How To Make The Most Of Your Outdoor Space This Winter
September 27, 2021
Lifestyle
With the heat of the summer drawing to a close, we're all looking forward to another beautiful Chicagoland fall. But even with dropping temperatures, our outdoor spaces remain a vital part of daily life. Time outdoors has undeniable benefits for mental health, and maximizing our homes' full potential — including having enjoyable year-round outdoor space — is a great way to make home feel like an oasis from the chaos and disruption of the outside world. Learn a few tips and tricks to make the most of your outdoor space this winter.
Bring The Heat
The most key element in creating an inviting, usable outdoor space even in the cold of winter is bringing some warmth outdoors. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are a fantastic way to warm up the environment while creating focal points for family and friends to gather around. Outdoor fire pits and stoves are available in a range of styles and sizes, with something for every size space and budget — ranging anywhere from a small wood-burning fire pit to a large, gas-fired built-in fireplace. If the maintenance and preparation associated with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit isn't for you, portable outdoor gas heaters are an easy, low-maintenance option that can heat up any outdoor space, large or small. Similar to the propane heaters found on restaurant patios, these heaters are available in a variety of styles, and they are easy to run and maintain — simply connect a standard propane tank and flip the switch! Pro Tip: a propane tank gauge sits between the tank and your heater, and will let you know before it's time to replace that tank to help avoid chilly surprises!Brighten Your Space
Once heating has been taken care of, the next step in making your outdoor space usable all year long is lighting. With fall and winter come shorter days and earlier evenings, and outdoor lighting can extend your time outdoors. A set of cafe string lights are a great way to add an inviting glow to your exterior space. Hanging cafe lights in a zig-zag pattern creates a classic bistro patio feel and can illuminate a patio set of any size. Lanterns placed on outdoor tables can create a great outdoor dining space, encouraging family and friends to gather around the table for meals.Embrace "Hygge"
Hygge is a Danish word that has no direct translation in English, although it has been referred to as "a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being." Embracing hygge in outdoor spaces means adding cozy, warm elements like soft blankets and overstuffed, inviting cushions on outdoor furniture, inviting your family and friends to curl up under a blanket and enjoy a cup of hot tea or cocoa. Soft, glowing candles or lamps, cushiony indoor-outdoor rugs, and lots of blankets can be a great way to make your patio space inviting all year round. You can also add hygge to your outdoor patio by hanging heavy curtains or adding canopies or tents to protect yourself from the elements while you enjoy the great outdoors. And if you're feeling particularly ambitious in your outdoor planning, a patio roof or covered gazebo can make staying outside more comfortable even when temperatures fall.Add Green Elements
While it might seem counterintuitive to add greenery in the wintertime, finding hardy plants that can stand up to the elements is a terrific way to enhance your outdoor patio or backyard and bring elements of indoor living outdoors. Evergreens are a perfect choice to brighten your patio — they're seasonally appropriate and stay green all year round no matter how chilly the winter weather might become.Consider Weatherproof Furniture
If you intend to use your outdoor spaces year-round, it's important to ensure that your outdoor furniture is up to the challenge. Plastic furniture, for example, is likely to freeze and crack as the mercury heads below freezing. Consider powder-coated steel or teak furniture that is built to stand up to the worst winter has to throw at it, and make sure you have a designated storage shed or garage area set aside to store cushions, rugs, and blankets during storms or extreme weather.Plan For Fun!
Family members and guests are more likely to venture into your outdoor spaces if they're set up for fun. There's no reason outdoor grilling or movie nights have to move indoors all winter — setting up a movie projector and screen, setting up some well-lit backyard games, or hanging lights around the grill can allow you to bring your activities outside much later in the year. A hot tub can also be a great winter addition, allowing you to enjoy even the snowiest winter day while staying comfortable and warm.Ready to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space This Chicagoland Winter?
The chilly days of fall and winter are a great opportunity to focus on your biggest home goals. Looking for ways to enjoy all that the cooler season in Chicagoland has to offer? Curious about how you can use this season to get your home ready to sell, or start your search for a new place? While it's hardly business as usual right now, we know that the Chicagoland real estate market is still strong. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, from finding the perfect home to connecting you with local experts in mortgage and title. The market is moving — and if you're ready, you can too.Tags:
