“Backyarding” – the trend to move indoor activities outdoors that was made popular during the pandemic – is here to stay, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces.
More now than ever, outdoor space has become an extension of the four walls of our home and the line between indoor and outdoor living is fluid. We work, cook, exercise, and even enjoy mini stay-cations in our yard.
Mark Galey, President, MCR, CRPM at Master Home Remodelers, Inc. knows a thing or two about important maintenance, new renovations, and updates that will keep things in top “backyarding” shape. Mark says, “As the days start getting longer, you know spring is just around the corner, and summer is not far behind — making now the ideal time to transform your outdoors.”
Mark and the team design and build functional outdoor spaces, which serve as a welcome extension of a home's interior. There is an endless list of configurations to consider when designing the authentic outdoor experience.
Locally hand-crafted wood swings from Georgia Swings, Carpenter James or Vintage Porch Swings provide a cozy spot for an afternoon snooze or getting lost in a good book.
The Talenti Cleo Teak Swing Armchair from AuthenTeak features a base made from powder-coated aluminum and durable teak wood with quick-dry cushions and removable, water-resistant cushion covers.
Take it a step further and you could relax up high, surrounded by a canopy of leaves, with a Firefly Fort treehouse. Mike and Kristin Scaglione moved to the Alpharetta area from Tampa in 2018. "Firefly Forts was born out of the desire to create a place for our children to call their own. We wanted a place that would grow with our children...that would be equally as desirable to a 5-year-old as it would be to a 15-year-old...or even a 50-year-old," says Kristin.
Decorating is fun, but don’t forget that maintenance is important too. Just because it’s outside, doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to the elements. If you find you’re getting too much sun, consider an Apollo Louvered Opening Roof System for your deck. “Direct sunlight is especially damaging to painted surfaces, wood, and concrete,” Mark Galey explains. “Louvered roofs help prolong your deck or patio's lifespan by providing shade, at the same time, providing protection for your outdoor items, including outdoor cooking elements, furniture, and other items from direct exposure to the elements.”
As the home office turns to the outdoors and al fresco dining becomes the norm, having the option to employ shade at a moment’s notice is key. Grills, pizza ovens and overhead lighting with seating make many homes outdoor eateries for families and neighbors. A louvered roof, pergola, shade sails and landscaping are design choices that can help enhance and provide shade for outdoor dining and workspaces.
Do you prefer a dense jungle scape, a minimalist Zen garden or a Southwestern cactus vibe? Find your backyard personality and create your own outdoor rumpus room.
Master Home Remodelers, Inc
770.696.0623
TurfMutt
Georgia Swings
404.994.4997
Vintage Porch Swings LLC
843.388.3484
Firefly Forts
904.422.6645
AuthenTeak
866.350.8325
AuthenTeak.com
Carpenter James