It's Spring - Enhance Your Outdoors

It's spring time in Houston which means it's time to enjoy the outdoors (unless you are allergic to pollen then maybe wait a bit).  While journeying outdoors you may decide your backyard looks a bit tired or uninviting to guests - or even your family.  Here are a few tips that are easy that you can employ now to enjoy all season long - until summer arrives and drives us back inside.  Watch the video above for examples and results.

Lighting

It's easier than ever to add lighting to your exterior. Yes you can have someone run low voltage wiring for lights, BUT you can also take advantage of many solar varieties or just utilize that exterior plug that has sat neglected. 

Never underestimate the effect of uplighting - whether it is your home, trees, or shrubs - the visual effect can be stunning! Just make sure you don't direct the spot at your neighbors window - they may not be as enthused.

Fire Pit 

There is nothing like gathering around a fire pit and roasting S'mores with family and friends. In Houston there is a narrow window to use fire pits which is what makes a portable one even more enticing. You can find smokeless versions as well so you don't have to constantly adjust your chair to get out of the way so you can breath. 

Shade

We live in Houston, need I explain the need for shade? It is amazing to me the number of yards I see as a Realtor with rarely a shade covering or umbrella.  While dreaming one day of a pergola, and after having one too many cabanas end up in our pool during a storm, we have opted for a few well placed colorful umbrellas to beat the heat. Many come with solar lights adding more ambiance.  If a storm is coming, just collapse and put in your garage if need be - no more retrieving a cabana from a neighbors yard or pool (yes we had one almost go over the fence just stopped by being wedge by our garage)

These are only a few suggestions - there are so many options.  So go outside, look at your yard and decide one thing you can do to entice you to be outside.