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Survive the Winter by Dreaming of Spring Outdoor Projects!

Anyone else having a tough time with the winter weather this year?! Kate here, and long stretches of frigid temperatures have forced me to bring all of my potted plants into the garage, leaving a barren yard for me to look out on from the living room couch. Add gray skies overhead, and I’m finding it hard to keep my creative inspiration alive, especially since one of my favorite pastimes (for work and for fun) is completing and photographing DIY outdoor projects.

With spring just weeks away, now is the perfect time to start planning some new projects for my yard and patio. Are you doing the same? I have a hunch that searching for some sunny outdoor inspiration will help keep the winter blues at bay. Would you care to join me?…

Outdoor Color

Let’s start with color. If you’ve read my post on outdoor color schemes, you already know I’m very taken with the idea of adding bright punches of color to the yard. This can come in many forms, including an outdoor wall. While I don’t have a wall to paint, I do have a trellis that I can embellish with outdoor vinyl (as a backdrop). The trellis is currently backed by gray vinyl, but I’m planning something a bit more bold for spring!

Red-orange wall in a modern outdoor space
Red-orange wall in a modern outdoor space

Adding colorful plants is another strategy. Crepe mytle trees are a wonderful choice, or you can fill a planter or two with seasonal blooms that add just the right pop of color. [from David Morello Garden Enterprises]

Bright pops of pink in a Houston yard

Purchasing radiant outdoor furniture or recovering your current outdoor chairs can give your yard a fresh update. My chairs are currently covered by gray fabric, and this spring I’m giving them a little makeover. I promise to post the pics! [from Axis Mundi]

Colorful outdoor seating
Colorful outdoor seating

If your seating isn’t covered in fabric, try repainting the chairs for a new look. This is the perfect way to give your outdoor dining space a facelift! [photo by Robert Trachtenberg, from Garden Architecture]

Welcoming outdoor dining area

Landscaping with Plants

Adding new plants to the yard can change the look of your landscaping, and I plant on making some changes in my backyard this spring. There are several different looks that I’m very drawn to, and one of them is a clean-lined, manicured approach. [landscaping by Secret Gardens, outdoor seating by Dedon]

Sleek outdoor landscaping by Secret Gardens

The problem is that my yard already has some amazing outdoor plants with more of a “wild” than a manicured look (they were there well before we moved into the house). I’m not a big fan of uprooting plants that are thriving, so my yard will need to maintain some of its free-flowing style. I’ve got plenty of vines in the space, and I’d love to cultivate them (and possible add some new ones). This vine-filled patio has given me lots of inspiration! [from Leslie Glazier]

Contemporary patio with trees and vines

Anyone else a fan of potted trees? They have an enchanting look that can add charm to outdoor spaces of various styles. I love the way they softly enhance the modern flair of Austin’s Hotel San Jose, shown below:

Hotel San Jose in Austin, Texas

This is the year I just might add horsetail reeds to my garden! They bring height and contemporary style to the yard, and I’m finally ready to take the plunge! [from Paintbox Garden]

Horsetail reeds add height

A Shade-Filled Haven

While some of my outdoor space is covered in shade, much of it bakes in the sun, especially during the summer months. I’m considering adding some extra shade, and the pictures below have given me a range of ideas. The breezy covered lounge area in the next image features outdoor furniture from Dedon:

Outdoor furniture from Dedon

Umbrellas are the perfect solution for additional shade. What are your favorite colors for outdoor umbrellas? Neutrals are very tempting, while vivid hues can add tropical flair. Then again, white is always chic… [photo by Tara Bussema via Houzz]

Adding shade to the yard with modern umbrellas

Vines and trees can also have a cooling effect on the yard, both functionally and visually. I think I feel cooler already just viewing the lush haven below! Speaking of havens, shade can inspire a sense of calm in your outdoor space, especially on a hotter than usual day. [from Garden Architecture]

Design by Garden Architecture

Don’t overlook small outdoor areas and their potential to serve as meditation nooks. Is there an outdoor space that you’ve neglected because it’s a little bit small or out of the way? I have a couple of spaces that just might make the perfect resting spots with a little TLC. This Mediterranean-style San Francisco patio has given me a few ideas to ponder. [photography by Hoi Ning Wong]

Relaxing patio sanctuary

Nighttime Lighting

I’ll end today’s post with a few pointers for adding lighting to your outdoor space once the sun goes down. Late spring and early summer evenings are perfect times of the year to enjoy a drink on the patio, but don’t sit in the dark! Try spotlighting a small tree or large plant as a focal point, as shown in the image below. from Lewis Aquatech

Lit tree near a modern pool

I’m very taken with the outdoor lighting below from Dedon. The spherical lamps definitely caught my eye. I just might need one for my outdoor table, especially on those evenings when I’m writing on the patio!

Spherical outdoor lighting

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a glass candle holder. The outdoor lounge at Austin’s Hotel San Jose is one of my favorite spaces of all time, and the red glass candleholders have a lot to do with that! They become glowing red orbs once the sun sets. Instant mood lighting!

Lounge at the Hotel San Jose in Austin, Texas

After dreaming up some fabulous spring projects with the help of the images above, I already feel the winter blues start to lift. I can’t wait for that first warm evening of spring, when I’m overlooking my newly updated yard after completing a few DIY projects. Can’t wait to share the results with you right here on Decoist! I hope today’s brainstorming post was helpful to you as well. Here’s to the approaching spring!

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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