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What's In For the Outdoors: Ideas for Backyard Living
by Jessica Groach-Santina
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
High fuel prices and a lack of leisure time have driven us out back, making the backyard an extension of the home. Going outside is the new "in" thing.
As more of us move into master-planned communities, the houses seem to be getting smaller and they're starting to look alike. How do you add room to your house, and distinguish it from your neighbor's, without rocking the CC&R boat? Create an outdoor living space. Here are some of the hottest trends for bringing your indoors out.
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
People simply don't have time to pull weeds, mow lawns, or trim hedges. Today's gardening is done in containers spread around the lawn, or to mark the edges of a patio. Think shrubs and hardy greens; flowers are great in a garden, but they're hard work. Gardening is also going vertical, in the form of shady shelters covered in ivy or bougainvillea, to maximize space. And with our craving to get healthy, vegetable gardens are very in too!
Using Every Square Inch of Your Backyard
Your backyard may be small, but you can still live large in the outdoors. Today's patios are multi-tiered with the use of retaining walls to create multiple backyard "rooms." Picture a natural stone retaining wall that creates a terraced effect: the retaining wall serves as a bench around a fire pit below, and up above, a bistro table is the perfect conversation spot for friends. Retaining walls maximize space in any backyard.
If You Can't Stand the Heat, Use the Outdoor Kitchen
Today's outdoor kitchens are as sophisticated as their indoor counterparts. Choose from an unlimited array of stone cabinetry, gas grills, side burners, pizza ovens, bar areas, or even blenders built right into the top. When properly lighted and sheltered, an outdoor kitchen can be used day or night, all year round. And cleaning up an outdoor kitchen is a lot easier.
If you've ever wished you just had more room in your home, the solution might be right in your own backyard.
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About the Author
Jessica Groach-Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and promotions. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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