15 End of Summer Upgrades Every Home Needs
Tuesday, August 25th, 2015
School may have started, but summer is not over yet! Make the most of the warm weather and improve your home with these end of summer upgrades:
1. Exterior Siding
From vinyl to wood to brick, freshening up the look of your home can be as simple as replacing old siding. The best results are often achieved when the weather is mild, making the end of summer the opportune time for this renovation.
2. Raised Garden Bed
Whether you want to grow herbs or vegetables, flowers or fruits, planting your garden in a raised bed will give your produce the added advantage.
A raised garden bed will prevent weeds from growing, maintain the quality of your soil, and even reduce back strain (Eartheasy). To find out what vegetables, herbs, and flowers are perfect for late summer gardening click here.
3. Outdoor Kitchen
There’s no time like the present to invest in an outdoor kitchen. Enjoy good company and great food with a dedicated grill station and a custom bar.
4. Landscape Lighting
Outdoor lighting may very well be one of the most important (yet overlooked) elements of beautiful landscape design. Illuminate your patio with a string of white lights, line your walkway with a mixture of path lights, or try a technique known as moonlighting to give your home that delicate evening glow.
5. Simple Deck
You don’t have to have elaborate taste to enjoy the advantages of outdoor living. A simple deck is a great way to spruce up the look of your home on a budget. Find out how to choose between wood and composite decking material in our blog post.
6. Sitting Wall
A sitting wall can give your patio or garden a beautiful border while doubling as backyard seating.
7. Exterior Shutters
Improve your home’s curb appeal by adding or replacing your exterior shutters. While the shutters you choose should complement the style of your home, feel free to explore both traditional and exciting styles.
8. Backyard Arbor
Including a backyard arbor into your landscape design could be just the finishing touch your home needs. A backyard arbor can act as a focal point in a flowery garden or it can act as an entrance to a beautifully secluded spot
9. Fire Pit
With roasted marshmallow season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to build the fire pit of your dreams. When designing your fire pit, don’t be afraid to get creative with both location and material! Consider marble, limestone, stacked stone, or even a sunken style. A patio fire pit makes relaxing convenient, while the privacy of a garden fire pit can be quite romantic.
10. Landscape Seating
Whether it’s a bench, a table, or a few chairs, adding a piece of furniture can change the dynamics of your outdoor living space. A tree bench is a unique way to embellish your landscape design or you could simply put a picnic table in a shady area for an all-American look.
11. Pebble Mosaic
If you’re crafty (or know someone who is) think about incorporating a pebble mosaic into your walkway or patio. This touch of artistry will have a breathtaking effect on all who walk upon it.
12. Beadboard Porch Ceiling
A stained or painted, patterned or not, a beadboard ceiling will not only shield your porch from the elements, it will add personality to your home’s exterior.
13. Tool Shed
Whether you’re a gardener, a carpenter, or a jack of all trades, you probably need a tool shed if you don’t have one already. A tool shed will give you the space to stay organized and keep your garage clutter-free.
14. Bluestone Patio
Move your indoors outside. A bluestone patio or a patio of any stone will transform any backyard into a custom living space. Sip some wine as you walk across your patchwork patio on a cool evening or spend a quiet Sunday morning on your lush slate patio with a mug of black coffee and your favorite magazine.
15. Screened-In Porch
Building a screened-in porch or installing a screen to your existing porch will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view without the bugs. When the temperatures drop, swap the screens for clear acrylic panels. Lightweight and easy to install, these panels will function similarly to insulated glass, allowing you can extend the season and get more use out of your porch.
If we’ve inspired you to upgrade your home before the end of summer, feel free to contact our design professionals to explore your best options. For an example of a McCamy outdoor home renovation experience, check out our completed projects.
Tags: beadboard ceiling, bluestone patio, deck renovation, exterior siding, fire pit, landscaping, outdoor kitchen, outdoor seating, screened-in porch