The Sisterhood September 2017 | Page 12

5 tips to make the most of your outdoor space ENGAGEMENTS | MATERNITY SHOOTS | FAMILY SESSIONS | SPECIAL EVENTS | GRADUATION SHOOTS (BPT) — Beautiful, sunny days are some of the best parts of living in South Florida. To make time in your own yard even more enjoyable, it’s time to create your own home field advantage. With just a few simple improve- ments you can make even the smallest outdoor space feel comfortable and welcoming to you and your guests. Start with these five projects and you’ll make your own yard the place to be when the weather turns beautiful. * Replace the cement with a raised deck. That old cement patio or walkway in your backyard may be unsightly and uninviting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can make that space much more appealing by replacing it with a raised cedar deck. Easy to build and affordable as well, installing a raised cedar deck to your outdoor space makes the entire area more inviting without taking up any addi- tional space. Cedar is also naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects, and it is cool underfoot, making it the perfect decking solution for your newly improved outdoor living space. * Light smart. Your current outdoor space may have only a single light or it may have no light at all, making it impossi- ble to use at night. To make the space more welcoming, add string lights or uplighting to your outdoor area. These lights are available in a wide array of styles to match your personality and they take up very little space, allowing you to create the perfect - well lit - environment you’re looking for. * Focus on furniture. If find- ing the right furniture to fit your space has been difficult, consider making your own in- stead. Building a customized bench or sectional from West- ern Red Cedar is easier than you think and it allows you to build your furniture to meet the design requirements of your space. Plus, Western Red Cedar is pitch and resin free so it accepts and holds a wide range of finishes to match your style choice. You can even add built-in storage to your bench or furniture design for more space-sav- ing solutions. To find building plans for this and other West- ern Red Cedar projects, visit www.realcedar.com. Contact me to help put a very aff ordable package together that best suits you and your needs! [email protected] * Place a plant or two. The right plant could provide just the pop of color your outdoor space needs. Herb gardens, hostas, even a pot of flowers all up the scenic appeal of your outdoor area. If space is a concern and you have a pergola structure, hanging plant baskets is a great op- tion, so you can enjoy their beauty from above. * Play a zone strategy. When space is at a premium, you need to utilize every inch. To do this, segment your outdoor space into defined zones such as cooking, re- laxing and eating areas. You can then further define these zones by adding the perfect finishing touches to each like a barbecue enclosure for your cooking area and a pergola over your dining table. Each of these DIY projects is a wor- thy addition to your outdoor space and will make it the area you can’t wait to enjoy every time you step outside. For more information visit nefertitissecrets.com or call 866-436-6327 12 THE SISTER HOOD | SEPTEMBER 2017 THE SISTER HOOD | SEPTEMBER 2017 13