Now that COVID-19 has changed the way Texans go about their lives, many are rethinking their vacation and entertainment plans. In fact, many Houston homeowners have decided to turn their landscape into a backyard getaway retreat to entertain more.
Along with ideas that match their lifestyle, the best landscape lighting solution is also on the agenda to create the ultimate evening atmosphere when entertaining at home in the great outdoors. You’ve come to the right place to learn all about it.
Ideas to Turn Your Backyard Into a Getaway Retreat
1. Add the outdoor kitchen you always wanted.
With so much uncertainty, it’s understandable that many people are more reluctant today than they were during the Pre-COVID-19 days to eat out. Dining out is at the top of many people’s wish list when it comes to entertainment. But, some homeowners are using the situation as an excuse to finally add the outdoor kitchen they’ve been dreaming of.
This is an especially good idea if you love to cook, entertain, and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a no-brainer to see that the investment would be a great one not only to add value to your home but also to bring more enjoyment for you and the family at home.
You probably already enjoy some outdoor grilling now and then on your barbeque pit and have an outdoor patio table. Your outdoor kitchen project could be as simple as adding a countertop to do food prep and a fridge and sink. Or, you can add a full grilling station, an entertainment bar, a fire pit, a pergola, and television wiring to watch the games on.
You can take your outdoor kitchen ideas to so many levels. Just remember that you may need a permit for larger projects and you’ll want to leave any electrical projects to a licensed electrician. Likewise, gas and plumbing projects are best left in the hands of a plumber.
2. Deck it out!
You can add a multi-level deck or revamp or extend your current deck. Creating spaces within the deck would allow you to designate different areas for different activities.
One area could be an outdoor dining area or you could have multiple dining areas. You could also have various areas for relaxation.
For instance, one space could have a hammock or two surrounded by tropical plants. Another could have a vine-covered pergola. And yet another could be a complete outdoor living room with weather-proof seating areas surrounding a fire pit.
Don’t overlook step lighting where needed and landscape lighting to provide additional lighting. A landscape lighting designer would be of great help to not only get lighting where it needs to be but also to bring that extra pizazz to your decking project.
3. Rethink your patio.
So often, we think of a patio as a slab of concrete. But, it can be so much more, particularly when you want to turn your backyard into a retreat.
Add more texture and color to your patio and make it an extension of your home. Add lots of plants, get some weatherproof furniture, and decorate your patio in a style that suits you. If you love Moroccan patterns, you’ll want your tables and chairs to be lower, and add bright-colored cushions for your furniture along with a few famous Moroccan lanterns to complete the picture.
If Tuscan is your thing, you might consider red bricks, lots of lush green plants, and Old-World furniture with a Mediterranean flair.
Your home’s patio area should reflect your personality and style. Just go for it! Turn it into an inviting space with an ambiance that makes you forget you’re at home. But feels like home.
4. Add a water feature.
Moods are created by catering to all of your senses. You can transform your outdoor space by adding lots of visual appeal, but sound is important too. The sound of water is known to immediately inspire calmness in an atmosphere.
The great thing is that your water feature can be as little or big as your budget, space, and preferences allow. A small fountain might do the trick or you may opt for a pond filled with koi and a pump to move the water or even a resort-style swimming pool, complete with Caribean-style furniture and accents.
The sky is the limit! If you can’t go big though, just remember a small water feature will still make a difference.
Complete the Transformation of Your Houston Outdoors With Soft Lighting
If you’ve ever been to a luxury spa, then you know there’s one thing that really sets the mood – lighting. The soft yet sophisticated lighting makes you feel warm and relaxed the moment you walk in. That’s the kind of mood you want when retreating to your Houston home’s backyard.
Soft lighting will transform your landscape into a spa or resort-style retreat. And an experienced lighting designer can help you choose the right lights to put in all the right places to make it all come together for magical evenings.
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The Takeaway
The TakeawayIf you’ve decided home is the place to be this summer as we get through the COVID-19 pandemic, make your outdoor space everything it can be.
At Illuminations Lighting Design, we have both lighting design specialists and electricians to help with your backyard retreat project.
We’ve helped hundreds of Houston homeowners transform their backyards into a getaway retreat right at home. We’d love to help you too!
Contact us today so you can begin enjoying your Houston outdoors sooner rather than later. And remember, we service areas all around Harris County, including:
- Baytown
- Bellaire
- Deer Park
- Jacinto City
- Katy
- La Porte
- Missouri City
- Southside Place
- Stafford
- Waller
- Webster
- And more!
We look forward to serving you!