I love this time of year for a few reasons: warmer temperatures, longer days and get-togethers, all of which can be tied into one single location: outdoors.

Is there anything better than a summer afternoon on a big, open deck?

Whether it’s watching the neighborhood kids blow off steam in the front or hosting backyard BBQs, the outdoors beckons. Updating a few areas can help you enjoy and extend your time outside even more:

• Outdoor lighting
• Fire pit
• Water gardens
• Outdoor bar and grill

Path and accent lighting can increase the safety and security of your home

Outdoor lighting can be placed into two distinct categories: House lighting and landscape lighting. House lighting includes anything that’s connected to your home, like a wall sconce, chandelier, ceiling lighting or pendant.

Landscape lighting elevates the security around your home and increases its curb appeal and overall value. It’s safely and easily installed, and low-voltage lighting doesn’t require a specialist or electrician. Landscape lighting can include post lights, path and rail lights, and accent and flood lights.

Solar Landscape lights are quick and easy to install:

Our detailed explanation on landscape lighting can be found here.

Warm days can still turn into chilly evenings. A fire pit can help create ambiance, chase the chill away and extend the practical use of your outdoor living space well into fall.

Water gardens are a welcome addition to any backyard. The soft burbling sound of water has been scientifically proven to calm the nerves of even the most hardened criminal. OK, maybe not, but who wouldn’t like the inspired sight and peaceful sound of a water garden?

Koi ponds add to the relaxing atmosphere of your garden

After learning the water gardens basics, it’s time to put it all together with plant life, fish and other water features.

There are many ways to add water to your garden

When it’s time to feed your crew, be sure you have the right outdoor bar and grill. Today’s gourmet grills include built-in features such as infrared burners, rotisseries, smokers and refrigerators. Most use liquid propane, but those with smokers still use charcoal.

Few things are more impressive than a complete outdoor kitchen

The bar can take on any number of looks, but you’ll want to make sure to cover a few bases: plumbing, appliances, furniture, lighting and the right amount of seating.

Until next time, Happy Home Improving!

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