With warm weather just around the corner, now is the time to get your outdoor spaces ready for spring. Even if you’re on a budget, there are easy ways to add more pizazz to your patio or backyard without spending a lot.
Here is our list of budget-friendly ways to transform your outdoor living space into your dream oasis where you can relax and entertain.
Start with a good clean
Before you spend any of your hard-earned cash, give your outdoor area a good clean. Spray down your patio and get all the leaves and dirt that has collected over the cold months. Wash your chair cushions and give your furniture a good clean.
Getting everything sparkling clean can transform your space. If your backyard is looking a little rough, clean up the weeds and trim your grass. If you have extra mulch in your garage, add it to the flower beds.
Pick a color theme
Select a base color and an accent color to use throughout your patio and backyard. This will help tie everything together and give your space a polished look. If you already have furniture or accents, you like and work together, use them as the base for your makeover.
Re-cover furniture seating pads
Rather than buying new chair seating pads, consider recovering your existing ones. This is an easy project that can be done with minimal tools but can transform the look of your furniture. Look for fabric sales at stores like JOANN to cut down on costs.
Bring color with throw pillows
A few bright throw pillows that match your color theme can refresh your space. Pick colors and patterns that complement each other and add pops of color to your seating area.
Add container pots
Container pots are a great way to add more plants to your space and you can move them around easily for a refresh. If you want to add more color to your patio, look for big pots in bright colors. You can also add color by planting flowers that match your color scheme.
Brighten up with better lighting
As the sun sets, the glow from lanterns and tiki torches adds a welcoming ambiance to outdoor spaces. Consider stringing outdoors lights or adding a few lanterns to your patio and yard for a warm glow. Placing tiki torches around your yard can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming oasis.
Spruce up your floor
If your floors are not in good shape, an outdoor area rug can add color and cover up unsightly concrete or other materials. Pick a rug made specifically for the outdoors and use it to define a seating or dining area.
Add low-maintenance plants
Adding plants throughout your patio or deck can make a big difference. The pop of green color makes the space more inviting and completes the look of an outdoor room. Pick low-maintenance plants suited to the area then sit back and relax.
Get new patio furniture for less
If your furniture is worn and outdated, consider upgrading to a new set for less. Stores like Target and Costco sell quality outdoor furniture for less than specialty stores. Wait for a good sale to maximize your savings (and watch out for sales on Facebook or other platforms where local people put items like this up for sale).
Bring in a fire pit
Sitting out by the fire on a cool spring evening can help you unwind from a long day. Getting a fire pit to your outdoor space is a great way to spruce up the area and add ambiance on a budget. It can also double up as a campfire for roasting marshmallows for s’mores.
Upgrade Your Path
If you have an existing path in your yard, consider upgrading it by adding new pavers as stepping stones. Another option is to add crushed rock, which comes in different colors. Use lawn borders to outline the path then fill it with quarter-inch crushed rock.
You don’t have to spend big
Sprucing up your patio and backyard doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Start off with a good clean of your space and add a few strategic splurges to infuse new life and brighten up the area. Even with a tight budget, you can make a big impact and enjoy the warmer weather in your new outdoor oasis.
–By Veneta Lusk