By Kate Hamblet
As autumn weather begins to cool and the first signs of winter approach, it can be tempting to stay indoors. However, with a few thoughtful updates, your yard can become a welcoming space to enjoy throughout the season and even as winter draws nearer. Imagine savoring the crisp fall air, cozying up under a blanket, and soaking in the changing landscape from the comfort of your outdoor space. Spending time outside not only boosts your mood but also provides a refreshing connection with nature.
Here are some tips to create an outdoor setup that invites you to embrace the fall season while preparing for the colder months ahead.
Make It Easy to Step Outside
The easier it is to get outside, the more likely you are to use your outdoor space. This starts with positioning your outdoor setup close to the house, ideally within view of the windows or doors you use most. If you can see it, you’ll be more tempted to go out. Out of sight, out of mind!
Organize Outdoor Gear by the Door
Keep your outdoor gear in a convenient spot near the exit to avoid clutter and make trips outside smoother. A bench with shoe storage, hooks for coats, and a basket for blankets by the door can help keep everything organized. This way, you’ll be ready to go in a snap without creating a mess in your entryway.
Create a Bug-Free Zone with a Screened Porch
If your area tends to get buggy, consider adding a screened porch or enclosed space. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors in the cool shoulder seasons without getting attacked by bugs.
Block the Wind
If wind is an issue, think about installing windbreaks like privacy screens or planting dense shrubs to shield your outdoor space. Position your seating area in a naturally sheltered spot where the wind isn’t as strong, or use screens to create a cozy corner.
Cover Your Porch
A covered porch lets you enjoy the outdoors even in rainy or snowy weather. Whether it’s drizzling or snowing, you can stay dry while enjoying the fresh air from a protected vantage point.
Warm Up with a Fire Pit
A fire pit or outdoor heater is a game-changer for winter outdoor gatherings. It adds warmth and ambiance, turning a chilly evening into a cozy outdoor experience. Plus, it gives everyone a reason to gather outside, even when the temperature drops.
Incorporate Activities for the Movement
Keeping active helps you stay warm and makes your outdoor space more engaging. Set up games like cornhole, lawn bowling, or bocce, which can be played with gloves on. For a more adventurous yard, you could even create a DIY ice rink or set up winter-themed crafts, woodworking, or winter gardening projects. Having things to do outside makes it more appealing to head out in colder weather.
Cook Outside
Outdoor cooking encourages people to spend more time outside. A BBQ grill or pizza oven doesn’t just need to be for summer. I grill outside year-round! And a pizza oven adds a fun, interactive element that gets everyone involved. Gather around the heat and enjoy some hearty, freshly cooked food.
Set the Mood with Magical Lighting
Good lighting transforms any outdoor space, especially in the dark winter months. String lights, lanterns, or path lights can create a warm, magical atmosphere. Make sure you can control the lights easily from inside—if you have to go out to turn them on, you might be less inclined to use the space. Nothing gets me outside faster than a magical setup of twinkling lights in the winter.
Add Year-Round Greenery
Even in winter, a little greenery can brighten your outdoor space. Choose plants that thrive year-round, like evergreens or cold-hardy shrubs, to add life and color to your yard, even when other plants are dormant.
By making your outdoor area easily accessible, cozy, and filled with engaging activities, you'll find yourself wanting to step outside more often as the weather cools. With these tips, you can embrace the beauty of fall and enjoy the fresh air, rather than feeling confined indoors as the temperatures drop.
By, Kate Hamblet
The Wellness Architect Balanced Architecture
Kate helps health-conscious families create homes that support and promote health, happiness, and longevity. You'll find her at www.balancedarchitecture.com
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