CREATING OUTDOOR SPACES ON A BUDGET –

After a long pandemic, we’re all a little anxious to enjoy the Great Outdoors. Being able to enjoy the sunshine and a warm breeze from the comfort of home is the ultimate luxury. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a desirable outdoor living space. Here are some DIY ideas for creating outdoor living spaces on a budget.

Front Porch or Patio Makeover

Homes in San Antonio are diverse and some have a traditional covered porch. But, others, like mid-century modern ranch style homes have front patios. Either way, it doesn’t take much to make the front of your home a place to relax on a warm summer’s evening. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in an eye-catching color. Maybe add a rocking chair or a bistro table and chairs. And finish with some fresh potted annuals or plants. Soon your neighbors will be stopping by for a glass of lemonade and a friendly chat. You can find more information about plants and San Antonio landscaping ideas in these related blogs: Landscaping for the San Antonio Climate and Landscaping Ideas.

Build a fire pit or get a Chiminea

You don’t have to spend a small fortune on a fire pit. You can easily assemble one yourself with pavers and fire bricks. Something also very popular in San Antonio are Chimineas. Chimineas are a nice outdoor fire feature especially if you do not have a large backyard or enough space for an open fire pit. San Antonio often encounters droughts and subjected to burn warnings and bans. You can always find the latest information about San Antonio burn notices at the Bexar County Fire Marshall site. They also have tips on fire pit safety as well as other fire safety protocol for your home.

Create outside spaces with pavers

Pouring a concrete patio can be pricey. You can create the same effect with concrete pavers for just a fraction of the cost. Laying your own paver patio is fairly simple, and you can dramatically increase the amount of outdoor living space available to you. It’s the perfect spot for a lounge chair or two! Or use an outdoor table for dining al fresco.

Hang string lights and curtains

It’s really incredible how you can create space simply by adding a few lights. One of the best ways to turn a square of grass or patio into an outdoor room is to hang string lights across the space. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, including solar options if you don’t have an outdoor electrical outlet.

Another way to create an outdoor room is to hang curtains. Many San Antonio homes have covered outdoor patios and hanging curtains is an affordable way to add privacy while still allowing the natural light filter into the space.

Create lots of extra seating

Would you like to throw a party outside but fear you don’t have enough seating for everyone? One of the best ways to quickly and affordably add seating outside is with outdoor floor pillows or poufs. Not only are they cute, but they are super comfortable and easy to store when not in use. They come in a huge range of styles and colors so you’re sure to find pillows that match your decor.

Anchor your outdoor spaces with rugs

Finally, put a finishing touch on any outdoor room with a rug or two. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of sizes and colors and are extremely affordable. A rug can help to define a space and pull it together, and outdoor versions hold up well even in adverse weather.

For other real estate advice or tips on how to improve your San Antonio home, contact Melissa Muse Wiggans, Broker and Owner of Real Estate Muses. Her team of top Realtors specialize in San Antonio real estate for those buying and selling homes. They also assist military families with their PCS as well as those moving or relocating to San Antonio, TX. Visit realestatemuses.com, email us or call 210.485.9913.