Summertime is typically the spark that drives homeowners to begin revamping their outdoor spaces. This year with the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge to begin home improvement projects has been present for several months now. Our homes are our sanctuaries and the plenty of extra hours being spent at home these days have homeowners realizing just how important being happy with your space is. According to Kate Bailey, senior director of category management for the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery chain, “Stay at home and shelter in place orders have made homeowners keenly aware of both their indoor and outdoor space, they are investing more now that they are spending more time at home and traveling less due to the pandemic.” Some popular outdoor additions we’ve seen this year include garden boxes, lounge furniture, flat top grills, fire pits and twinkling string lights that transform any backyard into an outdoor oasis.

Sprucing up landscaping around your home is not only a way to please the eye, but serves as a great return on investment. Landscaping can include more than just plants. Stone walkways add depth throughout your landscaping while serving their purpose and also creating an element of elegance around the home. Plants such as classic white hydrangeas or even something brighter for a pop of color not only look great outdoors but cuttings can be brought inside the home. Lighted walkways and gardens are another great way to enhance your landscaping. A huge trend this year are string lights. Affordable and easy to set up, string lights add a magical backdrop to any greenery.

Bring the outdoors in with additional entertaining areas such as screened-in porches, outdoor kitchens and pavilions. Michael A. Menn, owner of Chicago-based design build firm said to Forbes, “I have seen more people ask for outdoor living environments, screened porches, gazebos and decks. Being able to spend outdoor time with your family has been an escape – and close to freedom! People are enjoying their outdoor environments more and more.” Deck out screened-in porches and pavilions with a variety of seating such as lounge chairs and sofas to create the ultimate relaxation area. Top off your outdoor space with a firepit for the perfect s’mores night or a source of warmth on a cool summer night. Outdoor kitchens are the perfect addition to elevate summer hang outs. Whether you go with a gas, charcoal or even the popular flat top grill, having this outdoor area allows for everyone to be together at once.


There are many great resources to pull outdoor inspiration from: Pinterest, Better Homes & Gardens, your favorite hotels and even through homes searches. One of our very own listings 1043 Tyne Blvd in Oak Hill, features a one-of-a-kind luxury outdoor entertaining area. Built and designed with the owner’s and Lee Seelig of Waterscapes Backyard Resorts, no detail is spared. Surrounded by immaculate landscaping, the pool terrace features a saltwater pool, a spa and a baby pool that could double as a tanning ledge. The ultimate outdoor kitchen with both gas and charcoal grills is just behind the stunning outdoor fireplace. The adjacent pavilion has running water, a warming drawer, fridge and is complete with a bar counter overlooking the pool. It truly is an entertainer’s dream.