The weather we have been waiting for all winter is finally upon us! Well, most days anyway! I know I am ready to make the most of it and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Making your outdoor space a place you want to spend time in will help you achieve this, because sometimes, we just want to stay home.  

Whether you have minimal outdoor space, an apartment with a balcony, or have a larger yard and patio to work with, here are some great cost-effective ways to update your outdoor space!  

Be Creative With Your Planters
Think about what you already own or things you can get secondhand that you can repurpose. Add some colour by giving them a refresh if needed with some paint. Pick out your favourite plants or produce to plant in them and enjoy!  

Cover Your Cushions
If you have outdoor furniture, you likely already have cushions, but maybe you want to switch up the decor for a new look. You can get new covers with colours and patterns to cover them to get the look you are after!  

Look up!
If you have a covered deck area, balcony, or porch, utilize the roof/ceiling space. Install hanging planters, drape string lights, or hang outdoor curtains. This can make your outdoor space feel more like a cozy living room. 

Install Lighting
You can get really creative with lighting sources. Get some oversized lanterns or candles and if your porch is covered, you could put table lamps outside. 

DIY Backyard Fire Pit
Enjoy warm summer nights spent around a backyard fire pit. You can Google some DIY projects and pick up some inexpensive materials for a project that could easily be completed over a weekend. 

Furniture
Get furniture pieces that are multi-functional. You can get benches that also work as a lounger, furniture with built in storage, and a table that acts as an outdoor workspace when you need a change of scenery.

Use Your Vertical Space
Build up if you are short on space. You can use hooks to hang wood boxes or planters that can serve as a garden with plants or flowers, and even grow vegetables. Make it a feature wall! 

There are so many great ideas to make the most of your outdoor space. So, make a plan, create a vibe and enjoy the fruits of your labour all summer long!