Expert Design Ideas for your Backyard

The atmosphere you create around your hot tub and on your patio is just as important as the hot tub itself.  Below are some tips from professionals in the industry on the use of hot tub enclosures. These are some of the best ways to add personality and style to your backyard without taking away functionality.

Hot Tub Gazebos

Gazebos can come in many varieties such as wood, metal and glass. Jazz it up even more by adding a surrounding bar with bar stools. 

Having a gazebo surrounding your hot tub provides protection from insects, bad weather and prevents potential damage from falling branches. You will want consider these factors when picking a gazebo:

Strong foundation: Make sure the structure you choose will be sturdy enough to hold a hot tub full of water and people. 

Enough space: Provide yourself enough space to move around comfortably as well as for potential maintenance. 

Shape matters: Be sure to consider the shape of your hot tub so it will properly fit the outline of your chosen gazebo. 

Proper ventilation: It’s really important you leave a lot of open space in your enclosure design to allow for air circulation and for proper breathing.

Hot Tub Pergolas

Pergolas are perfect for star gazing or watching the sunset, and still protects your hot tub from debris.

Pergolas are a less expensive option that still gives your hot tub a gorgeous look with minimal covering. To add a little extra touch, follow these tips below:

Add Christmas lights: You don’t have to add extra wiring, plus it adds a romantic flair to your hot tub. 

Hang plants: You can wrap ivy, or hang flower pots on the front posts for more of a garden feel. 

Drape curtains: This gives a softer look.  Plus, it’s an added benefit to be able to tie them back or close them whenever you want.

Hot tub enclosures and pergolas are not the only way to add flavor and design to your backyard. We interviewed Kellie Clement, Owner of Modern Whimsy, a local interior design firm to find out other design ideas to jazz up your backyard and patio. Not only did she provide us with design tips but also gives suggestions for your next backyard party.   

Backyard Design Considerations

Tips From Interior Designer Kellie Clement

Don’t underestimate the impact your choice of color will make with your patio decor. The use of outdoor spaces is typically reserved for more casual events, so have fun with it. 

When revamping your backyard, consider how it will be used. We all want a beautiful yard but the use of your exterior should be appropriate for your family’s needs. Create designated areas to meet your specific needs much like you would inside your home. If you have small children you could set up a place for them to enjoy outdoor games.  It should be located away from the area that you might use for entertaining or food service. This allows the adults to enjoy the patio space without little ones being under foot. Paint and a little elbow grease are your best friends.

There are so many great products on the market for exterior use. A popular item over the last couple of years has been chalk paint. This makes for a fun way to customize what you have in your yard to a specific gathering without having to buy new decor items each time. For example, you can paint your planters and label your herbs, or you can use that same planter to hold knives and forks for an outdoor dinner party. 

Before your next party, consider these tips from Kellie

Lighting is so important to an evening event                                                                                      It can be be functional as well as set the mood. Paper lanterns or lights strung from the trees look great but will most often attract bugs.  Avoid unwanted pests by using one of the Tiki Brand products combined with the Off Bite Fighter. No one wants to have to spray themselves down with bug spray before enjoying food or drink.
 
Create designated zones at your event to avoid congestion in one particular area                     Create a drink station or bar separate of your food and dessert area. No one wants to wait in the food line if they are “drinking” their dinner.
 
Your food should match your set-u                                                                                                     If you are planning to prepare food that requires the use of utensils please, oh please, provide enough seating at a table or a stand-up location to rest a plate. One of my pet peeves is standing with a drink in one hand and a gorgeous plate of food in another and not having a place to put my plate so that my hand is free to eat. I am Italian and I love food! So not being able to enjoy it is just wrong on so many levels. For me, the ‘ole plate in the lap is just not an option.

Consider the age of who may be attending your gathering                                                              If you will have older people in attendance be sure to provide some seating with arms. This is always helpful and makes them feel more comfortable.  If your event is in the evening, make sure necessary pathways are well lit to avoid any missteps.
 
If your space allows for it, have food accessible from both sides of the table                           It will allow people to move more quickly through the food line and start enjoying the party. No one wants a party with “hungry” guests! 

Spring is here! Remember to consider these tips as you think about how to spice up your outdoor space so you can use it year-round. Visit out our website to see all of the outdoor living décor we offer to help you to spruce up your backyard.  We offer everything from grills and patio furniture to luxury hammocks and seating. Before you have your next party, come see our showroom to browse our fun décor and leisure items. You are sure to find something that you and your guests will enjoy!

Be sure to follow to @Modern Whimsy make the most of your outdoor space with regular decoration tips!