Punxsutawney Phil definitely got the forecast wrong when part of the country was hit by freak spring snowstorm this week. The several inches of snow got many people dreaming of the upcoming spring and summer months. While it may seem too early, now is a great time to start planning ways you can extend your living spaces to the outdoors for warmer weather entertaining. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Create Distinctive Outdoor Spaces  

Take a look at your outdoor areas and identify ways to create individual areas for different uses. An entry garden can become an inviting area for welcoming visitors. A private patio can become an intimate space for dining or enjoying a glass of wine after a stressful day. A wooded area may be a great place for a hammock, so you can take an afternoon siesta or read the newest novel.

Identify a Focal Point  

Determine how you want to use your yard and create a central point to reflect that idea. Perhaps you want to host summer social gatherings, then a large patio or deck with plenty of seating areas may be your focal point. Or, maybe you want your backyard to be filled with lots of summertime fun, then a large swimming pool might be fit the bill. Or, maybe you just want a tranquil setting with a fountain or koi pond and couple comfy lounge chairs for relaxing. Whatever you decide, the whole point is to make this area a place where you want to spend more time outdoors.

Enhance Your Entry  

A garden arch or a graceful, curving stone path lined with colorful flowers leading to your front door creates a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Use landscaping materials in colors that complement your home’s style. Plant trees, scrubs and flowers to create a natural-looking, inviting area.

Extend Your Living Area  

Make a patio or deck into an extension of your living room. Arrange outdoor furniture into cozy lounge areas or for intimate conversations. To protect your space from the rain, you may want to add a roof over the area. Or, you can build a pergola for added architectural interest and some relief from the sun.

Think Year-Round Use  

By adding a fireplace to your outdoor area, you can create a space that you can use year-round. Your family and friends can cook weenies and marshmallows in the fall or warm up after a snowball fight in the winter. If you don’t have the space for a large fireplace, you can always try a freestanding fire pit instead.

Get Out of the Kitchen  

Backyard barbeques are a mainstay of summer, so bring the kitchen outdoors by adding a grill or wood-burning oven. To save trips to your main kitchen for cold drinks, you may even want to add a refrigerator to the space. An outside kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable.

Dine al Fresco 

Set up a table and chairs to create an outdoor dining room. When you add candles or twinkling lights for the nighttime, this area can become an enchanting spot for meals and conversation. Plus, an outdoor dining area is great for summer parties, especially for holidays like Memorial Day, 4^th of July and Labor Day.

Bring Vacation Home 

Create your own backyard resort by adding a swimming pool and/or spa area. During the heat of summer, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Plus, by adding a waterslide or other water-related features, you can have a private water park in your own backyard.

With a little imagination, you can create inviting outdoor areas that extend your daily living from the inside to the great outdoors.

If you’re looking for a home loan to make some of your outdoor remodeling projects reality, contact the specialists at Grandview Lending. We can assess your needs, offer advice and provide customized loan solutions to meet your individual goals.