Backyard Updates on the Cheap!
Backyard Updates on the Cheap!
Backyard Updates on the Cheap!
Everyone wants a magazine-inspired backyard, but backyard upgrades aren’t always very budget friendly unfortunately. However, there are many things you can do to spruce up your backyard economically. Backyard season is here and now is a great time to give your backyard a boost with these economical updates:
- FLOWERY COMPLIMENTS – Add annual flowers to your beds or a few strategically placed planters filled with brightly colored plants for instant wow factor. Flowers will not only improve your curb appeal, but will lift your mood every time you pass by. The plants are a small investment but the smiles are free with purchase. Cost: $25+
- DOOR MAKEOVER – Even your back door likes some attention now and again. If your door has a case of “the sads,” paint can cure a myriad of post-winter woes. You can’t go wrong with a classic black door (if it works with your color palette) or opt for a bright cheery hue. It’s a low risk item to go bold on color choice—if you hate it, it’s not hard or time consuming to paint it back to a neutral color. Also, check out your door hardware—is it a long since dead style? If so, before painting is a great time to change it out. Remove the old hardware, prep and paint the door and then install the new hardware. If you do it all at the same time, you won’t have to worry about any unpainted spots where the old hardware used to be and you’ll have a fun new entry that you will admire every time you go outside. Cost: $100-$250 (depending on hardware selected)
- YARD CLUTTER – The best part of this tip is that it is FREE! Score! The best mindset to get into when “decluttering” your yard is to pretend you’re having an outdoor party—stage it as if you’re having handfuls of guests. Take inventory of your yard and porch—are there miscellaneous items that don’t belong or items that are broken or need to be put into retirement? Find new storage “homes” for the random wheelbarrows, hoses and clutter (preferably in a garage or shed, out of sight). If it’s time to retire it, trash it or donate it. Finish off with a good sweeping of the hard surface area. The more ruthless you are when decluttering, the higher the wow factor payoff will be in the end. Cost: Free!
- ACCENT IT – If your patio furniture has seen better days, consider painting it instead of replacing it. Paint can add new life to wood and metal—just be sure to get the right kind of paint for your material. Spray paint now comes in 100’s of bright, fun colors that will make it really pop! Another way to spruce your patio furniture is to buy new cushions. For an even cheaper alternative to all new cushions, buy a few bright pillows in an outdoor fabric for a smaller spend but just as much of an impact. Cost: $20-200+
Your backyard should be an oasis but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you spend a little time to keep it up and throw in a few fun changes for yourself, you’ll be enjoying your backyard to the max all summer long. Small updates can make a big impact and can really make your backyard the one to visit this summer.
Lisa E. Priest wishes you a happy and safe Memorial Day and is local REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com.
