Now that the weather’s getting warmer, I love spending time out on my patio: working on my laptop, writing, reading a book, or just enjoying the weather. I spend almost as much time out there as I do in my living room, so I started thinking it’s about time to decorate it like the inside of my house! This article by the Bed Bath and Beyond blog has several tips for making your patio prettier this Spring:

-Pick your furniture- choose a style you like that is weatherproof

-Add a grill for outdoor eats

-Account for the elements- install something that can add shade and style for you and your guests- umbrellas, canopies, gazebos, etc.

-Choose a statement piece- like a fire pit or fountain

-Light up- place lighting around your patio to party at night and add charm!

Photo Credit: Faylyne 

Pergolas can do wonders for your backyard aesthetic. They provide shelter, give a defined space for lawn furniture, and can help keep you cool in hot summer months. Not to mention, they look especially striking with vines, flowers, or other foliage growing up them. If you are interested in building a pergola in your yard, check out this DIY project by Charlene at My Frugal Adventures. She has outlined her budget and every step she took to build her own:

-We spent roughly $400 on materials and it took about 2 days.

-At least $100 of the budget was sun shades so if you don’t need those, your project will be cheaper.

-This project is one of those that seems more complicated or difficult then it really is and doesn’t require tons of fancy tools or special skills.

Check out the full tutorial with photos here!

Photo Credit: Field Outdoor Spaces