Outdoor areas are often the last to receive design attention, but they shouldn’t be: What surrounds your home is just as important as what's in it. Whether it's a manicured front lawn, stone paver pathway or intricate vegetable
garden, these spaces benefit from the same attention to detail as any bathroom or kitchen. A well-designed landscape can complement your home's architecture and design, and the right plants, flowers and shrubbery can greatly
enhance your curb appeal by adding color, texture and even fragrance to your yard.
Before starting your landscape remodel, survey your space and consider how best to fill it based on your interests. If you love working
outdoors, a large rose garden or vegetable garden is the perfect way to use your space. On the other hand, kids might enjoy a large yard, along with a playground, swing set or pool. Think about what your family would use the
most, as well as what would help boost your resell value in the long run. In the end, be sure to consider your front and back yard as separate entities; after all, they usually serve two very different purposes.
What
should I add to my front yard?
When revamping your front yard, think about curb appeal above all else. This space is your chance to make a great first impression, so it should be inspiring, well thought out and consistent
with the style of your home. A flower garden is a great option, but if maintenance is an issue, you can simplify the process by opting for low-maintenance succulents, bushes or hedges instead. If you don't have a green thumb,
stick with grass and use a gravel pathway, water feature, wood fence or stone wall for variation.
What should I add to my backyard?
The backyard is for entertaining and playtime, so incorporate seating, dining areas,
play spaces and sunny relaxation spots. A vegetable garden or rose garden is a common yard staple, especially if you add an interesting element like a pergola, arbor, raised bed, border, walkway or fence. You can even add fun
accessories like birdbaths and feeders to aid with birdwatching. For the ultimate party house, incorporate a pool and patio or deck with a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, barbecue and outdoor kitchen. If you're an active, sports-loving
family, add a basketball court, volleyball court, bocce ball or croquet. And don't forget about outdoor furniture! A bench in a garden makes a great reading or meditation spot, while a weatherproof chaise lounge, sofa and chair
are nice for taking in those sunny days.
