the family room sliders and expand our living space outdoors.
Weekends are now spent on the patio where we can soak up copious amounts of Vitamin D while our son splashes around in the pool. Is the weather beautiful where you are? If so, here are five tips for getting your outdoor space, “Ready for action, Ryder, sir!” Sorry, we’ve been watching way too much Paw Patrol.
Clean it. This one's pretty obvious, and the best place to start. Wash your cushions, and wipe down your furniture. Pressure wash the patio floor if possible, and get rid of any built up pollen and bug carcasses. Yuck! Once it's clean you'll most likely feel inspired to freshen up your space.
Add plants. Clean out any planters that may still be holding on to last summer's long forgotten blooms, and replace them with live ones. You may be able to find a nursery in your area that delivers if you're concerned about social distancing, or you can order them online. If you don't have space to plant flowers, try a vertical garden. Amazon sells these wall planters which makes it easy to switch out plants on a whim.
Take care of the critters. The most beautiful patio in the world isn't going to be very inviting if it's covered in mosquitoes and other pests. Citronella candles can help repel mosquitoes, but if you don't like the smell try adding some natural bug repellant. Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon Balm not only smell delicious, but can also help keep those pesky blood suckers at bay.
Turn on the lights. Lighting is one of the best ways to add ambience to any space including an outdoor one. Right now I can't think of anything more dreamy than dining al fresco beneath the stars and some twinkling little lights. Again, Amazon comes to the rescue with these dazzling string lights. Hang them up, cook (or order) your favorite meal, and pretend you're on vacation.
Add comfy seating. If the budget doesn't allow for all new furniture, spring for one piece that's all about comfort like a hammock or egg chair. When we refreshed our patio we added a couple of hammock chairs, and now we practically live in them. Even my toddler begs to be put inside so he can lazily curl up while mom or dad swings him around. Of course if you're quarantined with someone else you may want to invest in two. Self Isolation is hard enough without constantly fighting over the good chair lol.
Hopefully, these tips will inspire you to open the doors, and enjoy your deck, patio, or balcony. If you would like help refreshing your outdoor space, schedule your free call with me today!
What's your favorite way to get summer ready? Comment below!