Revamping Outdoor Spaces Inexspensively

It's almost that time of year! Okay...I know a lot of us are still digging out from beneath the record breaking snowfalls of this passing winter but Spring is in the air! Hopefully those daffodils and tulips will be popping up soon and the bluebirds and robin red breasts will be cheerfully rising you up in the mornings. Sun bursting
through the windows making you want to just take the day off from work and lounge around in your nice backyard and....SCREEEEEEEECH!!!!! The backyard...you know there is absolutely nothing nice about yours...ugh! You haven't even seen your backyard for six months...no telling what it looks like right about now! And as far as that goes you really didn't like the way it was looking last Spring and Summer.

Well now's the time to start thinking about sprucing things up... Cause Spring is coming baby! And you do not want to trying revive and refresh your inner god or goddess in well... an outdoor space that not worthy of your greatness. After all...your outdoor space is also an extension of your indoor space and like your indoor sanctuary it should reflect YOU. Make sense?



I know... I know... Things are a bit tight huh? You are having a temporary blockage in your cash flow situation that you and the Universe are working on. No worries!

Let's say you have 500.00 to 1000.00 dollars (I know what your thinking, just stick with me) stashed away that you put aside just in case you found a need to do something extra nice for yourself. Make it count...this is for You... Number one! And it's also your hard earned money you're spending!
First, you may want to think of a possible theme you'd like in your outdoor space. Over a weekend, spend some time walking around or sitting in your backyard, on your patio, deck, wherever it is you'll be spending time relaxing and entertaining in the warmer months. Even if you live in an apartment with only a small balcony you still want it to be a nice place to sit and catch a nice breeze or bath in life giving sunlight. Make it a retreat you'll look forward to spending time in!

What vibe are you going for...Caribbean...French country, nautical...Zen. Whatever says relaxation to you. If nothing comes to mind look through some magazines and find a look that really resonates with you. Cut out the different photos, put them in a notebook and look at it for a few days... make sure it's what you really want. The next weekend take you and your little notebook full of possibilities out on a little scavenger hunt. Search for things that you like. You may not be able to afford all of the nice and sometimes expensive things you clipped from the magazines but at least they'll give you an idea of what to look for. Go to flea markets, second hand stores and check out the classifieds or dollar stores. You can even ask friends and family if they'll let you can scrounge around in their attics, garages or basements for things they no longer want or need. Auctions are also great places to find bargains. Also, shop inexpensive fabric stores to find outdoor fabric remnants that will add new splashes of fresh color to chair and bench cushions!
You don't have to buy all matching pieces. You can use paint to unify mismatched finds.



You most likely find pieces that need a little TLC. A little sanding down, varnishing, a fresh coat of paint or minor re-upholstering may be all that's needed to breathe new life into a tired worn out piece. It may take a little elbow grease but you'll be proud of your hard work and the finished result. And the fact is, is that you are worth doing it for!

Or you can go to a big box store or garden center and look for nice big planters in different shapes and colors. Fill them with an assortment plant materials that go with your theme... tall dramatic grasses or cascading flowering vines or a combination of both. Succulents and cacti surrounded by river rocks and small stones or a nice water fixture are other ways to go and add an uncluttered Zen feeling. Planters can even be changed with every season. You can even use inexpensive up lights behind your plants for a dramatic affect.





If all you have is 50.00 to 100.00 to spend stay away from the tacky yard ornaments like garden gnomes...Um...unless that's what you like. Instead go big and bold with a brightly colored umbrella, add twinkling white lights for a nice mood setting affect after sunset or try hanging lighted paper lanterns in bright colors for a festive look.
Check out the inside of your home to see what can work out doors. I once re~purposed an old antique porcelain pedestal bathroom sink as a planter for my backyard. It turned out to be a very unique conversation starter! Paint old pieces for a new fresh look. Add a few small potted plants in brightly colored pots for an inexpensive change. Even different colored gravel, wood chips or new plantings can make a huge difference in your small flower bed. Again...use up lighting to add interest and set a mood.




Whatever you do...whether big or small make it a place that restores and grounds you...your own little piece of heaven that speaks to the god or goddess in you. And most of all enjoy every moment the upcoming warm weather has in store...Ahhh can't you just envision it all? Nice!

Live...Light...Love!