LANDSCAPE UPGRADE IDEAS TO TRY IN 2021
If you spent a lot of time at home this summer, you might have found yourself wishing your yard was a little more developed. Landscaping upgrades are an excellent idea for various reasons, not just to make your yard a more exciting place for you to hang out. Many landscaping upgrades have a significant impact on the curb appeal and value of your home. Let 2021 be the year you create the dream yard you’ve always wanted. Landscape renovations will also raise your Indianapolis property value if you’re thinking about selling in the future!
Curb appeal helps raise the attractiveness of your neighborhood, and it will make your home more welcoming to you as well.
EXTEND YOUR LIVING SPACE TO THE OUTDOORS ALL YEAR ROUND
Getting outside, even into your own backyard, can make a huge difference in your mood. It’s even better if you can still get out and stay dry during inclement weather. Here are a few ways to extend your living space beyond your doors.
INSTALL A COVERED OUTDOOR KITCHEN, EATING AREA, OR “HANG-OUT” SPACE
A covered space outdoors where you can cook, eat, or just relax with your friends and family will significantly boost your enjoyment of your home. Meals cooked and eaten outside taste better, and being able to sit outside and stay dry, even in bad weather, can be refreshing and energizing. Having a covered patio or deck area, whether it’s with a pop-up gazebo or a fully framed roof, also gives you extra space to hang out with friends when you’re not able to spend time together indoors.
EXTEND YOUR PATIO WITH PAVERS
If you have a small patio, like the basic builder’s deck or concrete slab, consider extending your patio space. Pavers are relatively simple to install, are quite affordable, come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and can give you so much more space for relaxing or entertaining.
CREATE A BACKYARD RETREAT WITH SEATING AREAS
Creating more than one seating area in your yard gives you options for places to get away from everything and have a few moments to yourself. A small hidden seating area surrounded by shrubs and flowers can act as a peaceful retreat, right in your backyard.
ADD FIRE AS A FOCAL POINT
Whether you prefer a classic in-ground fire pit, a decorative fire bowl, or even a natural gas fire table, a fire focal piece draws people together. It adds a welcoming gathering space for friends and family and stimulates conversations.
CREATE A WELCOMING ENTRANCE
Make your house as welcoming and friendly as you are by dressing up your front entrance. If you have a porch, create a comfortable seating space with a porch swing or chairs with cushions and blankets. If you don’t have a porch, add some potted plants and flowers around the front door to make the space more colorful and inviting.
IMPROVE CURB APPEAL
Improving your home’s curb appeal isn’t just about selling, although it will also help when the time comes! Curb appeal helps raise the attractiveness of your neighborhood, and it will make your home more welcoming to you as well.
ADD LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
Landscape lighting, highlighting pathways, spotlighting beautiful trees, and accenting architectural features can step up the curb appeal of your landscape and home. Landscape lighting adds a warm and welcoming ambiance and looks luxurious.
ADD PERENNIAL BEDS
Low maintenance perennial beds make your yard more attractive without the maintenance of annual plants. Native perennials, trees, and shrubs add beauty and value to the landscape, and they take care of themselves.
REDUCE MAINTENANCE BY ADDING MULCH
Maintaining a large expanse of lawn is becoming less popular. Lots of lawn means lots of water, inputs, and mowing, and many people don’t want to spend hours with the mower. Reduce the lawn area you have by adding larger mulched areas with trees, shrubs, and native plants. Mulch only needs to be topped up every few years, and it’s very affordable.
CREATE LEADING LINES BY ADDING PATHWAYS
Pathways draw the eye where you want people to go and invite them to explore. Whether in the front yard or the back yard, adding a simple path with pavers can make the yard more appealing to explore.
UPDATE FENCING, CLEAN, OR REPLACE
If you have fencing in good shape, give it a good cleaning. If it’s wood, pressure-wash it and then restain it or treat it with a wood preserver. If you have chain link fencing, consider adding or replacing privacy slats and do some planting along the fence, especially in the front yard, to soften the look. If you have vinyl fencing, wash it and check for sagging and fading.
If your fence is in a sad state, or you don’t have one at all, consider replacing it or adding fencing. A fenced yard is one of the top things people look for when considering a new home, whether they have kids, pets, or just want privacy.
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our garden center in Indianapolis for more easy and beautiful landscaping ideas!