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DIY Projects to Get Your Outdoor Living Space Ready for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing your outdoor living space for the warmer weather. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy balcony, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle to create a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis. From building a fire pit to planting a garden, these projects can help you maximize your outdoor living space and make the most of the spring and summer months. In this article, we'll share 10 DIY projects to get your outdoor living space ready for spring, along with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. So grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let's get started!  
  1. Create an outdoor lounge area: Create a cozy and comfortable outdoor lounge area by adding some comfortable seating, a coffee table, and some outdoor rugs. This is a perfect spot to relax, entertain guests, or simply enjoy some fresh air. Spring pillows and potted flowers will finish off the area! 
  2. Fire pit or grill: Build a fire pit or grill for a fun and functional addition to your outdoor living space. You can choose from a variety of materials and designs, depending on your taste and budget like our Techo Bloc stones and pavers! Fire pits are perfect for gathering around with friends and family on chilly evenings, while a grill lets you cook up your favorite meals in the great outdoors. 
  3. Mood lighting: Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can use string lights, lanterns, or even solar-powered lights to illuminate your space. Our Vista Landscape Lighting also adds ambience to your deck, landscape or around the pool. 
  4. Build raised garden beds: Plant a flower or vegetable garden to add some natural beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you have a green thumb or you're just starting out, there are plenty of easy and rewarding projects to choose from. Raised beds can keep your flower, vegetable or herb garden safe from animals, excess moisture and accidental trampling by the kiddos! Subscribe to our email list and receive our FREE ebook “How To Start A Vegetable Garden”
  5. Outdoor movie screen: Grab an old white sheet, some rope and clothespins and voila! You’ve got a super easy outdoor DIY project  the whole family can enjoy. Get ready to break out the movie projector and some popcorn!
  6. DIY planter table: Transform a wooden table into a multipurpose outdoor planter with paint, a jigsaw and a plastic planter. The herb garden, which doubles as a live centerpiece, adds a touch of whimsy to the conversation area.
  7. Repurpose an old cabinet into a mini bar: An old cabinet can function as a mini bar with just a little help. Not only will it look great, but it also functions as extra storage space, too! To get started, apply a fresh coat of paint on the cabinet and add some racks to store glasses. Then, decorate it to match your patio. The old cabinet will easily become a food and drink station you can enjoy for three seasons out of the year (sorry winter).
  8. Create a kid-friendly zone: If you have kids of your own or frequently entertain friends or family who do, an outdoor kid-friendly zone is the perfect DIY backyard project. It's also an excellent opportunity to let the kids get involved. A playhouse, a swing set, or a sandbox are just a few great ideas! 
  9. Create a bird sanctuary: Build a DIY birdhouse or a birdfeeder and add one of our beautiful birdbaths. Once you finish your bird sanctuary, add a bench nearby so you can sit and watch your hard work pay off.
  10. Repurpose old items: Decorating your home and yard can be as simple as repurposing old items, such as:
  • Tin cans: Tin cans make excellent planters, votives, and outdoor storage containers. You can even paint an old tin can and use it as your silverware or condiment holder at your outdoor bar or kitchen.
  • Tires: Instead of tossing worn tires, repurpose them. Tire swings are one front yard staple that never goes out of style. Or, you can paint your tire a fun color and use it as a unique planter in your garden.
  • Furniture: Old dressers, nightstands, and wooden chairs can be upcycled into planters or bee houses.
  • Glass jars: Repurposed glass jars have become trendy in recent years, largely due to their versatility. Use glass jars as glassware at your outdoor bar, like candle holders or as small planters.
  • Pallets: Wooden shipping pallets are another popular repurposing item because they can be transformed into almost anything, including outdoor furniture, fencing, storage walls, planters, and sandboxes.
 

Tips and Tricks:

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind when working on your DIY projects:
  • Start small: If you're new to DIY projects, start with a smaller project and work your way up. This will help you build your confidence and skills.
  • Use reclaimed materials: Reclaimed materials, such as pallets and old bricks, can be an affordable and eco-friendly way to complete your project.
  • Don't be afraid to personalize: Add your own personal touches to each project to make it unique and fitting to your style.
  • Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask a friend or your kids to help you with your project. Working together can be more fun and can help you complete your project faster.
  In conclusion, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle on a budget to transform your outdoor living space and get it ready for spring. From a cozy outdoor lounge area to a fire pit or garden, these projects are both fun and functional, and can help you make the most of the warmer weather. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tools and get started on your DIY projects today! With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can enjoy your outdoor living space all season long. 

Tips for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape

The holidays are a time for family, friends and food… but we can’t forget about the festive decor! Whether you like to go the traditional route, or feel like mixing it up this year, here are a few tips for fun, budget-friendly ways to make your table one guests won't soon forget.   

Personalized Place Settings

This Thanksgiving, get inspired to break out a fancy calligraphy pen or a pretty marker and write down the name of each guest in your best script. Everyone at your gathering will feel special, and might even take theirs home at the end of the night. Mini pumpkins can duel as a place setting and napkin weight!   

DIY that Floral Centerpiece

For a budget-friendly AND therapeutic option (who doesn’t need that right now?) create a do it yourself centerpiece using elements from your own garden or a store known for its great floral section to help spur your imagination. Want to create one you can keep around year after year? Use faux florals instead!   

Focus on the Candles

Candles are a wonderful, inexpensive way to make a big statement- especially after the sun goes down. Taper candles (colored ones are trending!) or pillar candles of assorted sizes with some simple greenery around them sometimes are all the centerpiece you need. Talk about ambience!   

Bring the Outside In

Sometimes the most budget-friendly and beautiful Thanksgiving table decor is right in your own backyard! Take a stroll outside and gather some branches, fallen leaves, berries, dried flowers and pinecones to adorn your autumnal tablescape. Eucalyptus is also a fool-proof way to add an organic touch of elegance.   

Reflect the Landscape 

If you live in a more temperate climate, you can use lots of neutrals such as rattan and fresh produce like pears, artichokes or persimmons as decor instead of the traditional pumpkins. Another fun option is apples, which immediately remind us of a crisp fall day in New England. Out west? Reach for the wheat and corn!   

Set the Mood

Create a more moody palette using lots of blues, dark teals and purples to follow the jewel tone trend this year. Colored glassware and taper candles (as previously mentioned) are breaking the mold for the “traditional” tablescape! Think plush velvet pumpkins, plum colored linens and gold votives to set the mood for a more intimate gathering.

Keep it Eclectic 

Create an unexpected Thanksgiving table by raiding the china cabinet and experimenting with decor in a mixture of patterns and place settings.  It’ll be a great excuse to use your grandmother’s vintage china while still incorporating the new pieces you love. Keep it cohesive by using complimentary colors.  

Go Bold Instead of Same-Old

In lieu of the typical white linen, opt for a fun black and white buffalo check or fall-colored plaid tablecloth instead. Paired with jewel tones, or amber glass and copper accents, the tablecloth will bring in an unexpected element while still letting the centerpiece pop.   

Don’t Forget the Gold! 

From the tablecloth, metallic chargers, gold flatware and candlesticks, there’s always an opportunity to add a little more flare with the metallics on the table. Another fun way to add some gold? Have a glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider waiting for each guest as they take a seat.     
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