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4 Essential Outdoor Oases

August 10, 2015 By

Listen to crickets, feel the cool breeze, bask in the warm sun, and enjoy the scenery. It’s summertime, and there are countless reasons to spend time outdoors. Transform your outdoor space into your go-to spot. Here are five creative ways to create functional outdoor oases.

Outdoor Living Room: Add comfortable patio couches and chairs. Set out end tables and a coffee table so people can prop up their feet or put down their drink. Buy outdoor lighting fixtures in case you want to read outside under the stars. If you are revamping your backyard, consider adding an outdoor fireplace. It’s the perfect place to gather around for a night of spooky stories and s’mores. Worried about bugs? Place a few insect repellant candles in your yard.

Outdoor Dining Room: Dine alfresco! Set up a patio table and chairs. It’s important to choose patio furniture because it is weather-resistant. Add a string of lights for a romantic (and practical) touch that will literally light up the room.

Outdoor Kitchen: If you are remodeling your outdoor area, add a small island counter with a fridge and cabinet space so you can prep your meals outdoors. Now all you need is a grill and, in a dream outdoor kitchen, a brick pizza oven.

Outdoor Bedroom: Buy a bed frame and set it up in a flat section of your yard. Keep a bookshelf with your favorite reads nearby. Add a nightstand, lots of pillows, and a light. Just make sure that this room is covered so rain doesn’t interrupt your reading!

We have a hunch that these hideaways will be your new favorite spots for spring and summer.

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10 Fun Family Lawn Games for Summer

July 23, 2015 By

Why limit your family fun this summer to board games when you have a backyard to put to use? Save Scrabble and Monopoly for rainy nights — these games may help you and the family make the most of the summertime!

Lawn Scrabble: Don’t get us wrong; we still love Scrabble. Make it a little more interesting and play a life-size Scrabble game. Cut cardboard into large square pieces, and write the letters on with a marker. Run around the yard making your moves. (via Constantly Lovestruck)

Bean Bag Toss: A classic game that will keep the whole family entertained. Simply toss bean bags through the board. Decorate your boards together as a fun family DIY project.

Jenga: Another board game come to life. Use plywood and make Jenga pieces. See who can keep the tower from toppling!

Ring Toss: Make a DIY ring toss set. Spend time testing your hand eye coordination! Warning: this game can be strangely addictive!

Mini Golf: Buy a mini golf set so you can practice your putt! Maybe take your skills to an actual mini golf course with the family after. Here’s hoping for a hole in one.

Outdoor Bowling: Set up an outdoor bowling lane and see who can get a strike!

Tag: You don’t need any accessories for a game of tag. You’ll get exercise while running around, and your kids may actually be looking forward to nap time!

Kickball: Kickball may bring back PE class flashbacks, but it’s a game the entire family will enjoy. Kick the kickball and run as fast as you can!

Water Balloon Fight: Water balloons make everything more exciting. Beat the heat with a water balloon fight!

Basketball: Can’t go wrong with the classics. If you don’t have a hoop, attach a basketball net on your garage door. Your family can play countless games of horse or just shoot hoops. Or make it a bit more interesting: Split up into teams, and have the loser prepare dinner!

We want to know your favorite family lawn games! Let us know on our Facebook page or mention us on Twitter. Enjoy summer fun as a family!

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How to Set Up an Outdoor Movie Theater at Home

June 26, 2015 By

If you’re nostalgic for the drive-in days of the past, you may be able to easily recreate the experience right at home. These warm nights are perfect for enjoying a movie screening under the stars with family and friends.

Get permission: Before you start setting up, check to make sure that your brilliant idea is actually permittable. Run the idea by your neighbors to find out if they have concerns about noise levels at night (and if they’d like to attend the screening). The last thing you want is the police knocking on your door right when you’ve gotten to the good part of the movie.

Consider the space: Where will you be projecting the show? Your driveway is a great option because it provides a level surface for equipment and is likely close to a power source in the garage. Otherwise, look for a flat surface anywhere around your home. If you’re putting the screen in the backyard, you’ll likely need a lengthy, heavy-duty extension cord, and a power strip.

Arrange the seats: Seating options vary based on location. If you’re setting up on the driveway, you’ll need lawn chairs (or perhaps a comfy old couch). If you’re in the backyard, you can simply spread out a few picnic blankets and throw pillows.

Gather your equipment: The essentials are: a screen, a projector, and speakers. When choosing a projector, focus on brightness and throw distance rating. For audio, go with an all-weather, two-channel system. If your theater is far from the house, make sure you have some form of lighting.

Bring on the refreshments: No movie experience is complete without snacks. And nothing beats an old-fashioned popcorn machine! But of course, since you’re running the show, anything goes: ice cream floats, s’mores, popsicles (or healthier options). The options are limitless.

Now just call up some friends, family, and neighbors and plan a star-studded evening under the stars.

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Dressed for Success: Outdoor Improvements

September 13, 2014 By

It’s the season for outdoor improvements. Where to invest? Here’s how to decide.

Making a great impression starts with your home’s exterior. In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of REALTORS® indicated curb appeal was a “major factor” in 49 percent of all home sales. And in a survey by Real Estate Agent Community Trends, 82 percent of agents said they’d had buyers decline to look at homes based on exterior appearance.

Here’s how to weigh your outdoor project options:

Pricey Replacements: New vinyl siding appeals to many buyers, but it can be expensive. Often a new paint job can freshen and protect the exterior. “Choose a neutral color that blends,” says CENTURY 21® Sales Professional Suzy Stone of CENTURY 21 AdVenture in Fredericksburg, Virginia. If the siding and paint are sound, give your house a power-washing. “It’s inexpensive and effective,” Stone advises.

You’ll increase your comfort and lower monthly utility bills by adding new energy-efficient windows, and they’ll appeal to future buyers. But the upgrade may make sense only if you plan to stay in your home a long time. If window replacement isn’t feasible in your timeline and budget, make sure existing units and window trim are in good repair and freshly painted. These simple, budget-friendly steps can go a long way in making a good first impression. Thorough caulking can help on the energy front too.

Low-Cost Necessities: Some of the most important exterior improvements you can make are the least expensive, says Stone. They also can provide quick and substantial payback.

Repaint or restain the front door, replace exterior light fixtures and add new welcome mats, inside and out. “People want to wipe their feet when they enter a stranger’s house,” Stone says.

While you’re at it, replace any rotted trim around the front door and garage doors.

And don’t forget your landscape. Trim bushes, remove leaves, edge the driveway and sidewalks and add fresh mulch around trees and shrubbery.

Acceptable Indulgences: If you’ve always wanted a swimming pool and plan to stay in your home for a while, go for it. “Enjoy the pool, but don’t assume that it will add value to your house,” Stone cautions. “Many people don’t want pools or hot tubs.”

Decks and porches, on the other hand, have broader appeal. Especially if they’re the norm in your neighborhood, they can increase your enjoyment of the house and add value when you sell.

Suzy Stone CENTURY 21 AdVenture, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Professional involvement: Suzy was president of her local REALTORS association in 2007, and she now serves as the part-time government affairs director.

Giving back: As president of her local no-kill Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter, Suzy spends a lot of time fund-raising.

In the “people business”: “I like to see my clients often,” Suzy says. That’s why she keeps her business limited to the Fredericksburg area.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Small Changes, Big Difference: 5 Low-Cost Ways to Give Your Home a New Look

-How to Style a Patio

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-10 Secrets for Making Your Bedroom Feel Larger

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